DESTINATION: MERRIMACK RIVER
THE EDGES The proposed improvements to Exit 6 and Amoskeag Street may allow redevelopment on both sides of the river as well as stronger bike and pedestrian connections across the river. The east side lends itself to a pedestrian promenade. Cantilevered in some places, the river walk could link a series of public spaces along the riverfront. A stronger relationship between the Millyard and the river enhances the environment for living and working. More importantly, the public edge comprised of a variety of public spaces creates another destination and set of activities that bolster tourism in Downtown.
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Plan Manchester 2021
The west side of the Merrimack River offers opportunities for infill development and redevelopment. The reconfiguration of travel lanes on Amoskeag Street and the I-293 ramps at Exit 6 will create pockets of developable land. As such upgrades to the infrastructure are being planned and designed, visual and physical access to the river could also be maximized with a mix of river-oriented commercial and residential uses as well as complementary public spaces. Capitalizing on the recreational traffic accessing the river via the existing—or an improved—boat launch, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial uses could be drawn to this riverside location. Such development could create a destination on the western edge and possibly infuse energy back into the Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center, which scaled back its operations in 2019.