Politics & Government

What Do You Think of the Sidewalk Project So Far?

We ask: What do you think of the sidewalk project so far, including controversy over trees, cost and city labor?

We have heard a range of criticism about the Downtown Sidewalk Project expressed during Board of Aldermen meetings by some regular attendees and city leaders, over things like cost, Mayor Lozeau's executive oversight, the use of Public Works employees to do the job, the removal of old trees, and the installation of an island at the lighted crosswalk. 

The four aldermen who voted against this year's budget did so, in part, due to objections over the project.

So we went to the streets to see how John and Jane Q. Public felt about the project, as it progresses down Main Street. What we heard was a mixed bag from those who had time to talk – Jason Stewart, Elizabeth Scarchilli and Elliot Johnson, who agreed to video interviews, and Don Krimpler, who preferred to chat over a cigar inside Castro's. 

Stewart, who works downtown at Northwoods Software, 142 Main Street, said he happens to like the look of the new sidewalks and is satisfied with the work as done by Public Works employees.

"The street looks great, and it's more modern," Stewart said. "I think it was easier for them to put [concrete] in versus having it all bricks. I think they're doing a great job... no outrage."

Elizabeth Scarchilli said she feels the project should have been put out to bid. "They're taking too long, and it's impacting local businesses," she said, as she and some friends made their way to New Hampshire League of Craftsmen store on Main Street, where no work has yet been done.

Elliott Johnson, who was in Nashua on business, said that as a union man himself, he supports putting the city's Public Works department on the job.

"If the city guys are qualified to do the job, why not? It's not like back in the day, where you didn't have people working for the city who were qualified," Johnson said. He also said those who continue to criticize the project should probably focus on matters of more importance.

He mentioned the lack of good jobs in a tough economy, and the everyday burdens people today carry with them.

"This is really a small matter," Johnson said.

Don Krimpler, a regular at Castro's Backroom, see things a little differently.

"The thing that bothered me the most was cutting the trees," Krimpler said, twirling his cigar between his fingers. "Especially in front of Nashua Garden. You used to be able to go out and sit down and drink a cup of coffee – now it's too hot," Krimpler said.

He said he's spoken directly to Mayor Lozeau about the project, at some length, which, he adds "looks great" but is disruptive to businesses.

He believes the island recently installed in the middle of the lighted crosswalk outside of Peddler's Daughter is going to flatten some tires due to sharp granite angles protruding into the flow of traffic, and overall, the project is taking too long.

"The regulars here know to come in the back door. From out front, people might think the stores are closed, and they drive by, "Krimpler said. "A contractor could've had this done in a week."

At the same time he's sympathetic to the Public Works guys on the job who have been slowed down by the unexpected underground vaults they've encountered. 

"I'm surprised nobody was aware of what was under there," Krimpler said, of the cavernous underground world being discovered as the project progresses. "Did anyone talk to the residents who have lived in the city 40, 50 or 60 years? They knew," Krimpler said.

What's done is done, he said. But maybe the city should consider putting the rest of the project out to bid, given the problem of the underground vaults.

"A contractor will bid on the whole job, and would have to eat whatever he finds. If we continue on the path we're going – and believe me, I know the owners of some of the businesses down the street who have underground elevators –  the sidewalks will end up costing the city $10 million by the time it's done," he said.

We'd love to hear what you think about the project. Post in the comments field below. Also, we've uploaded some resources provided by the city, including project costs and a three-year-old vitality report that preceded the project.


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