City takes a break
Offices closed on Veterans Day
While we’re slaving away on making this great publication, city employees will be living it up on their day off. Or maybe they’ll just sleep in or something, but the important thing to note here is that the Insiders do not have the day off. Wait, that wasn’t it . . . Oh, right! City offices and the library will be closed on Wednesday. Enjoy the day off, guys! We’re not bitter.
Welcome!
New hire
City Manager Tom Aspell notes in this week’s memo that the Legal Department has a new hire. Wondering whom to make cookies for? We’ll tell you. It’s James Kennedy, who was hired as the deputy city solicitor. Says Tom, “The department is very excited to have the assistance of Kennedy, as it continues to provide city departments with legal advice and to handle the increasing number of cases. Kennedy brings a wide array of skills and experience to the city in the area of municipal law, including civil litigation, employment law, New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know law and election law. In addition, he has served as the attorney general’s liaison to the New Hampshire state Legislature regarding several issues, including municipal governance.”
Welcome to the city, James!
Improvements
Loudon Road safety
If you’ve ever attempted to cross Loudon Road, then you know that it’s not the world’s safest street. The city is working to make things better, starting with one intersection in particular. Tom tell us, “In past years, the Loudon Road/D’Amante Drive intersection has ranked among the highest crash-prone intersections in the city, averaging about 9.7 reported crashes per year. Last January, the Traffic Operations Committee investigated crash history at this intersection and recommended minor changes in traffic signal operation to counter an apparent pattern of aggressive-driving crashes.” Aggressive driving on Loudon Road? Perish the thought!
Tell us more, Tom: “Staff implemented the signal changes at the end of January and has since monitored traffic operation and safety. Over the nine-month period following the changes, the effective crash rate has dropped to 5.3 crashes per year, a reduction of nearly one-half. This is one example of the Traffic Operations Committee’s proactive efforts to assess, test and implement measures that can enhance traffic operation and safety citywide.”
Kudos to the Traffic Operations Committee!
