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Sunflowers at Emery Farm Courtesy Todd Selig
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The summer is beginning to wind down in Durham. UNH students will return to campus late next week with classes beginning August 27th. The Oyster River School District officially begins the academic year on August 29th.
Perhaps not everyone knows that while UNH athletes are the Wildcats, the ORCSD sporting teams are the Bobcats. Go UNH! Go Oyster River!
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REMEMBER TO SUPPORT THE DURHAM FARMERS MARKET EACH MONDAY AFTERNOON AT JACKSON'S LANDING
The Farmers Market organized by the Seacoast Growers Assn. at Jackson's Landing is struggling. Attendance has been off again this year. The farmers there have asked us to remind residents to stop by the market on Monday afternoons at Jackson's Landing.
Long-term, we should revisit the location. I'm concerned that Jackson's Landing is simply out of sight, out of mind.
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DURHAM'S 2018 STATISTICAL UPDATE HAS BEEN COMPLETED - Assessed values up 16%.
In accordance with New Hampshire state law, the Town of Durham has completed the Statistical Update of all real property with an effective date of April 1, 2018.
The tax year begins April 1st and ends on March 31st of a given year. The Town of Durham engaged the services of three companies to perform the Statistical Update of all property assessments throughout Durham. Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) updated the assessments of the residential properties; Property Valuation Advisors, LLC updated the assessments of the commercial/industrial properties and George Sansoucy, PE, LLC updated the assessments of the utility properties. All three companies have been working in conjunction with the Assessor’s Office.
As a result of the informal hearing process, second notices will be mailed the week of August 13th to those property owners whose assessments were adjusted from their preliminary assessment, which were mailed last June. Most property owners receiving a second notice scheduled an informal hearing with a representative from MRI or PVA and requested a review of their property. Also, property owners who did not attend the informal hearing process may also be receiving a second notification because an adjustment was made to their assessment based on new information presented at the hearings.
The purpose of a revaluation or statistical update is not to increase property taxes. The purpose is to update property assessments to reflect market value as of April 1, 2018 (the beginning of the tax year in New Hampshire) and to assess all properties fairly and equitably throughout the municipality. The results of the newly revised assessments will be presented by the Assessor to the Town Council at its meeting on Monday, August 20th.These assessments will be used for the 2018 December tax bills. The revised assessments will be posted on the Durham Assessor’s on-line database the week of August 20th.
The real estate market has changed significantly in Durham since 2013, which is when the last statistical update was completed. Although the overall assessed values have increased an average of 16%, this does not mean your property taxes are increasing. Assuming the town’s budget remains constant, the tax rate should decrease to compensate for the increased assessed values. Therefore, do not use the current tax rate to determine property taxes. Utilizing the total assessed value for the Town and the Town’s budget (which is yet to be determined), a new tax rate will be set by the Department of Revenue Administration sometime this fall.
If a property owner believes their assessment does not reflect market values as of April 1, 2018, they may appeal their assessment through the local abatement process. Applications for abatements can be submitted after receipt of the December 2018 tax bill and are due by March 1, 2019. Applications are available on-line at the Town Office website or at the Assessor’s Office. These values do not include personal exemptions/credits such as elderly, veterans, blind, or solar.
The final assessments reveal the following information (based on MS-1 reports):
Total Assessed Value (Taxable & Exempt)
2017: $2,315,035,971
2018: $2,690,440,219
% Change: +16%
Total Assessed Value (Taxable Only)
2017: $1,025,191,052
2018: $1,201,295,722
% Change: +17%
Property Type % Change
Residential Properties: +14%
Vacant Land: +13%
Condominiums: +20%
Commercial: +23%
Per RSA 75:1, the municipality is required to maintain all property assessments at their fair and true value. The International Association of Assessing Officials (IAAO) has established statistical guidelines that were adopted by the NH Assessing Standards Board (ASB) and are enforced by the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA). If the municipality falls outside of the parameters set forth by IAAO, the municipality is required to update the assessments to bring them back in-line with these guidelines. Those standards, along with the results of Durham’s 2018 statistical update are as followed:
IAAO Standards 2017 2018
Median Ratio: 0.90 – 1.10 0.88 1.00
Coefficient of Dispersion (COD) < 0.20 .09 .05
Price Related Differential (PRD) 0.98 – 1.03 1.00 1.00
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Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. Courtesy Bernie Casey.
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PLACEMENT OF SIGNS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING
As election season approaches we would like to remind Durham’s citizens and individuals supporting various political campaigns of the state and local regulations for placement of political advertising. NH State RSA 664:17 regulates signs placed on or affixed to any public property including highway rights-of-way.
In a nutshell, political advertising may be placed within state-owned rights-of-way as long as the advertising does not obstruct the safe flow of traffic and the advertising is placed with the consent of the owner of the land over which the right-of-way passes (such as a private dwelling that has frontage on a State road). The RSA may be read HERE.
Medians within the State rights-of-way are a “no-place” zone, and will be removed by the State. One such median is the triangle planted and maintained by the Town of Durham in front of the historic Courthouse on the corner of Newmarket Road and Dover Road. We ask that no advertising material be placed in this median to be consistent with State law. Also, no advertising may be placed on the Town’s property including the rights-of-way; any such advertising will be removed and taken to a central location at the Transfer Station where it may be picked up if desired.
Political advertising is allowed on private property with the caveat that it does not create a safety hazard to traffic, pedestrians or ingress/egress from the property. Durham’s ordinance 175-126 B regarding political signage on private property may be read HERE
We thank you , and happy voting!
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
All Town Offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 3, 2018. Offices will reopen for business on Tuesday, September 4, 2018.
Although offices will be closed on Labor Day, there will be NO CHANGES TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION- please have all items out by 7am as per ordinance.
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RIVERWOODS DURHAM GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY IS TUESDAY, AUGUST 21st
Riverwoods Durham will celebrate the official groundbreaking of its new Durham facility along Dover Road/Stone Quarry Drive on Tuesday, August 21st.
We're very excited to see this dynamic new CCRC coming to town. According to Riverwoods, the project was 35 years in conception, and sold out in a record 29 selling days.
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FROM THE SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST
The Supervisors will hold a session at the Durham Town Hall on Tuesday, September 4 from 7:00 – 7:30 PM for the purpose of registering new voters. Proof of domicile is necessary, proofs of citizenship and ID are suggested. Driver’s license, passport and/or birth certificate are helpful. Check the town website for more information as to what can be used for proofs. THIS IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER BEFORE THE SEPTEMBER 11 PRIMARY. CHANGE OF PARTY IS NOT ALLOWED AT THIS TIME (RSA 654:34).
The last day to change party was June 5. Undeclared voters will be allowed to choose which ballot they wish to vote at the election and will then be given the opportunity to change back to Undeclared as soon as they have finished voting.
Voters who have already declared a party will need to vote only for that party.To check your party or the status of an absentee ballot, go to: https://app.sos.nh.gov/Public/PollingPlaceSearch.aspx. If you have registered to vote since early July you may not yet be entered until after September 4.
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EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, AUGUST 18. WILL CELEBRATE DURHAM'S WORKING LANDSCAPE OF FARMS, FORESTS, AND GARDENS
The Agricultural Commission is pleased to present the sixth annual Durham Farm Day, taking place on Saturday, August 18 from 10am to 7:30pm, at 10 different locations across town and campus. Activities will include farm tours, hayrides, milking of the dairy cows at UNH’s Fairchild Dairy, sheep shearing, and haying and plowing demonstrations with antique tractors. Walking tours of “Food Friendly Yards” in downtown Durham and tours of current research being conducted at UNH’s Woodman Horticultural Farm, please note pre-registration for tours is required. Local foods and cold drinks will be on sale at Emery Farm and Tecce Farm, and at Young’s Restaurant. The Durham Historic Association’s museum will be open. New this year, a picnic supper will be held at Town Landing; all are invited to bring their own picnic and the Durham Agricultural Commission will supply steamed sweet corn from Emery Farm and Tecce Farm. A full description of event times and locations is available HERE.
Please contact Theresa Walker of the Agricultural Commission for information, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226.
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CHECK OUT DURHAM'S PROMOTIONAL FILM
The Town has a short film showcasing the many positive attributes Durham has to offer -- a vibrant downtown business community, high quality schools, UNH, a rich history, magnificent natural environment, etc.
View this footage HERE.
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ORCSD SCHOOL BOARD DISCUSSES DESIGNATING 2ND TUES IN OCTOBER AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY
In September 2017, the Town Council adopted Resolution #2017-28 designating the second Monday in October as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in Durham, NH and reaffirming the Town’s commitment to promote understanding, friendship, and the well-being and growth of its and the region's indigenous community.
As part of those deliberations, Durham recognized that the Indigenous People have occupied land that would later become known as the Americas for 13,000 years prior to the arrival of European colonists.
English settlers arrived in the region in the 1620's, and initially, the settlers and Wabanaki lived in relative peace and shared and traded resources. But as the colonists' settlements expanded, disputes over land use and ownership multiplied. Social, economic, political, and religious differences led to confusing and hostile confrontations. Profound cultural and language barriers impeded understanding. As part of it's resolution, Durham acknowledged that the Town of Durham is built upon the homelands and villages of the indigenous people of this region and that those indigenous people assisted the colonists with knowledge and understanding on how to survive in an unfamiliar new land.
In addition, the Town Council believed it appropriate to celebrate the culture and values of indigenous people, and to reflect upon the historical offenses against and ongoing struggles of indigenous people.
On Wednesday of this week, the School Board took up a similar resolution and heard pubic comments that were universally in favor of this proposal. Town Council Chair Kitty Marple read a statement in favor of the initiative.
Because two School Board members were absent, the board continued the matter to its next meeting on August 29th.
Note that while Durham has designated the 2nd Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples' Day, Columbus Day is still celebrated as both a US and NH holiday.
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Three Chimney's Inn located on Route 108/Newmarket Road
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THE THREE CHIMNEYS INN - Built in 1649 is one of the oldest structures in Durham
High on a densely wooded hill overlooking the Oyster River and what was known in Durham's shipbuilding days as The Landing, is the Georgian style Hill-Woodman-Ffrost House, the rear section of which is believed to have been built in 1649.
In 1649, Valentine Hill, a Boston merchant, settled in Oyster River and soon after was granted 500 acres of land with accommodations for timber, including the Durham Falls area, a part of the present historic district. The house that he built on this land still stands (with various improvements and additions over the years) at the top of the hill overlooking the Oyster River. It is now The Three Chimneys Inn.
You can learn more about the modern Three Chimneys Inn at https://www.threechimneysinn.com
Is the Building haunted?
There are stories that a spirit lurks within the inn of a woman, Hannah, who drowned in the nearby Oyster River. It is said that one of Hannah’s most famous eccentricities is a hatred of all things new, most especially electronic devices.
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The image above shows the pastoral field entering Durham along Rt. 108. Admin. Selig has marked off the approx. location of the acreage that Dr. Meadows proposes to graciously donate to the Town. Courtesy Todd Selig
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GIFT OF 30 NEWMARKET ROAD OFFERED TO TOWN OF DURHAM AT NO COST
Long-time Durham resident (and retired UNH Professor) Dennis Meadows, Director and Treasurer of LaTaillede/USA, a non-profit NH corporation, has recently purchased and has approached the Town to donate to Durham the approx. 5.3 acre property along Newmarket Road directly adjacent to the so-called Mill Pond Center fields, upon which Durham (and the Southeast Land Trust) already holds a conservation easement. Many residents may not know that some of the most visible parts of the field comprising this gateway into town is in fact the 30 Newmarket Road parcel and NOT part of the former Mill Pond Center parcel. We are currently in the process of informing the various boards/committees with whom we'd typically confer for a proposal such as this and the Administrator's hope is to bring the matter to the Town Council for consideration of acceptance on September 17th.
This gift would be given to the Town of Durham to use, maintain, and administer in perpetuity as part of its conserved lands. The purpose is threefold:
1. Provide more opportunities for passive recreation within the town,
2. Facilitate the creation of safe, beautiful, and efficient pedestrian links from Route 108 to the town center, and
3. Maintain the scenic qualities of the pasture and woodlands observed from the Newmarket Road at the southern gateway to Durham.
Dr. Meadows' proposal is to preserve this important tract of land for the future in its natural state is absolutely wonderful and extraordinarily commendable.
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Police Officer Robert Keith - the newest member of Durham's Police Department. Courtesy Durham PD
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DURHAM'S NEWEST POLICE OFFICER BEGINS HIS CAREER
Robert Keith was sworn-in today as a Durham Police Officer. He is the 21st officer, a new position authorized by the Durham Town Council to commence after July 1st. Rob, as he prefers to be called, graduated from UMass Amherst with a BS in Sociology this past Spring and grew-up in Medford, Massachusetts. Rob was chosen at the conclusion of a comprehensive selection process that included an oral board which consisted of Durham residents Kate Dube and Councilor Al Howland. The Durham Police remain committed to involving residents in the process of identifying those persons ideally suited to work for the community of Durham and we appreciate the time committed by both Kate and Al to this process.
Officer Keith will attend the 177th NH Police Academy commencing Monday August 27th and will graduate the sixteen-week school on December 14th. Rob is shown having his badge pinned on by his father Mark Keith who is the Deputy Chief Police Chief at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
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MINOR SITE COMMITTEE
The site plan review is required for the development of, or any significant change to, a commercial or multi-unit residential property. Presently, virtually all proposals regardless of size are reviewed by the Planning Board. Town Planner Michael Behrendt, Economic Development Director Mary Ellen Humphrey, and Building Official Audrey Cline wrote a proposed amendment to the Site Plan Regulations to facilitate a simpler and quicker administrative review of minor development projects, such as construction of small additions or outbuildings, while ensuring that all issues are adequately addressed. The proposal will be presented to the Planning Board on August 22. If the board decides to move forward a public hearing will be scheduled.
The draft can be viewed HERE.
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UPDATE ON BEARDS CREEK FROM NHDOT
Town Engineer April Talon contacted NHDOT this week to get an update regarding the state's plans for Beards Creek. At this point, there is nothing new to report. NHDOT is discussing hiring an engineering firm to cost out either dam removal or armoring the road such that it wouldn’t wash out during a significant flood event.
NHDOT indicates that when the department determines what it is going to do there would likely be another public meeting.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT RADIO BROADCAST EQUIPMENT MOVING TO TOP OF STOKE HALL BY LADDER TRUCK
This week, after extensive discussions with UNH Facilities, the fire department staff began to move our radio transmission equipment from atop the Edgewood Rd. water tank -- which is slated to be taken down this fall/winter-- to the top of Stoke Hall. This equipment allows the fire department to broadcast its radio signal both on campus and off in Durham. The elevators in Stoke are all out of order undergoing repairs so the staff utilized the ladder truck.
The new location should give us better reception within campus buildings. There are numerous upgrades/enhancements needed within our radio system so stay tuned to the upcoming CIP/budget process this fall.
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY
It’s hard to believe the October is just around the corner, but unfortunately it is quickly approaching. The 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. See more details in the spring newsletter located on the DPW's web page HERE.
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NATURE CONSERVANCY PROPOSED LAND CONSERVATION PROJECTS
Jan McClure, Land Protection Director at the Nature Conservancy in Concord, will present two proposed land conservation projects to the Durham Conservation Commission at its meeting on Monday, August 27. The Nature Conservancy seeks to acquire: a) the 10.5 acre Lord Tract and add it to the existing 233 acre Nature Conservancy Lamprey River Preserve; and b) the 30 acre Walker Tract and add it to the existing 282 acre Nature Conservancy Lubberland Creek Preserve.
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A native bumble bee collects nectar on goldenrod at the Oyster River Forest, one of many wild bees in New Hampshire that help pollinate flowers and crops, including tomatoes, blueberries, and cucumbers. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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PEOPLE, POLLINATORS, AND PLANTS
The Town's land stewardship efforts this year are benefiting people, pollinators, and plants. Volunteers, interns, and contractors helped improve trails at Oyster River Forest, Thompson Forest, and Doe Farm. The Conservation Commission funded a biweekly mowing of trails at two of these conservation areas, although with the lush growth this year, it is not easy to keep up with rapidly growing vegetation. We continue to add interpretive information to our new kiosks, and have plans for more such improvements at other conservation areas next year, as well as continued trail work. Runners, walkers with and without dogs, birders, and mountain bikers are enjoying the trails.
Last week, Land Stewardship Coordinator Ellen Snyder co-led a group of 50 U.S. Forest Service regional staff on a tour of the Oyster River Forest, highlighting the Town’s commitment to forest management, shrub and young forest habitat management, protecting drinking water, and controlling invasive plants. Ellen spoke about the importance of partnerships in funding these efforts.
While celebrating the 6th Annual Durham Farm Day on Saturday, August 18th and Durham’s designation as a Bee City USA, it’s valuable to recognize the role of the Town’s conservation areas in promoting native plants and pollinators. Native bumble bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects are important pollinators of food crops. The U.S. grows more than 100 crops that either need or benefit from pollinators, and the economic value of these native pollinators is estimated at $3 billion per year. In Durham, we are managing parts of three conservation areas to promote native plants and pollinators: 60 acres at Oyster River Forest, 15 acres at Thompson Forest, and the approximately 60-acre meadow at Wagon Hill Farm.
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FOOD FRIENDLY YARD TOUR ON FARM DAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 18Th
Durham Agricultural Commission encourages home food production and small scale farming. Come participate in the Food Friendly Yards walking Tour on Durham Farm Day, August 18th at 1:00. See how your neighbors are using their yards to grow food and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife. We will tour 3 yards in the Faculty Neighborhood. Park and Meet on Mill Pond Rd. at 1:00 and walk to the first site on Chesley Drive. Registration is required by Friday, August 17. Please contact: Theresa Walker at 603-534-3913;or mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net.
Please include your phone number and email when you register.
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JUMP ABOARD AT THE DURHAM/UNH STATION AND RIDE THE AMTRAK GREAT DOME CAR IN AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Amtrak Great Dome Car, which will be operating on the following Downeaster trains August 11 - September 9, 2018:
MON - FRI: #680 • #681 • #686 • #687
SATURDAY: #690 • #691 • #698 • #699
SUNDAY: #692 • #693 • #696 • $697
Visit the Downeaster Dome Car web site for more information.
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Former Durham Courthouse. Watercolor by Charles J. Manuel
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DURHAM HISTORIC MUSEUM OPEN FOR THE SUMMER EVERY SATURDAY & TUESDAY
The Durham Historic Association Museum doors are open to the public again this summer - every Saturday and Tuesday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Explore Durham's 400 year history in eight chronological periods, from the 17th century to the present, in air-conditioned comfort. Come see the latest exhibits and improvements to this historic space. The museum is located on the second floor of the old brick Town Hall/District Court building at the traffic light on the corner.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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DURHAM DAY AT WAGON HILL FARM - Saturday, September 22, 2018
Free community BBQ, boat tours, informational booths, family activities, live music & more! Participation is FREE. Please contact Durham Parks & Recreation to set up a table/booth at Durham Day.
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Looking for a good book? The staff has some great picks for you. Stop by the library and check one out!
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1825 - Gen. Lafayette came to town on his tour of the state. He was met at the town line at Lee and escorted to the Town Hall. Bills for his entertainment included "2.00 for making cartridges for cannon" and for "spirits, Vituals etc. for from 150 to 200 for $150.00 to Benjamin Kelley, Dr."
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