By Joseph Edgerton
Staff Writer

Although Allenstown selectmen voted unanimously against constructing a boat ramp for canoes and kayaks near Albin Avenue, the decision did not prevent heated discussion at a meeting between the Allenstown Conservation Commission and residents.

In a Sept. 13 letter to the conservation commission, selectmen cited an "overwhelming lack of support for the proposal from the residents of Albin Avenue," as the primary reason for their decision.

Residents applauded after conservation commission member Jenna Gray read the letter aloud. Among other things, the letter commended the conservation commission for attempting to follow Allenstown's master plan.

The canoe and kayak launch has been a bone of contention between commission members, who see it as their duty to construct the ramp in accordance with the town's master plan, and residents, who believe there is no room in their small neighborhood for increased traffic.

If built, the ramp would consist of railroad ties and crushed stone, and be located on a 400- foot one-acre piece of land along the Suncook River.

Gray said the town-owned parcel is open for use by all.

"Technically, anyone in town can go there because it's townowned land," she said. "The land was granted to the town in 1988."

Albin Avenue area residents say they aren't opposed to the public use of the Suncook River launch, but do not want the area to be advertised, nor do they want a new launch to be built for canoes and kayaks.

"We have a nice grassy slope, and we've been taking care of it for years," said Lloyd Carter. "We're proud of what we have. Don't come walking in and disturb it."

Dave Evans, who manages Bear Brook State Park, said the concerns residents have about increased traffic in the area are not entirely grounded.

"I understand the pedestrian vs. traffic problem because I see it every day at the park," he said. "Ninety percent of the conflict is between residents and pedestrians. Tourists and others who are new to the area obey the posted regulations."

Other residents are concerned not only by a potential increase in traffic, but an increase in littering and destruction as well.

"The town has done nothing to clean up the area. We requested sand for the beach and we had to get it ourselves," said Betty Ellis. "The town put in trash cans and never came to empty them. We had to put them in the street every Wednesday to get them emptied. One day the town trucks came and just took them away."

Laura Bonk, secretary for the conservation commission, tried to address concerns of the residents, but said the launching area is part of the town's master plan.

"Lots of people at the town meeting wanted to improve the land there," she said. "Our projects are based on what the townspeople want. We can either post no trespassing signs and not allow anyone there, or we can keep it as a public parcel."

"Are you opposed to stabilizing the river bank, or are you opposed to public access?" she asked.

"We're opposed to all of it," said one resident. "We don't need you advertising it as a public park."

Bonk said the conservation commission must obtain a permit from the Department of Environmental Services before stabilizing the river bank or developing the area.

"For the foreseeable future, nothing is going to happen," said Gray. "We're talking next spring before we could even think of putting anything in. But this isn't necessarily over."