Atkinson
Atkinson, NH · Events
takingthekids.com
nhbr.com
Portsmouth Herald
Exeter Park Street Bridge deemed unfixable; replacement could cost millions
EXETER — Wright-Pierce — the engineering firm hired to evaluate options for the Park Street Bridge — told officials that rehabilitation isn’t feasible, and that any alternative could carry a steep price for the 134‑year‑old span that has long linked Exeter neighborhoods. The Select Board heard from the firm at its Nov. 9 meeting as it weighs options on what to do with the bridge that freight rail company CSX hopes to remove. Residents first petitioned the board four months ago to save the bridge, arguing the crossing is essential for neighborhood connectivity, especially for emergency response and faster access to Exeter Hospital. Without it, they fear response times in critical situations could double. The bridge was closed in February 2025 after part of its wooden deck failed, and subsequent inspections uncovered additional structural steel issues. CSX has cited safety concerns in its push to remove the bridge, but residents continue urging the town to repair and reopen it. Most recently, residents — with town support — successfully advocated to put the bridge on the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save list. The nonprofit is dedicated to bringing attention and resources to “threatened” and “endangered” historic properties. Why isn’t
WHAV
Habitat for Humanity Begins Work on Haverhill Victorian and New Duplexes
Construction has begun to convert a single-family Victorian home on upper Washington Street into three homeowner condominium units and add two duplex units on the property. Developer Essex County Habitat for Humanity and former owners Keith and Diane Boucher welcomed officials Thursday to see renovations begin. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director credited the Bouchers, who now live across the street, for selling the property at below-market value. He said the seven units will be built by volunteers and future owners.
WHAV
New 37-Unit Haverhill Apartment Building Serves as Pilot for Those with Complex Medical Needs
A new 37-unit building on Haverhill’s Emerson Street downtown will a serve as a supportive housing pilot designed for people with complex medical histories experiencing chronic homelessness. The Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance said Thursday the four-story, 94 Emerson St. building was developed in collaboration with Eliot Community Human...
Dianna Carney
insidelowell.com
10-Story Building Proposed off Lord Overpass
LOWELL – There’s nowhere to go but up in Lowell, and a real estate developer has proposed a 10-story, market-rate apartment building adjacent to the site of the old Molly Kay’s Pub off Middlesex Street. New Hampshire-based 5.1 Thorndike Street LLC appeared before Lowell’s Historic Board for...
nhbr.com
MassLive.com
WHAV
WHAV
Portsmouth Herald
Exeter says no to downtown paid parking: ‘Not ready for prime time’
EXETER — After hearing strong opposition from residents across three public hearings, the Select Board said the proposed downtown paid‑parking pilot program was “not ready for prime time.” The board said Nov. 9 it would shift its attention to enforcing the current ordinance and improving signage, and send the proposal back to town staff to address community concerns — particularly around downtown resident parking and the potential effects on local businesses and their employees. The one‑year paid‑parking pilot, recommended in a 2024 downtown traffic, parking and pedestrian study by consultant Stantec, would have applied to both on‑street spaces and municipal lots across town. The draft ordinance called for tiered rates for on‑street parking to encourage turnover in front of businesses, and a flat rate for off‑street parking. The first 15 minutes would be free in all parking zones, and drivers would pay by text, call or app. Enforcement would be handled by four part‑time employees. More: Exeter's Park Street Bridge lands on Seven to Save list amid fight over its future Why did the Select Board reject the proposal? Select Board member Dan Chartrand said that based on the input the board received from residents across the public hearings, the