John Colburn
John Colburn's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by Donald Waldron on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Supported a comment by Abby Easterly on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Abby Easterly
If there is any chance that Market Basket would be squeezed out, that is NOT OK. This plan should be about livability and food is high on that list. I am concerned that this project will be a typical gentrification plan.
If there is any chance that Market Basket would be squeezed out, that is NOT OK. This plan should be about livability and food is high on that list. I am concerned that this project will be a typical gentrification plan.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
8 months ago
It appears that Market Basket will be squeezed out. It provides needed grocery shopping for the high rises and other low income people in the area. The area can become a "food desert" as has the West Side when Vista Foods moved out
Supported a comment by Molly Lunn Owen on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
8 months ago
Molly Lunn Owen
Love this idea, especially for architecture to mimic the brick facades and clocktowers of the mills.
Love this idea, especially for architecture to mimic the brick facades and clocktowers of the mills.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
8 months, 2 weeks ago
Portsmouth does an excellent job of building in traditionalist styles in their downtown area
Supported a comment by Rob Bellen on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
8 months, 2 weeks ago
Rob Bellen
The auto body shop are referring to obtained what was South Bedford Street in exchange for land that became South Commercial Street. At the time, the Condos did not exist and traffic could have connected to Queen City Bridge but that land was subsequently sold to developers who quickly blocked access to Queen City Bridge.
The auto body shop are referring to obtained what was South Bedford Street in exchange for land that became South Commercial Street. At the time, the Condos did not exist and traffic could have connected to Queen City Bridge but that land was subsequently sold to developers who quickly blocked access to Queen City Bridge.
Supported a comment by Max K on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
8 months, 3 weeks ago
Max K
Start building houses and shops in traditionalist architecture styles (Neo-Classical, Baroque, Tudor, Georgian etc. Virtually every city in the world builds modernist architecture, and I believe the first step to make the TOD plan successful is to make the architecture beautiful, ornate, and traditional. Let's make Manchester NH look architecturally unique from any other city in the United States. Why do you think tourism is booming in Europe? It's because they've preserved centuries old traditionalist architecture that gives each city a unique architectural identity. It is the same reason they don't allow modernist architecture or skyscrapers to be built in their cities. It is a common misconception that traditional architecture is more expensive than modernist ones, this is completely untrue. Steel, glass, and concrete costs more than wood, bricks, stucco, plaster, and stones.
Start building houses and shops in traditionalist architecture styles (Neo-Classical, Baroque, Tudor, Georgian etc. Virtually every city in the world builds modernist architecture, and I believe the first step to make the TOD plan successful is to make the architecture beautiful, ornate, and traditional. Let's make Manchester NH look architecturally unique from any other city in the United States. Why do you think tourism is booming in Europe? It's because they've preserved centuries old traditionalist architecture that gives each city a unique architectural identity. It is the same reason they don't allow modernist architecture or skyscrapers to be built in their cities. It is a common misconception that traditional architecture is more expensive than modernist ones, this is completely untrue. Steel, glass, and concrete costs more than wood, bricks, stucco, plaster, and stones.
Supported a comment by Molly Lunn Owen on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
8 months, 3 weeks ago
Molly Lunn Owen
Connect existing downtown development with the Millyard in attractive, safe, clean pedestrian corridors
Connect existing downtown development with the Millyard in attractive, safe, clean pedestrian corridors
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
9 months ago
I am wondering what happens to Market Basket because it provides needed food shopping for the area. Firestone provides jobs. They both look squeezed out.
Supported a comment by Chip Spangler on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year ago
Chip Spangler
It is no surprise to me at all. Housing demand has been very high, and the supply continues to be low. The zoning code that currently exists severely limits the ability of would-be developers to build vertically in most areas of the city, even those designated as "urban multifamily" areas. The code MUST change if we are going to be able to have developers and real estate owners build more housing in the city. Without those changes, we are stuck with a limited supply and watching rent prices escalate. Increased density in various areas of the city may also provide other benefits, e.g. a better market for mass transportation that might be profitable (or at least break even).
It is no surprise to me at all. Housing demand has been very high, and the supply continues to be low. The zoning code that currently exists severely limits the ability of would-be developers to build vertically in most areas of the city, even those designated as "urban multifamily" areas. The code MUST change if we are going to be able to have developers and real estate owners build more housing in the city. Without those changes, we are stuck with a limited supply and watching rent prices escalate. Increased density in various areas of the city may also provide other benefits, e.g. a better market for mass transportation that might be profitable (or at least break even).
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
I think Montreal has bike lanes that are separated by a physical curb barrier
Supported a comment by Matthew Grote on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Matthew Grote
I use the bike lanes weekly to travel southbound to QC Bike Collective and northbound back home. The positive is the bike lanes let motorists know that bikes have a right to be in the roadway. The negative is the bike lanes are very exposed, with vehicle right turn lanes often swapping locations with bike lanes. Integrating bike facilities with the sidewalk would be something to investigate. At minimum the bike lane should maintain its heading and have vehicles merge to cross over to turn lane.
I use the bike lanes weekly to travel southbound to QC Bike Collective and northbound back home. The positive is the bike lanes let motorists know that bikes have a right to be in the roadway. The negative is the bike lanes are very exposed, with vehicle right turn lanes often swapping locations with bike lanes. Integrating bike facilities with the sidewalk would be something to investigate. At minimum the bike lane should maintain its heading and have vehicles merge to cross over to turn lane.
Supported a comment by Kathy Schofield Staub on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Kathy Schofield Staub
This is the area of the Manchester Transit yard. I would like to see a raised solar array which the vehicles could park underneath. I rode an electric bus in NYC and it was delightful. MTA could introduce some electric buses to the fleet and use the power generated on site to run them.
This is the area of the Manchester Transit yard. I would like to see a raised solar array which the vehicles could park underneath. I rode an electric bus in NYC and it was delightful. MTA could introduce some electric buses to the fleet and use the power generated on site to run them.
Supported a comment by William Stelling on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
William Stelling
correction: that should read Canal & Granite
correction: that should read Canal & Granite
Supported a comment by William Stelling on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
William Stelling
Pedestrian bridges over this intersection (Commercial & Granite) to expedite both pedestrian and auto flow.
Pedestrian bridges over this intersection (Commercial & Granite) to expedite both pedestrian and auto flow.
Supported a comment by Courtney Wason on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Courtney Wason
YES, completely agree. When they painted the bike lanes, while there is plenty of room still, they made the driving lanes more confusing, specifically in front of Market Basket, where a lane turns into a left-turn only lane very abruptly and without a sign. It leads to last-minute lane switching which is unsafe for drivers and bicyclists.
YES, completely agree. When they painted the bike lanes, while there is plenty of room still, they made the driving lanes more confusing, specifically in front of Market Basket, where a lane turns into a left-turn only lane very abruptly and without a sign. It leads to last-minute lane switching which is unsafe for drivers and bicyclists.
Supported a comment by Carla Giorgi on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Carla Giorgi
I am not native to New England, and when I moved here I noticed how the views are all marred by electrical wires. Are utility companies that averse to putting them underground? Any incentives out there for them to bury the wires? Asplunth came through our neighborhood last summer and hacked trees into "Y" shapes (I believe they are contracted by the power companies). Areas of Manchester without power lines are so much more pleasant. And the trees can grow uninhibited.
I am not native to New England, and when I moved here I noticed how the views are all marred by electrical wires. Are utility companies that averse to putting them underground? Any incentives out there for them to bury the wires? Asplunth came through our neighborhood last summer and hacked trees into "Y" shapes (I believe they are contracted by the power companies). Areas of Manchester without power lines are so much more pleasant. And the trees can grow uninhibited.
Supported a comment by Chip Spangler on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month 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 Lauren Smith on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Lauren Smith
I agree with Kathy -- and would love to see some work to connect the Gaslight District with Elm Street and the Millyard.
I agree with Kathy -- and would love to see some work to connect the Gaslight District with Elm Street and the Millyard.
Supported a comment by Kathy Schofield Staub on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Kathy Schofield Staub
I really like the scale and feel of this area that has been designated as the gaslight district. I would like to see it preserved and maybe enhance the historic character of the district. Maybe uncovering the cobblestones under the street.
I really like the scale and feel of this area that has been designated as the gaslight district. I would like to see it preserved and maybe enhance the historic character of the district. Maybe uncovering the cobblestones under the street.
Supported a comment by Jeremy Hitchcock on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Jeremy Hitchcock
What about something like this? https://localmotors.com/
What about something like this? https://localmotors.com/
Supported a comment by Joe St Clair on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Joe St Clair
I'd love to be able to easily get from the Rail Trail to the Market Basket, or to other destinations down Valley St, on my bike. Having to go North to Granite St or South to Queen City Ave seems like a great idea stopped short. Get cyclists from across the river straight onto Elm (or at least across the train tracks), and it would be perfect.
I'd love to be able to easily get from the Rail Trail to the Market Basket, or to other destinations down Valley St, on my bike. Having to go North to Granite St or South to Queen City Ave seems like a great idea stopped short. Get cyclists from across the river straight onto Elm (or at least across the train tracks), and it would be perfect.
Supported a comment by Dave Rattigan on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month 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
1 year, 1 month 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
1 year, 1 month 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 Peter Macone on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Peter Macone
Brenda’s suggestion of a dedicated S Elm trolly or shuttle would pair nicely with a beautification project.
Brenda’s suggestion of a dedicated S Elm trolly or shuttle would pair nicely with a beautification project.
Supported a comment by Dave Rattigan on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Dave Rattigan
any reclaiming of over run or blocked existing path, cut-thrus, corridors where bikes and walkers could pieced together would be a plus. Doesn't have to be paved. Cheap to build cut-throughs and their popularity will grow.
any reclaiming of over run or blocked existing path, cut-thrus, corridors where bikes and walkers could pieced together would be a plus. Doesn't have to be paved. Cheap to build cut-throughs and their popularity will grow.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Ironically there was another crossing just north of Market Basket which was rendered almost useless when the auto body place was allowed to block the street for their own use
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
Multi-family housing needs to be near jobs and services, so South Willow should be considered
Supported a comment by SADER A on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
SADER A
A multi-use path along the former rail right-of-way under Elm St, paralleling the Willow St corridor
A multi-use path along the former rail right-of-way under Elm St, paralleling the Willow St corridor
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
I agree with south of Market Basket to leave another way to get out of S, Commercial
Supported a comment by SADER A on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
SADER A
Manchester lost that Mayberry R.F.D feel for sure. But I guess that is what you get with "progress" . For example : Shouldn't the question of how one should shovel sidewalks be self evident. Manchester does a terrible job at clearing the sidewalks; period.
Manchester lost that Mayberry R.F.D feel for sure. But I guess that is what you get with "progress" . For example : Shouldn't the question of how one should shovel sidewalks be self evident. Manchester does a terrible job at clearing the sidewalks; period.
Supported a comment by SADER A on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
SADER A
Get more of those sidewalk plows or look for paid volunteers in certain areas. In the old days seemed all the sidewalks were plowed not just the one's running east to west and those near to a school. I've seen people plowing their sidewalks or blowing their sidewalks , some old timers even shoveling their sidewalks. I mean look at the bus stops where people have to climb over snow backs at the bus stops to board a bus.. Give me a break.
Get more of those sidewalk plows or look for paid volunteers in certain areas. In the old days seemed all the sidewalks were plowed not just the one's running east to west and those near to a school. I've seen people plowing their sidewalks or blowing their sidewalks , some old timers even shoveling their sidewalks. I mean look at the bus stops where people have to climb over snow backs at the bus stops to board a bus.. Give me a break.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 1 month ago
I would like to see housing mixed in with South Willow businesses. An example would be the soon to be vacant Rite Aid site on Cilley and South Willow. It wasn't an especially easy spot to get in and out of for a business but might be ideal for an apartment building.
Supported a comment by Richard Senneville on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 2 months ago
Richard Senneville
Proper ploughing and grit application. Leaving large unploughed hummocks at crosswalks blocks the way for pedestrians and cyclists.
Proper ploughing and grit application. Leaving large unploughed hummocks at crosswalks blocks the way for pedestrians and cyclists.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 2 months ago
One problem is all the utility poles on South Willow inhibiting sidewalk plows
Supported a comment by Deidre Christiansen on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 2 months ago
Deidre Christiansen
Willow Street past Cilley (which is out of the target area) has a history of poorly maintained sidewalks in the winter, and has noticeably empty storefronts. Encouraging alternative use of existing space and requesting new construction/retrofits to design facades that pay homage to New England architecture would make the corridor feel more walkable, and encourage shoppers to use bike rentals with the mall region as a destination.
Willow Street past Cilley (which is out of the target area) has a history of poorly maintained sidewalks in the winter, and has noticeably empty storefronts. Encouraging alternative use of existing space and requesting new construction/retrofits to design facades that pay homage to New England architecture would make the corridor feel more walkable, and encourage shoppers to use bike rentals with the mall region as a destination.
Supported a comment by Richard Senneville on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 2 months ago
Richard Senneville
I'm not sure what exactly is meant by small scale parcels, but I think south willow should be built generally more like downtown. It's less a manageable retail area and more a highway and a couple big box stores in a trench-coat.
I'm not sure what exactly is meant by small scale parcels, but I think south willow should be built generally more like downtown. It's less a manageable retail area and more a highway and a couple big box stores in a trench-coat.
Supported a comment by Pou Belle on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 5 months ago
Pou Belle
Where would you expect to place on-street parking, on Riverwalk Way or Second Street?
I believe the space between Turner Street and the trail (up above), at the corner of Second Street, could be perfect off-street parking with space for signage. Though I am unsure of the ownership of that parcel.
Where would you expect to place on-street parking, on Riverwalk Way or Second Street?
I believe the space between Turner Street and the trail (up above), at the corner of Second Street, could be perfect off-street parking with space for signage. Though I am unsure of the ownership of that parcel.
Supported a comment by Pou Belle on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 5 months ago
Pou Belle
"Trail Head" Parking on this or the other side of the Hands Across bridge would bring more attention to this amenity. Previously there had been some parking available on/at Turner Street but that seems to have been taken by construction. Currently many trail sites suggest parking at Sarette Field and that is too much of a walk for many residents. (Friends living here for Years had no idea how to access the bridge!)
"Trail Head" Parking on this or the other side of the Hands Across bridge would bring more attention to this amenity. Previously there had been some parking available on/at Turner Street but that seems to have been taken by construction. Currently many trail sites suggest parking at Sarette Field and that is too much of a walk for many residents. (Friends living here for Years had no idea how to access the bridge!)
Supported a comment by Brendan McCann on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 5 months ago
Brendan McCann
Organic pedestrian connection from Hancock St. dead end to riverside trail should be acknowledged
Organic pedestrian connection from Hancock St. dead end to riverside trail should be acknowledged
Supported a comment by Brendan McCann on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 5 months ago
Brendan McCann
The high, rocky outcropping at the confluence of Hillcrest and South Elm has a terrific view of the city skyline and project area, despite being outside the immediate project area. With some cleanup, it could be a park with Instagram potential.
The high, rocky outcropping at the confluence of Hillcrest and South Elm has a terrific view of the city skyline and project area, despite being outside the immediate project area. With some cleanup, it could be a park with Instagram potential.
Supported a comment by Brendan McCann on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 5 months ago
Brendan McCann
Characteristic rooftop industrial elements can be repaired and highlighted for visual placemaking in post-industrial Gaslight neighborhood
Characteristic rooftop industrial elements can be repaired and highlighted for visual placemaking in post-industrial Gaslight neighborhood
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 6 months ago
Would that end up just between Market Basket and the tire place? Wondering about the topography
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 6 months ago
It could serve as the badly needed second exit from South Commercial Street and that was what it did originally. Unfortunately a business took part of that street.
Supported a comment by Kevin Murphy on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 7 months ago
Kevin Murphy
I live close to this Cemetery and find it is a nice place to ride my bike and escape the city for a bit. While I have noticed a presence of derelict behavior it is nothing out of the ordinary for the city. Perhaps creating a sort of Historical Orientated scavenger hunt within the confines of the Cemetery would attract more people, giving it a sense of both purpose and place, afterall it is about the closest thing and most "vast" example we have of nature Downtown Manchester. Also it is across the street from a beautiful yet virtually unkown part of manchester which is the cobblestone streets of Grove st. Allot of potential.
I live close to this Cemetery and find it is a nice place to ride my bike and escape the city for a bit. While I have noticed a presence of derelict behavior it is nothing out of the ordinary for the city. Perhaps creating a sort of Historical Orientated scavenger hunt within the confines of the Cemetery would attract more people, giving it a sense of both purpose and place, afterall it is about the closest thing and most "vast" example we have of nature Downtown Manchester. Also it is across the street from a beautiful yet virtually unkown part of manchester which is the cobblestone streets of Grove st. Allot of potential.
Supported a comment by Zachary Swick on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 7 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
1 year, 8 months ago
More retail to complement the liquor store and residential to make it more of a mixed use area
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 8 months ago
We should consider tiny homes. Let's look at what other cities have done on this
Supported a comment by Kathy Schofield Staub on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 8 months ago
Kathy Schofield Staub
You know there are homeless people living in here. None of the categories fit my thoughts on this. I'm pointing it out because it needs to be considered.
You know there are homeless people living in here. None of the categories fit my thoughts on this. I'm pointing it out because it needs to be considered.
Commented on Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 8 months ago
They'd have another egress point if they hadn't let that auto body shop block off the street. Whose idea was that?
Followed Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 8 months ago
Supported a comment by William Stelling on
Manchester Transit-Oriented Development Plan
1 year, 8 months ago
William Stelling
create an additional egress/point for S. Commercial Street to improve traffic flow.
create an additional egress/point for S. Commercial Street to improve traffic flow.
It is a nice little "self-contained" district in the Downtown area. It could be a great area to attract more visitors, or to enhance the experience for people coming to downtown. Perhaps this could be a great area to encourage shops. Despite the amount of restaurants and bars downtown...there are not many stores. This area could certainly change that with art, antiques, crafts, yoga/gyms, coffee shop/cafe experiences. The old railroad infrastructure (tracks in road, going into buildings) could certainly be highlighted to add to the feel of an industrial area come back to life. --- However, I think the most important thing...DO SOMETHING. This area seems very depressing as I see the signage that was put up, and then it seems as if everybody walked away. I fear that the few places that believed there would be something there (art studio) will leave if there is no new activity.