Hanover St. Redesign: A Second Look needed for Accessibility, Business Impact, and Practical Solutions

The March 17, 2026 vote by the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen to approve the Hanover Street redesign has sparked significant discussion. With a reconsideration vote scheduled for April 7, now is the time to take a closer look at the concerns raised by residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

A Project with Strong Opinions

The proposal would reconfigure Hanover Street between Chestnut and Elm into a single “sliding” lane with expanded sidewalks and designated pickup and drop-off areas. Supporters point to safety and increased pedestrian activity.

However, concerns were raised around accessibility, traffic flow, and real-world business impacts.

Conflicting Data Raises Questions

The city, citing the Traffic Department, stated there were 78 total traffic accidents over multiple years

Alderman O’Neil noted that data he received from the Manchester Police Department showed only 14 accidents from 2023 to present

It was also acknowledged that the city could not clearly explain how the Traffic Department arrived at its figures.

This is not just a disagreement over numbers. It raises a larger issue around transparency and consistency. When data is unclear or conflicting, it becomes difficult to justify major infrastructure changes with confidence.

Plan NH Recommended Flexibility, Not Removal

The Plan NH Community Design Charrette (April 2025) also cautioned against removing parking entirely and suggested a flexible approach:

“The team was cautious against removing on-street parking… a flex space could allow the street to shift use during evenings and weekends.”

This reinforces that improvement does not have to mean permanent removal of functionality.

Business and Operational Concerns

Representatives from the Palace Theatre raised concerns about access and logistics:

“We regularly accommodate buses… those vehicles require sufficient space to safely load and unload.”

“Many of our patrons are elderly or have mobility challenges.”

They also noted winter conditions as a major factor in accessibility.

Bravo Restaurant owner Robert Singer raised process concerns:

“We were not made aware of the proposal or the meetings discussing it.”

“There are still a lot of unanswered questions about access and parking.”

These are not abstract concerns. They reflect real operational challenges.

Accessibility Must Be a Priority

One of the most important themes raised during the meeting was accessibility.

Alderwoman Kelly Thomas, speaking from personal experience as a wheelchair user, highlighted the real challenges of navigating the area. Those concerns were echoed by members of the public and business owners.

Accessibility should not be treated as a box to check. It should be a priority in how public spaces are designed and experienced.

For many families, convenient and accessible street-level parking is not just a preference. It is a necessity. Downtown access can be difficult, especially in winter. Parking garages are often not practical when sidewalks are not consistently maintained.

A Practical Path Forward

As part of the reconsideration, I have proposed the following approach:

• Use the north side (Palace Theatre side) for continuous loading and unloading, without fixed cutouts

• Dedicate at least a portion of the south side to handicap-accessible parking

• Allow street closure on summer evenings and weekends for flexible use

This approach:

• Accommodates real-world bus sizes and traffic flow

• Prioritizes accessibility beyond minimum requirements

• Aligns with Plan NH’s flexible use recommendation

• Builds on past success, as Hanover Street has already been closed for events in the past.

Moving Forward

The April 7 reconsideration vote is an opportunity to refine the proposal and address legitimate concerns.

Downtown Manchester is one of the city’s greatest assets. Any redesign should not only improve its appearance, but ensure it remains accessible, functional, and supportive of the businesses and residents who rely on it every day.