This approach incorporates the following key elements:

• Pedestrian access from Washington Street to the City-owned land.

• Substantial redevelopment of properties along Portland and Cochecho Streets which incorporates mixed uses and emphasis on the historic waterfront area.

• Creation of a "formal" walkway on the westerly shore of the river linking the One Washington Center building with the pedestrian bridge and properties fronting on the river from Washington Street to the existing marina.

• Expansion of the marina uses along the westerly shore to serve recreational needs and possibly provide an historic link.

• Parking facilities adjacent to the Main Street/Washington Street intersection to serve both the Pacific Mills and One Washington Center sites, as well as the City land via the new pedestrian bridge.

• Continuation of a pedestrian walkway from Henry Law Park, past a proposed commercial, retail use adjacent to the easterly terminus of the pedestrian bridge, and continuing to another commercial, retail development at the point of land adjacent to the former sewage treatment facility site.

• Development of a number of walking paths throughout the property, providing a linkage between riverfront uses and cultural, historical and recreational uses in the areas further away from the river (toward Maglaras Park).

• Re-use of the Old County Jail site (privately owned) as a cultural, historical complex.

• Creation of an open, natural gathering place along the river edge for community functions (amphitheater).

• Expansion of residential uses along the southern boundary of the City property with views toward the north and west.

This concept is based on the transition from the "wilderness" quality of the Cochecho into a downtown environment.  Consequently, the proposed concept focuses on enhancement of properties along the side of the River closest to the Central Business District as well as improvements to the parking needs within close proximity to the existing mill buildings and improve pedestrian access throughout the study area.  Redevelopment of the City property occurs in "pods" interspersed among larger open areas and pedestrian walkways.  Vehicular access is restricted to a parkway-type roadway, with low travel speeds and low volumes, between Henry Law Avenue and Maglaras Park.

This roadway would access parking at each of the commercial, retail, office "pods" along the River, as well as the proposed cultural, historical center at the County Jail House site.  Residential development would be located adjacent to the existing residential area along Henry Law Avenue and would be accessed from Henry Law Avenue via Paul Street.  No vehicular tie to Washington Street is proposed by this concept.

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