Steve LaBonte
Steve LaBonte's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by William Stelling on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
The west bank of the Merrimack River from Granite St southward has lost access with the coming of the Everett Turnpike/Manchester By-pass/ I -293. This river is one of New Hampshire's most valuable water assets in for recreation. Developing access increases the value of the asset to Manchester, Bedford and the State of NH.
Supported a comment by Chip Spangler on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Chip Spangler
A pedestrian & bicycle elevated path above the water along the west side of the river would be great. It could start at Bass Island Park (on the Piscataquog), head east to the Merrimack and then head north until it reaches Arms Park (or even go as far as the islands). A few connections to various locations would give many people access to many things (Stark Landing, the north side of Granite Street, the old bridge supports near Waumbec St & Arms Park, Foundry St. on the west side, etc).
A pedestrian & bicycle elevated path above the water along the west side of the river would be great. It could start at Bass Island Park (on the Piscataquog), head east to the Merrimack and then head north until it reaches Arms Park (or even go as far as the islands). A few connections to various locations would give many people access to many things (Stark Landing, the north side of Granite Street, the old bridge supports near Waumbec St & Arms Park, Foundry St. on the west side, etc).
Supported a comment by Dave Rattigan on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Dave Rattigan
Very cool but let's connect the railtrail from the Heritage Trail in Bedford. I do it now but you take your life in your own hands when you cross Granite Street if that was resolved some way it would be perfect.
Very cool but let's connect the railtrail from the Heritage Trail in Bedford. I do it now but you take your life in your own hands when you cross Granite Street if that was resolved some way it would be perfect.
Supported a comment by Mike Gioia on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Mike Gioia
Although a lower income area, I feel this is not a reason for the neighborhood to be neglected. The roads in this area are crumbling, the parking for the bike oath has been commandeered for construction staging area, and the sidewalks are over in with trash and weeds. A better maintained neighborhood would make the neighborhood feel safer and look nicer to visitors to our city. Low income or not.
Although a lower income area, I feel this is not a reason for the neighborhood to be neglected. The roads in this area are crumbling, the parking for the bike oath has been commandeered for construction staging area, and the sidewalks are over in with trash and weeds. A better maintained neighborhood would make the neighborhood feel safer and look nicer to visitors to our city. Low income or not.
Supported a comment by Kathy Schofield Staub on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Kathy Schofield Staub
This area of the city has a lot of lower rent housing. I would hate to see these people displaced.
This area of the city has a lot of lower rent housing. I would hate to see these people displaced.
Supported a comment by Zachary Swick on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Zachary Swick
There's a real need for a connection between S Commercial St and Elm St, for all modes of transportation.
There's a real need for a connection between S Commercial St and Elm St, for all modes of transportation.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
This building is on the rail line that connected Manchester to Lawrence MA. The Manchester and Lawrence RR. The line is defunct and part are being converted to Rail Trail. This building could easily see reuse to a trailside business. Currently the trail in in place behind the So Willow St business shopping district. It's extension to come from the So. Willow district to Queen City Ave and Elm St is in development stages. The corridor bisects this area in an off street greenway. In the past I've seen UL Articles speaking to Manchester becoming a Walkable City. Keeping this building would be a focal point to Manchester's railroad heritage and support to moving forward with a TOD that includes connected off street transportation a recreation.
Supported a comment by June Trisciani on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
June Trisciani
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...)
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...)
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
I agree with the response. Changes with the rail system are coming. My concern is the TOD is a mask to build housing and not support an true TOD that includes the Rail system it can encompasses. Without a true TOD those 1,100 residential units could bring up to twice as many vehicles to an already over capacity roadway system when it comes to getting where your going.
Supported a comment by Rosa C on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Rosa C
Put in a commuter rail. We want to be able to visit Massachusetts and Maine via train.
Put in a commuter rail. We want to be able to visit Massachusetts and Maine via train.
Supported a comment by Jonathan McHatton on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Jonathan McHatton
Public bus service
Public bus service
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
if the most northward rail service on this line is at manchester Parking would be the need. being able to get on the train to travel to Boston. I would want to get on the train in traveling south at the earliest point to avoid traveling in traffinc.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
The Railroad was hand in hand to support the shipment of The Amoskeag Mills products.
Followed Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months ago
Supported a comment by Rick Kfoury on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
2 years, 10 months 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
Pedestrian bridge over intersection of Granite and S. Commercial Street to ease congestion, especially during events at ballpark.