Bonnie Barsanti - Co-recorder
Norman Crawford
Marty Cornelissen
Judy Fry, Chairman
Nancy Merrill
Deanna O'Shaughnessy - Recorder
Peter Bolster - Selectmen Rep.
Jeanne Crouse - Planning Board Rep.
Russell Bailey - Town Administrator - Advisor
In the autumn of 2003, the Downtown Revitalization Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Selectmen, was formed with the primary goal of selecting projects in the downtown area of Alton where improvements would revitalize the village for the benefit of the townspeople and visitors alike. The DRC is comprised of six volunteers and a representative from the Planning Board and a representative from the Board of Selectmen.
B & M Railroad Park
The first project chosen by the DRC was the former Boston & Maine Railroad yard, an area located behind the Town Hall, which presented just such an opportunity.
Alton B & M Railroad Park Brochure
Photo Gallery
The vision for this area includes a park, named the Alton B & M Railroad Park, which incorporates and celebrates the history of the Town of Alton by revitalizing the old railroad buildings that were so instrumental in the building and growth of the village and so many of the towns of the Lakes Region. The park is intended to be not only historical, but also a safe green area in the heart of downtown - a place where parents with young children can walk to the playground, where families can gather to picnic or barbecue, where the townfolks can enjoy the mini-walking trail, watch a game of volleyball or badminton from a shady bench, or learn more about Alton's marshes along the Wetland Board Walk. Included in the project is the refurbishing of the B & M 1896 Freight Building and B & M Caboose.
In August 2004, townspeople participated with an historic architect, in a Round Table design discussion. The product of this discussion was a report which included the first conceptual design, which was made available to the townspeople for their comments and ideas.
In October, a successful community cleanup resulted in the removal of brush, selected trees and rubbish from the proposed park site. The emptying out of the freight building, full of long time accumulation, was also begun.
During the 2003 Town Meeting, voters unanimously voted to approve a warrant article of $5,000 seed money for the project. Part of the funds were used for the facilitation of the Round Table discussion and for the architect's design. The balance of the money is being used for the completion of the final design, and as funds allow they will be applied toward grant applications and expenses related to the brochure.
A committee designed brochure was produced during the Spring 2005 and sent to all Alton property owners. It was distributed using volunteer efforts via the town newspaper, MAIN STREET, in the May 2005 issue. The brochure purpose is twofold, to raise awareness of and funds for the Park project. As a result of the distribution of that brochure numerous generous donations have been received for the project.
Donations for the project are varied, engineering services were donated by NH Soil consultants for the wetlands and reclamation permitting process through the NHDES. Site preparation, time, labor and equipment have been donated - through several groups - including the Art Place and members of the DRC itself. Volunteers also include members of the East Alton Fire Association, Alton Centennial Rotary, Alton Historical Society and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. The Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board are active participants with the Park project plans through their representatives to the DRC monthly meetings.
Plans for the handicapped accessible walking trail, playground, wetland board walk and caboose are progressing well. The DRC encourages everyone in town to contribute whatever they can to make the vision of our village park a reality - time, energy or funds.
The Downtown Revitalization Committee would like to thank the following donors for their generous support toward the Alton B & M Railroad Park. The Park is located adjacent to Depot Street in the Village.
Private Donors
Norman and Terry Gilmore
Richard N. Jones
Louise Petelle
Carol Murtaugh
Donald and Deborah Hiltz
Lorraine Kammer
Mary Braswell
Nancy Mooney Hebert
John and Priscilla Farrell
Pat and Tony Rubbicco
Ted and Stephanie Carl
Mary Bee and Bob Longabaugh
Nelson Kennedy Family
2 Anonymous donors
Business Donors
Roberts Cove, Inc
Art Place
Brian Fortier, W. Alton Marina
NH Soil Consultants
Roberts Knoll Campground
Victor Stone, Metals Trading
Clough / Morrell Trust
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc
Railroad Station Pewter Medallion
The Alton Downtown Revitalization Committee is pleased to announce the sale of a pewter medallion
designed and crafted by Hampshire Pewter of Wolfeboro. The medallion features the Alton B&M Railroad
Station, circa 1859. Medallions will go on sale early June and can be purchased, for $15.00, at the
Alton Public Library, the Alton Town Clerk's Office and by calling Nancy Merrill at 875-5604.
Proceeds from the medallion will benefit the B&M Railroad Park.
2007 Railroad Calendar
The Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC) members have compiled a selection of Alton
railroad photos for a 2007 fund raising calendar. This calendar provides a glimpse into
Alton’s colorful railroad history. They are available at the Alton Town Hall in the Town
Clerks Office or at the Gilman Library. On the following dates, calendars will also be
available at the DRC booth near the bandstand at the Bay: Monday, July 3rd from 10am – 4pm,
Saturday, August 12th from 10am – 4pm and Saturday, August 26th from 10am – 4pm. They may be
purchased for $10. For further information on calendars and other events concerning the DRC,
please call 569-3742, 875- 5456 or 875-5406.
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