A new car registration fee proposed at Town Meeting would be funneled specifically to pedestrian and bike improvements, according to the Select Board.
During its meeting last week, the board met briefly with Planning Board Chair Ivy Vann to discuss Article 12 on the town’s warrant. If passed by the town during open session on May 11, the article would adopt a state RSA that allows the town to collect an additional fee at the time of vehicle registration for the purpose of funding a municipal and transportation improvement account.
Peterborough is proposing a maximum fee of $5, but Vann and the board discussed the intent to narrow the uses of the money further than the broad scope of “transportation improvements” – specifically to improving walking and biking lanes about town.
“It makes a big difference in how people experience the town,” said Vann, about having adequate pedestrian accommodations.
It was also a point that Vann heard “over and over again” during processes to determine a “master vision” for Peterborough.
One of the easiest ways to make a pedestrian or bike-friendly road is to create margins with paint, said Vann. However, since paint is not usually considered a “necessity” it is one of the first lines trimmed when the budget is tight.
“One of the first things that gets left behind is paint,” agreed Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett. “It’s an area that is easy to cut back on.”
Having walkable or bikeable areas can also increase property values and slow traffic as it visibly narrows the road, said Vann.
Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett pointed out that while the town can use the funds for a more narrow definition of “transportation” than is specified in the state RSA, the warrant itself doesn’t reflect the specific use the town plans to use it for.
Select Board Chair Barbara Miller and member Tyler Ward agreed that it should be made clear to the voters that the money will not be used for things such as salt or paving, whether that just be through an explanation at the open session or through an amendment to the article on the meeting floor.
Ward agreed that he has also heard “overwhelmingly” that there was a need for greater biking and pedestrian access to various town areas, and thought that the use was appropriate.
Ballot voting for election of town officers and zoning amendments will be held in town from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 10, in the upper hall of the Town House. Open session will be held on May 11 at 7 p.m. in the upper hall of the Town House.
For a full listing of zoning amendments and warrant articles, check the town’s website at http://www.townofpeterborough.com.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.