Jaffrey is holding two community workshops to take resident input on what the downtown should look like after a major Department of Transportation roadwork project is complete.
The town is partnering with the Carsey School of Public Policy and New Hampshire Listens to facilitate two, two-hour workshops with the Downtown Revitalization Committee June 9 and 23 to focus on the vision people have for Main Street. Both workshops will be at the Jaffrey Civic Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The roadwork project is anticipated to include the construction of a five-leg roundabout at the head of Jaffrey’s Main Street, connecting Turnpike Road, Main Street, U.S. Route 202, Blake Street and Stratton Road. A 92-foot bridge will be constructed over the Contoocook River to connect that roundabout to a new roundabout on River Street/Route 202, allowing Route 202 traffic to bypass Main Street. The Main Street roundabout is expected to be constructed in the summer of 2025.
The River Street roundabout and bridge connecting River Street and Blake Street will be the first phase of construction, with completion of the bridge, roundabout and upgrades to the southern portion of River Street anticipated to be complete by the fall of 2024.
The first workshop will focus on information-sharing and discussion, using what is known as the “World Cafe” method for group dialogue. The process begins with rounds of conversation between small groups seated around a table. After about 20 minutes, each member of the group moves to a new table, to have a discussion with a new group. Each conversation is centered around a question related to the topic of what residents want to see downtown.
After the groups or between rounds, individuals share insights or other results from their conversations with the rest of the group.
The June 23 workshop will start with a summary of what was gathered in the first workshop. Participants will then share photos or stories of elements of the downtown they love, discuss what is important to keep following the roadwork and what the town may want to bring into the design process such as sidewalk amenities, crosswalks, an information center and room for business expansion or growth.
New Hampshire Listens will help document the process, and produce a report that includes recommendations and strategies for the next steps based on the workshop findings.
A light supper will be provided at both workshops. To make a reservation to attend the workshops, contact Jo Anne Carr at 603-532-7880, Ext. 110, or by email at jacarr@townofjaffrey.com.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.