Last week, City Manager Tom Aspell was trying to think of a different and exciting way to deliver his weekly City Memo. Then it came to him . . . How about tattooing it on a city worker, taking a picture and sending it via social media? Unfortunately, there were no takers, so instead Aspell sent it out in the traditional way, which we have printed here for your viewing pleasure.
As the bridge turns
More Sewalls news for ya
Last week’s construction activities on the Sewalls Falls Bridge included installation of steel piles for the north abutment footing; installation of temporary structures used to support the existing south truss; dismantling of the existing steel grid decking on the south truss; and installation of water main on the south side of the project along Sewalls Falls Road, Aspell writes.
All the construction sounds sure does add some nice background noise when writing.
This week it is anticipated that the contractor will continue pile driving for the north abutment footing; begin the removal of the existing south truss; and continue with the water main installation.
It’s back
Catch the bus on N. Main
With the first phase of the Main Street project substantially complete, beginning this week, Concord Area Transit bus service will resume on North Main Street. City staff have been working closely with CAT throughout the Main Street project and have agreed, on a temporary basis, to move the bus stops that are now on Storrs Street back to their former locations on North Main Street (at the corner of Park Street on the west side, and in the designated area in front of the clock tower and Eagle Square on the east side), Aspell writes.
We were wondering why we hadn’t seen a bus on Main Street in a while. Now we know.
The city and CAT continue to evaluate all bus stops along Main Street to be sure that locations are optimized going forward. CAT is working with the Central N.H. Regional Planning Commission and the N.H. Department of Transportation to secure funding to undertake a study on the bus stops and associated routes throughout the city, with particular focus on Main Street. The results of this study should demonstrate the optimal location for the downtown bus stops Aspell writes.
We always love a good study.
Find a comfy spot
And grab Concord Reads
The Concord Public Library 2016 Concord Reads selection is When Books Went to War: The stories that helped us win WWII, by Molly Guptill Manning.
Copies are available at the library, including large print and audio versions and as downloadable e-books or audiobooks, Aspell writes.
Just in case you want to listen to a book about books instead of reading a book about books.
The author will discuss the book at Red River Theatres on Thursday, April 21, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Still time left
Skating open at arena
Although all of the outdoor skating areas in the city are now closed, there is still plenty of ice skating available at the Everett Arena until the season ends on March 16, Aspell writes.
So even if you’re not wearing skates, stay off the outdoor ice. It’s the safe thing to do.
Public skating hours are Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sunday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $5 (kids age 3 and under are free) and skate rentals are available in the pro shop for $5, Aspell writes.
We were also informed by a reader that senior citizens over 65 are free, too. Although we couldn’t confirm that info on the city website, so you might want to check with arena officials and bring some money to be safe.
Please note, there will be no public skating on Saturday, March 5, due to a youth hockey tournament.
