MANCHESTER, NH — Quick update for those who’ve been following along with one of the city’s most fascinating and confounding dramas: The Wal-Mart traffic gate on Gold Street.
A unanimous vote during the Nov. 15 Board of Aldermen meeting has prompted a remission for residents who have been grappling over the residual traffic headaches. The gates at Gold and Sewall streets will be lifted and there will be a return to the pre-Wal-Mart traffic pattern, including returning President Road to a tw0-way street — at least until a study of the traffic flow can be completed.
The change could come as early as Nov. 21.
Concerns raised by residents in anticipation of Wal-Mart shoppers prompted Aldermen to erect a gate on Gold Street prior to the opening of the discount superstore back in April, followed by backlash from residents who felt the gate was disruptive, causing interlopers to circumvent the gate and create new traffic headaches on surrounding streets, including President Road.
That prompted the Aldermen to make President Road a one-way street, which created even more headaches, and engaged area resident, Ward 9 State Rep. Victoria Sullivan, in doing her own unscientific traffic study. She posted the videos on her Facebook page to demonstrate the new traffic problems. That was followed by a petition launch on Change.org to gather signatures from those who wanted the gates removed, and traffic studied.
It appears Sullivan’s efforts, along with those of other residents, paid off with the reversal by the Board Tuesday night.
Sullivan says she was gratified that the powers that be listened to residents who have had misgivings all along about the disruption.
“I am grateful to the Traffic and Safety Committee for arranging for the special meeting. The residents of the south side were finally heard. I truly believe this is the best outcome until we have a long-term study and a cohesive plan that works for the majority,” said Sullivan, following Tuesday’s meeting.
Aldermen approved hiring eight traffic counters for the police department to conduct the $22,000 traffic survey. Mayor Ted Gatsas said he is negotiating with Wal-Mart to see if the money could come out of an established escrow account.
“I am just grateful it will be done before Black Friday or significant snow fall,” said Sullivan of the decision to revert to the pre-Wal-Mart traffic pattern in her neighborhood.”
