Step off the gas on Edward J. Roy Drive

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On March 15, the Manchester Planning Board will be voting on a proposal to construct a gas station, convenience store, and two fast-food restaurants on Edward J. Roy Drive. The developer of this project, Z1 Express, is required to obtain a conditional use permit by the Planning Board as the land is not zoned for fueling stations and certainly does not fit the character of the rest of the residential area it looks to be built in.

Residents of the Wellington Hill area, hundreds strong, have been packing the planning board meetings since November 2017 to implore on the board our real-life objections to the construction of this project.

Flyers have been distributed to the affected residences. A Facebook page has been created for collaboration of efforts among residents. Consultants have been contacted. Petitions have been signed. City officials in many different departments have been contacted for vital information instrumental to our opposition. Residents have studied the site plans and taken their own time to conduct traffic studies, environmental impacts, safety issues, property devaluation and quality of life concerns. Over the course of several months, and three planning board meetings, the board has heard from hundreds of opposed residents, both in person and via email.

These efforts are done without benefit of the money needed to hire counsel, traffic engineers, design consultants, environmental consultants, and the multitude of other professionals utilized by the developer. It is the pride, care, and concern for our neighbors and neighborhood that drives us to fight this proposal. Who understands the impact this construction will have on the quality of life for the residents? Who can predict the overwhelming traffic congestion that will occur if this project is approved? Who knows with certainty how safety will be compromised if this is approved? The residents do. And this is why we have banned together, to fight for our neighborhood.

Our opposition has been deemed, “emotional” by the developer’s attorney. I beg to differ.

We are passionate! Passionate at ensuring our voices are heard. Passionate that we are not overlooked. Passionate that we can protect our little slice of paradise in the city from the intrusion of yet another gas station/convenience store and fast-food restaurant. Doesn’t Manchester have enough already?

I urge the Planning Board to hear our message and place the welfare and desire of the residents of the Wellington Hill area, first and foremost, above the wants of one businessman.

Christina Adams

Manchester NH

 

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