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Tree located in the Memorial Park, downtown Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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The Town Council plans to hold a special meeting next Monday evening, December 10th, at 7 PM regarding the annual tree lighting event downtown.
The Administrator's recommendation, which may not be the final say as this is ultimately up to the Town Council, is to leave the secular annual Tree Lighting the way it is. It is simple, yet inclusive, and all are invited to partake of the light and warmth of the season. It also does not preclude the proud and important display of religious symbols on private property. View the Administrator's full recommendation HERE.
If residents would like to provide feedback, please write to mailto:council@ci.durham.nh.us. It would be welcomed.
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SHOP L8 FRIDAY
Celebrate Durham would like to invite everyone to enjoy Songs of the Season this Friday December 7th starting at 7PM. Look for local Girl Scout Troop #12025 dressed festively and singing in downtown Durham. Thank you, Durham House of Pizza, for feeding the singers before they head out to entertain us.
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THAT'S A WRAP!
Visit Santa's Work Shop at 64 Main Street right next to Town and Campus each Friday and Saturday during December leading up to Christmas to get gifts wrapped.
Friday Hours:
12/7 - 3 - 8PM
12/14 - 2 - 8PM
12/21 - 3 - 8PM
Saturday Hours:
12/8 - 11AM - 3PM
12/15 - 11AM - 3PM
Suggested donation of $5 per gift. Cash only.
All proceeds go to the following local non-profits: Freedom Cafe, Friends in Action, Growing Places/Timbernook, Oyster River Womenade, The Waysmeet Center, NH SPCA.
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EAT LOCAL ALL WINTER!
The Durham Agricultural Commission urges you to seek out locally grown and produced food this winter. Winter farmers’ markets in the region provide a sustainable source of income for more than 60 local farms and food businesses. Greens, such as lettuce and salad mixes, grown by these farmers travel an average of 25 miles to reach the winter farmers’ market, versus an average of nearly 900 miles for greens to reach the grocery store. A full list of winter farmers’ markets in our area is available on the Seacoast Eat Local website.
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TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS RESOLUTION CALLING ON THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO LEAD A GLOBAL EFFORT TO PREVENT NUCLEAR WAR
At its regular meeting this past Monday evening, the Durham Town Council adopted Resolution #2018-21 calling on the United States Government to lead a global effort to prevent nuclear war.
In June of this year, the United States Conference of Mayors resolved unanimously to urge our federal government to commit to reducing the nuclear threat and to engage other nations to follow suit. There is no winning a nuclear war and it is one more unnecessary stressor in our complex world.
The Durham Town Council decided to follow the example of this country’s mayors and is respectfully calling on the United States Government to lead a global effort to prevent nuclear war by:
- seeking and encouraging to the extent possible peaceful means to resolve conflict;
- renouncing the policy option of using nuclear weapons first;
- renouncing the policy option of sole authority of any President to launch a nuclear attack;
- carefully evaluating the plan to replace its entire arsenal with enhanced weapons prior to taking steps to do so; and
- actively pursuing a verifiable agreement among nuclear-armed states to eliminate their nuclear arsenals.
View the resolution in its entirety HERE.
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FREE HOLIDAY PARKING IN DOWNTOWN DURHAM - December 18th to January 1st.
In coordination with the Durham Business Association, the parking kiosks in the immediate downtown business area will allow free parking to encourage residents and others to shop the downtown during the holidays. The screen on the applicable kiosks will inform parkers of the free parking and will not accept any payment. No receipts on your dashboard will be required during the Holiday Parking period! The grace period that allows for free parking for shoppers will commence Wednesday December 19th and run through Tuesday January 1st! Merry Christmas!
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HOLIDAY REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE
The refuse and recycling collection will be altered for the following holidays:
NO COLLECTION on Tuesday, 12/25/18 (Christmas day), and Tuesday, 1/1/19 (New Years day). Day of collection will be pushed ahead one day for the rest of the week. There will be NO COMMERCIAL RECYCLING COLLECTION on Friday, 12/28/18 or Friday, 1/4/19. All items must be out by 7AM as always.
The Transfer Station will be CLOSED on Tuesday, 12/25/18 and Tuesday, 1/1/19 for the holidays. However, the Transfer Station will be open for shortened days on Wednesday, 12/26/18 and Wednesday, 1/2/19 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 Noon.
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Illustration of route for $2.68 million Dover Road Force Main project between pump station on Dover Road and WWTP. Courtesy DPW
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$2.68 MILLION DOVER ROAD FORCE MAIN PROJECT PROPOSED REFERENDUM TO BE PLACED ON THE MARCH 12, 2019 TOWN ELECTION BALLOT
At the January 7, 2019 Town Council meeting, the Council will hold a public hearing as required by RSA 33:8-d II (a) on a referendum question to be placed on the March 12, 2019 Town Election Ballot to authorize the issuance of not more than $2,680,000 of bonds or notes, issued in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33), for the construction of a new Dover Road Pump Station force main.
A second Public Hearing will be held on the referendum question for Monday, February 4, 2019, per RSA 33:8-d II (b).
The Town of Durham owns, operates and maintains 17 miles of sanitary sewer, including the existing 3,000-foot Dover Road Pump Station force main. The 18-inch asbestos-cement (AC) force main was originally installed in 1967 and conveys all the Town’s wastewater flows to the Durham Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). Because of the location and age of the force main, coupled with no immediate backup provisions, and the fact that it is a single point of failure, the existing force main was recommended for upgrade. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing force main with a new pipe located upland of the high tide line, along an accessible alignment.
The selected force main alignment will be routed along the shoulder of Route 108 (Dover Road) for approximately 400 linear feet, and then continue within the paved travel-way of Old Piscataqua Road. Old Piscataqua Road dead ends approximately 1,500 feet east of Dover Road. The sewer alignment will continue in an easterly direction through a short stretch of Town-owned property before entering NHDOT’s extended Route 4 road right-of-way. The force main alignment will parallel Route 4 and be approximately 100 feet south of the centerline of Route 4. West of the WWTF property, the force main alignment will turn and continue in a southerly direction. The force main alignment will cross a private property owned by UNH before entering the Town-owned WWTF property. The alignment ends at the southern side of the WWTF property where the force main will connect to the existing Headworks building.
The total anticipated length of the new future force main piping is approximately 3,400 linear feet of 20-inch HDPE.
The existing force main will remain in service to provide redundancy to the system. Following the completion of the construction of the new force main the Town will investigate the interior condition of the existing force main to determine if any modifications or improvements need to be made.
To take advantage of the cost-savings associated when combining projects, the proposed 2019 CIP also includes $350,000 to design and construct a replacement water main within the same contract as the force main replacement project. To design and construct the water main in a stand-alone project could cost the Town anywhere from $750,000 - $1M.
Town Engineer April Talon will provide an update regarding this project at the Town Council meeting on Monday evening, December 3rd.
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ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE CLOSED FROM DEC 24, 2018 THROUGH JAN 1, 2019
Due to vacation scheduling, the Administrator's Office will be closed beginning Monday, December 24, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2019. The office will reopen on Wednesday, January 2, 2018.
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NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2018
Due to vacation schedules, there will be no "Friday Updates" published on December 28, 2018.
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TOWN PLANNER MICHAEL BEHRENDT GIVES PRESENTATION ON RECENT CHANGES IN DURHAM'S FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY ORDINANCE
Town Planner Michael Behrendt gave a presentation yesterday at the Coastal Adaptation Workshop for flood plain administrators about recent changes in Durham’s Floodplain Overlay Ordinance. The workshop was held at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Greenland. Due to the expected rise in sea level in coming years, the extent of flooding in certain tidal areas along Little Bay and the Oyster River will be greater. The national flood maps do not yet consider these changes so each city or town has the option of incorporating the projected higher levels of flooding at its option.
There are three different scenarios for sea level rise as shown on this graphic: low, medium, and high – as shown here: [include graphic below] The Town of Durham decided to not require property owners to elevate new construction to projected future levels but rather to educate them about the expected rise and encourage them to do so. We specifically recommend elevating buildings to the levels shown at the moderate level as shown in this image: [show attached graphic above]. The flood plain is shown in green. The red shows the area affected by sea level rise. When a property owner applies for a building permit in one of these areas, the Building Official will discuss what is recommended. There will be very few sites affected since, fortunately, in Durham, the projected impacts of sea level rise are not significant beyond a few particular areas. We believe that Durham was the first community in New Hampshire to adopt this type of zoning provision.
As part of these recent amendments Durham enacted an additional requirement to increase the elevation 2 feet above the base flood elevation, called “freeboard,” to allow an extra measure of protection, as flood levels can reach the base level (i.e. finished floor of living space) in which case flooding still occurs causing significant damage.
View the Moderate Sea Level Rise graphic HERE.
View the Project Sea Level Rise in NH graphic HERE.
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CHANGES TO DURHAM'S RECYCLING PROGRAM IN 2019
One of the goals of the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee and the Durham Town Council has been to encourage recycling.
In the past, we collected paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal, and used the revenue they generated to help offset the cost of Durham's solid waste program. It was cost-effective and good for our environment.
Unfortunately, the global markets for these materials have dramatically changed and have greatly reduced our revenue. This has forced Durham to ponder how to continue recycling in a cost-effective manner.
View more information on the Celebrate Durham website HERE.
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HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION REVIEWS APPLICATION FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE ON VACANT WOODED LOT IN THE DISTRICT
The site at 23 Newmarket Road is located behind (to the east of) the General Sullivan House with frontage on a hill overlooking the Oyster River. The prospective buyers are Alan and Debi Garlick who built a new single-family house in Deerfield, Massachusett’s historic district a number of years ago. The architect is Charles Hoyt located in Rye, NH. Mike Sievert of MJS Engineering developed the site plan.
The property is Map 6, Lot 11-6.
View the documents related to the application HERE.
View the main house elevation HERE.
View the aerial photo HERE.
The HDC will hold a site walk at the property on Friday, December 21, at 2:30 pm and a public hearing on the application on January 3.
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DURHAM RECEIVES QUARTER MILLION DOLLARS FOR WAGON HILL FARM LIVING SHORELINE PROJECT
It is with great pleasure we announce the Wagon Hill Farm Living Shoreline Project in Durham has been recommended for funding through the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund Program. On November 13, 2018 the NH Wetland Council voted to accept the recommendations of the Site Selection Committee and approve $250,000 of funding to create 0.36 acre living shoreline along the tidal Oyster River to restore lost and degraded salt marsh, address erosion, prepare for sea-level rise, and provide public education opportunities.
The recommendations were also approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As part of the program, a 0.36-acre living shoreline will be constructed to improve ecosystem services including high quality habitat, nitrogen cycling, carbon storage, and enable salt marsh migration on the Oyster River. There will be 296 feet of shoreline regraded and planted to restore the salt marsh and tidal buffer.
Kudos are extended to Public Works Director Mike Lynch, UNH, and NHDES for their partnership in working with Durham to secure these funds.
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18 MAIN STREET
The Planning Board is now reviewing a site plan and conditional use application to enlarge the parking lot behind the multi-unit building at 18 Main Street. Pete Murphy is the property owner and Mike Sievert is the design engineer. The lot would serve the residents of 18 Main Street as well as tenants of some other buildings owned by Mr. Murphy. The access into the site would need to be expanded to accommodate the additional traffic. Mr. Murphy also owns a lot behind 18 Main Street at 25 Cowell Drive. He sought a variance to allow for access into the site from that lot, required because 25 Cowell Drive is zoned residential, but the Zoning Board of Adjustment denied the variance. The property is situated to the west of St. George’ s Church and two lots to the east of the Post Office. The site is also located in the Historic District so the HDC is reviewing it now. The project will be presented to the Planning Board on December 12. The HDC is holding a public hearing on the application on February 7.
The documents related to the Planning Board and HDC applications can be viewed at the following two links:
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_planning/site-plan-conditional-use-18-main-street
https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_historic/new-paved-parking-lot-18-main-street
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READY RIDES SERVES THE GREATER DURHAM COMMUNITY
Ready Rides is a volunteer driver program which assists the elderly and handicapped get to medical and dental appointments when they cannot drive themselves. Ready Rides serves the communities of Barrington, Durham, Lee, Madbury, Newfields, Newmarket, Northwood,Nottingham, and Strafford.
The organization provides free curb to curb transportation by volunteers, driving their own car.
Volunteers choose when they can provide rides, distance, and time of day. All volunteer drivers are vetted and trained for the safety of the clients. Drivers receive .35 cents reimbursement per mile to cover expenses. Help your neighbors stay in their homes as they age by improving their access to medical care.
Persons interested in becoming a Ready Rides volunteer driver may call (603) 244-8719, mailto:info@readyrides.org and check Ready Rides out on the web HERE.
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DURHAM SWAP SHOP UPDATE - Due to the inclement and snowy weather, furniture, rugs, and stuffed/upholstery items will no longer be accepted until the weather changes in the spring.
Despite the early cold weather, the Swap Shop is accepting items on Tuesdays and Saturdays until 2:30! Due to the inclement and snowy weather, furniture, rugs, and stuffed/upholstery items will no longer be accepted until the weather changes in the spring. We are sorry but the Swap Shop just doesn’t have the room to store these items when the weather is messy.
Please also know that the Swap Shop is still in need of more volunteers! There are times on Tuesdays and Saturdays when there may not be a volunteer. If you do drop off items, it is helpful if you could please place the items INSIDE (where they go) in the Swap Shop. Leaving items outside in a box or bag could mean the items may get ruined due to the weather. Thank you for your help with this concern.
The Swap Shop would like to thank the two new volunteers who have generously stepped forward and signed-up online to volunteer! We welcome Alfred and Donna and hope others decide to offer three hours every few months. Your time while volunteering goes quickly as you chat with others, help organize items, and feel the warm sun on a late Fall/early Winter day!
Please mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com or call the Durham Public Works Department at 603-868-5578 between 8:00-4:30 and leave your name.
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WINTER PARKING BAN - Nov. 1st thru April 1st
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2016. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town-owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But, the Winter Parking Ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM.
As the ordinance states: “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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2019 FARMERS MARKET LOCATION TO BE DURHAM TOWN HALL PARKING LOT
Next year’s Seacoast Growers Association market in Durham will be held at the Town Hall on the Church Hill side on Monday afternoons from late-spring through early-fall. We look forward to providing a more prominent and convenient location for the market as part of our support for local agriculture.
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MILL PLAZA IS A PRIVATE PARKING LOT
The Mill Plaza parking lot is not a public parking lot and if you are not shopping, dining or visiting one of the businesses in the Mill Plaza, your vehicle can be “booted”. The Durham Police have been advised by the complex management that parking lot attendants will be using a mechanical boot on cars that are parked illegally. As this is private property, the use of the mechanical boot is allowed under New Hampshire law, as is the towing of a vehicle. New signs have been placed prominently throughout the parking area advising persons of the booting and towing for those not legitimately using the parking lot to conduct business within the plaza. While the Durham Police have had several complaints from persons having their vehicle booted, it is purely a civil matter and does not involve the Durham Police who cannot intervene in this private/civil matter.
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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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Join Durham Public Library as we welcome Durham resident Mary Ann Esposito, for a Book talk and Signing.
Thursday, December 13th, 6:00 -7:30 pm
Mary Ann Esposito is an American chef, cookbook writer, and the television host of Ciao Italia with Mary Ann Esposito, which started in 1989 and remains the longest-running television cooking program in America. Esposito has published over a dozen cookbooks and will be signing her latest cookbook, Ciao Italia: My Lifelong Food Adventures in Italy.
Pre-order your copy of her book on the DPL website. Books are $40 and will be ready for pick-up and signing at the event! Cash and checks accepted.
ALSO . . .
Join us for STEAM Saturday for a "Recycled Snowman" craft
on December 15th at 10:30 am.
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*Academic year commenced August 24th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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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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1861 - According to a detailed report, compiled by Lucien Thompson, there were 80 citizens who served in he Civil War. Enlistees from other towns or Durham men who joined elsewhere are not included in this count. There were 7 fatalities, but many were wounded.
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