By STEPHEN BEALE
Goffstown News Correspondent
 

GOFFSTOWN - Drivers through Goffstown may have to slow down depending on the results of a potential upcoming Board of Selectmen vote.

Selectmen could approve a new speed limit in town at the Monday, April 28, meeting. On Monday, April 21, the board held a second public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would reduce the townwide speed limit to 30 mph unless otherwise posted. On parts of Center Street and Main Street it would be 25 mph. The new limits would not apply to any state roads in Goffstown.

The first hearing, which filled the selectmen meeting room, was April 7. By law, the board can vote on the measure no sooner than 10 days and no later than 14 from the second public hearing, which drew only two residents.

Both of them told selectmen they were concerned that the 30 mph rule would channel traffic from Wallace Road and Goffstown Back Road onto Mast Road, a state route. Peter Jenkins and Ray Taber said the portions of those roads marked for 35 mph should stay that way.

“I support safety and I support the ordinance, but I just think these two roads should be eliminated,” Jenkins said.

Nick Campasano, board chairman, also read several emails from residents who seemed more worried about speeding on dead-end roads than the main thoroughfares. Police Chief Pat Sullivan said he did not support the suggested lower limits for dead ends.

The new chief did back the proposed ordinance, saying the five-mile difference between the old and the new limit would make a real difference, giving drivers more time to react and avoid accidents. 

Three other proposed ordinances deal with traffic on Maple Avenue, where an elementary school is located. The town plans to institute a no-parking zone around the school, prohibit right-turns into the northern- most entrance during school hours and create a three-way stop at Maple Avenue and Smith Road.

In other business, the town is applying for a $500,000 federal grant to replace the septic systems in the 301-home Medvil Cooperative off Goffstown Back Road.

The Board of Selectmen approved the application for the federal Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, at the April 21 meeting. The town will also be seeking $12,000 for a feasibility study of septic system, water line, roadway and drainage improvements to the Medvil Cooperative.

Residents told selectmen that at least one of their 12 community septic systems has a failing leech field.

Ron Tetu, the co-op president, said Medvil has received a couple of bids to replace it. So far the estimates have come in around $130,000.

He said the community still has to determine what work might be needed for its other septic systems. The grant would provide up to $500,000 for the replacements.

The CDBG is available for housing projects, public facilities, and economic development that have a direct benefit to low and moderate income residents. Medvil qualifies because a majority of its 301 households fit into that income bracket, according to a prepared statement from the town.

“Medvil certainly appreciates the support from the community,” Tetu said.

Reproduced by the Goffstown Residents Association.