Main Street roundabout construction set for May
Meghan Foley
Issue date: 3/1/07 Section: News
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Keene State College stands to lose one tenth of an acre of Blake House land to the project with compensation in the form of pedestrian safety improvements, said Jay Kahn, vice president for finance and planning.
According to Kahn, safety improvements along Winchester Street would include a median strip at least six feet wide, improved lighting and speed tables. An additional feature would be illuminated crosswalks, said City Manager John MacLean.
When the project was originally discussed about four years ago, it was around $1 million because it was just a "simple roundabout program," said Mayor Michael Blastos.
The complexity of the roundabout has divided the City Council over the rising costs for construction, which has added amenities to help curb pedestrian dangers for KSC students.
"I think it was a terrific project at $750,000, not at $4 million," said City Councilor Pamela Russell Slack.
"This is what must be done for the good of this community," said Councilor Robert Farrar.
According to Councilor James Duffy, roundabouts are safer, allow less wear and tear on the infrastructure and reduced air pollution.
However, Councilor Joseph W. Bendzinski said student and pedestrian traffic was heavy in the area and he was concerned about safety.
He also said he didn't "think we have the traffic problem here that everyone screams about."
Some students agree with Bendzinski.
"I've seen plenty of slower intersections other places," said junior Matt Griffin.
Freshman Laura Harris, a commuter student, said the roundabout would make the intersection more confusing and dangerous for pedestrians and college students.
"I think the light system there is pretty good how it is," she said.
However, other students believe the intersection needs to be changed.
"It's too congested over there. Coming off of Winchester Street, it gets really backed up," said freshman Tess Felahi.
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