Chris Gonyea
Chris Gonyea's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by June Trisciani on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years ago
Supported a comment by Rick Kfoury on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years ago
Rick Kfoury
We are losing railroad landmarks at a frightening pace in Manchester - I've noticed several disappear in this year alone - and it seems that we are getting down to a very few recognizable landmarks of the Boston & Maine Railroad in Manchester. The railroad was absolutely vital to Manchester's rise and growth. Unfortunately, these plans seem to point towards the destruction of the brick control tower, MA Tower, constructed in 1950 by the B&M. It is one of the only railroad structures left standing in the city. While these plans are great for urban development and access, they would already swallow up most of the historic railroad yard; it would be an eternal shame to lose more recognizable signs of the railroad heritage of this area in these buildings. We already lost the grand passenger station way back in '62 to great public outcry. I am sure the Manchester Historic Association and we at the B&MRRHS would be able to discuss a solution that would not foresake important historical legacy for modern progress. I would appreciate outreach at rickkfoury51@gmail.com to discuss what may be done to save these structures as a physical testament to the railroad men who helped make Manchester mighty. - Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society
We are losing railroad landmarks at a frightening pace in Manchester - I've noticed several disappear in this year alone - and it seems that we are getting down to a very few recognizable landmarks of the Boston & Maine Railroad in Manchester. The railroad was absolutely vital to Manchester's rise and growth. Unfortunately, these plans seem to point towards the destruction of the brick control tower, MA Tower, constructed in 1950 by the B&M. It is one of the only railroad structures left standing in the city. While these plans are great for urban development and access, they would already swallow up most of the historic railroad yard; it would be an eternal shame to lose more recognizable signs of the railroad heritage of this area in these buildings. We already lost the grand passenger station way back in '62 to great public outcry. I am sure the Manchester Historic Association and we at the B&MRRHS would be able to discuss a solution that would not foresake important historical legacy for modern progress. I would appreciate outreach at rickkfoury51@gmail.com to discuss what may be done to save these structures as a physical testament to the railroad men who helped make Manchester mighty. - Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society
Supported a comment by Molly M on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Molly M
This would also be a great place to have a community garden. There could be a garden section for the residents of the apartment buildings, plus benches and public access for everyone else.
This would also be a great place to have a community garden. There could be a garden section for the residents of the apartment buildings, plus benches and public access for everyone else.
Supported a comment by Jeremy Hitchcock on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Jeremy Hitchcock
Love the idea, there is so much road there and it could get used for something different. One lane in each direction and then use the land for something else
Love the idea, there is so much road there and it could get used for something different. One lane in each direction and then use the land for something else
Supported a comment by Lauren Smith on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Lauren Smith
South Elm is in some desperate need of beautification -- the incorporation of street trees or public art can encourage folks to venture down this way from downtown either by bike or on foot
South Elm is in some desperate need of beautification -- the incorporation of street trees or public art can encourage folks to venture down this way from downtown either by bike or on foot
Supported a comment by Brenda Noiseux on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Brenda Noiseux
A tram or dedicated North/South Elm St bus line could free up car traffic in downtown (like arena traffic) and make getting downtown more accessible for south end residents.
A tram or dedicated North/South Elm St bus line could free up car traffic in downtown (like arena traffic) and make getting downtown more accessible for south end residents.
Supported a comment by Courtney Wason on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Courtney Wason
Yep, fix the bus routes! I have a car, I live near a bus stop. I have NEVER taken the bus because it takes so long to get where you want to go. And honestly, I'd love to take the bus more often! I love that highschoolers can now ride free. Maybe we can do some other, even temporary, fair relief just to get people ON the buses in the first place. You shouldn't have to be car-less in order for the bus to be a good option.
Yep, fix the bus routes! I have a car, I live near a bus stop. I have NEVER taken the bus because it takes so long to get where you want to go. And honestly, I'd love to take the bus more often! I love that highschoolers can now ride free. Maybe we can do some other, even temporary, fair relief just to get people ON the buses in the first place. You shouldn't have to be car-less in order for the bus to be a good option.
Supported a comment by Matthew Grote on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Matthew Grote
Having a connection to the water front cycle path from Elm Street, somewhere in between Granite St and Queen City Ave would be nice. Currently, you can connect via entrance behind Delta Dental Stadium or you have to cross the wide and busy Queen City Ave to connect to the trail at Sundial Ave to the South. Perhaps utilize Hancock St next to the Elliot to make a connection?
Having a connection to the water front cycle path from Elm Street, somewhere in between Granite St and Queen City Ave would be nice. Currently, you can connect via entrance behind Delta Dental Stadium or you have to cross the wide and busy Queen City Ave to connect to the trail at Sundial Ave to the South. Perhaps utilize Hancock St next to the Elliot to make a connection?
Supported a comment by Brenda Noiseux on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Brenda Noiseux
To piggyback on to this, having a safe way to cross the river to access the West side (not just connect the bike trails) would be great as Queen City bridge is not the most bike friendly.
To piggyback on to this, having a safe way to cross the river to access the West side (not just connect the bike trails) would be great as Queen City bridge is not the most bike friendly.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Turn Canal St. into one lane each direction (as it used to be back in the day). Slow down traffic to enable pedestrians to easy go to/from the millyard.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
There is some decent green space here that should be turned into a formal park.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Turn this intersection into a rotary (perhaps with a water fountain / statute, a mini park, etc) and enable easier pedestrian crossing, especially to/from the arena and neighboring businesses/parking.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
Unfortunately the map won't le tme select S. Elm and Baker St. intersection. This is a very awkward intersection, with a yield turn from Baker St onto S. Elm having right of way over a stop signs on S Elm traffic heading north and W. Baker St. traffic.
There is so much space at this intersection, it seems like a great candidate for rotary and perhaps some sort of water fountain / statue to beautiful the area. Plus the sides of S. Elm need more trees to help bring more green space to the area.
There is so much space at this intersection, it seems like a great candidate for rotary and perhaps some sort of water fountain / statue to beautiful the area. Plus the sides of S. Elm need more trees to help bring more green space to the area.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
This intersection has Bakersville School and lots of elementary age children walking to it from nearby neighborhoods. This intersection needs a complete redesign to slow down traffic (why two lanes each direction on Queen City Ave?) and encourage more pedestrian traffic in a safe manner. Queen City Ave should not be a highway in the middle of the city. Slowing down traffic here also opens up the opportunity for foot traffic to nearby businesses.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
-Telephone/electrical lines should be buried.
- Trees should be along both sides of the road.
- Reduce to one lane of car traffic each way for entire length of South Elm to slow down traffic. Use extra space for bike lanes, more green space.
- MTA buses in nearby neighborhoods take a long time to reach downtown. For example, a bus on Mitchell St takes 1 hour to get to Veterans Park, while driving by car takes 5-7 minutes usually. There needs to be more frequent buses and more routes direct to downtown.
- Trees should be along both sides of the road.
- Reduce to one lane of car traffic each way for entire length of South Elm to slow down traffic. Use extra space for bike lanes, more green space.
- MTA buses in nearby neighborhoods take a long time to reach downtown. For example, a bus on Mitchell St takes 1 hour to get to Veterans Park, while driving by car takes 5-7 minutes usually. There needs to be more frequent buses and more routes direct to downtown.
Followed Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
3 years, 8 months ago
In the latest iteration for the BUILD grant, I don’t see the railroad Switch House in the area of South Commercial Street. This is historic structure was the original Switch House for the for the Railroad. There was a tower on the property as well; however, that was torn down by the railroad when it was no longer needed. This building has been a vandalism target; however, it should be saved and could be integrated into the new plans. (Coffee shop, information center...)