In June 2002 the Hancock Community Forum decided that the problems and opportunities of Main Street were the top priority issues for the town. The principal recommendation of the Main Street discussion group, which was accepted by the Community Forum, was that the Town should develop an integrated plan for the Village Center (Main St. to the Common) to be phased in over time that includes aesthetics, historic integrity and safety.

In August 2002 a Village Planning Committee was formed and designated as an official town committee by the Board of Selectmen. The Committee has held monthly meetings to gather information, clarify issues identified by the Community Forum, and to identify sources of technical and financial support. The Committee met with town officials, the New Hampshire Dept. of Transportation (NHDOT), Underwood Engineering and interested town residents. The Committee adopted the following mission statement.

To maintain and preserve the beauty and historic integrity of Hancock village while adjusting to the pressures created by modern society. While some change is inevitable, it is our goal to proceed with caution and to be absolutely sure that the improvements that we recommend are appropriate, essential and will enhance the character, safety and visual appearance of Hancock.

At one of its first meetings the Village Planning Committee decided to broaden the area under study from strictly Main St. to Main St. and adjacent areas of the Village. This change was due to the realization that some problems, such as excessive traffic speed, affected a larger area than Main St.

The information that was presented by the New Hampshire Dept. of Transportation and Underwood Engineering was very helpful. NHDOT explained how they could help the town, the state resources that are available, their concerns with respect to road improvement projects, and areas where Hancock would have discretion. The current philosophy of the Department is to be flexible and allow towns to create solutions that meet local needs. Underwood Engineering gave details of their role in several similar projects (primarily Greenfield). It was useful to see how a firm with expertise in project management and state and federal funding was able to help implement a project with several disparate elements. In addition to these meetings the Committee compiled a great deal of other information.

In January subcommittees were formed that mirrored the goals established by the Hancock Community Forum. The subcommittees are:

• Traffic and Safety on Main Street
  • Pedestrian Safety
  • Vehicle Speed
  • Parking in the Downtown
  • Erosion of the Sides of the Road
    
    
• Improving the Common
  • Landscaping
  • Parking at the Common
  • Roadway Design (roads that cut through the Common)
    
• Visual Appearance
  • Underground Utilities (Common & Main St.)
  • Signage
  • Lighting
  • Drainage

While the Village Planning Committee has discussed a great many issues, the Committee is in agreement that the most pressing need is to prepare a concept plan for Main Street and the Common. The plan would cover the Common and Main St., be prepared with the participation of Hancock's residents, examine alternative ways to deal with problems, and be sufficiently detailed to allow people to see the changes that are envisioned for the Village. The Village Planning Committee intends to apply to Plan New Hampshire for assistance with a concept plan.