Citing Dangers, Concord Hotelier, Developer Requests Street Lights Under I-393 Bridge

CONCORD, NH — At least one sexual assault, fires, homeless campers, overdoses and deaths, criminal threats, and other violent acts — the area underneath the Interstate 393 bridge along Constitution Avenue has seen it all.

And now, one of the state’s biggest developers is asking the city to act due to the lack of safety in the area.

Steve Duprey, who owns the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel and Grappone Conference Center on Constitution Avenue, penned a note to City Manager Tom Aspell late last month requesting lights be installed underneath the bridge. The developer cited a post on Patch from the day before his letter — a homeless man having his finger sliced and another man with facial injuries, as the latest example of mayhem in the area stating, “it is unsafe to walk along Constitution (Avenue) at any time of the day.”

Duprey said, “I know the neighboring business in the area share in this request, and if you would like letters of support for this request, please let me know.” He added that a guest at the hotel was sexually assaulted a few years ago while on a walk. Other assaults have occurred, too, Duprey said.

Duprey also said the area, which is near The Friendly Kitchen, “a fine organization,” which regrettably “attracts clients with mental illness, violent criminal records, and alcohol and drug abusers.” The “teardrop” parking lot that is nearby, he said, is “effectively” unusable.

“Adding lights may assist in encouraging some of these actors to clear the area,” Duprey said. “Anything would help, and intense lighting would perhaps discourage bad actors from lingering in the area.”

Aspell sent Duprey’s letter to Janice Bonenfant, the city clerk, and requested it be referred to the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee and the Public Safety Board for review.

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