Friday Updates - February 14, 2025

Friday, February 14, 2025

Emma Louise (Wood) Rous, age 80, of Durham, passed away on February 1, 2025, at her home following a year and a half bout with cancer. For 53 years, she was the beloved wife of Walter Rous.

Her BA was from Mount Holyoke College and her masters in education from Columbia University. She began her teaching career at Weeks Jr. High in Newton, MA and taught English at Oyster River High School for more than 20 years, where she developed a course called Literature and the Land, and wrote a book of the same title. 

Emma represented the Durham-Lee-Madbury district in the NH State Legislature for eight years, six of which she chaired the Education Committee. She was a member of Temple Israel in Portsmouth, the Farmers Hill Group of East Andover, ME, and the J Street NH Chapter. 

To see more of Emma's obituary, click HERE.

A view from Wagon Hill Farm Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

Happy Valentine's Day!

Monday is Presidents' Day. While it's a Federal holiday, Town Offices will be open.

The West Foss Farm guided Trail Walk scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed to Sunday, February 23, at 10:00 a.m. due to the incoming snowstorm.

The Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop scheduled for this Sunday (see below) has been canceled due to the incoming snowstorm. Saturday's Workshop is still on.

Durham Public Works is preparing for its 7th winter storm response in 18 days. A parade of storm events that began on January 29 has resulted in 23.3” of snow and 2.84” of quantitative precipitation over the period ending Friday, February 14th, demanding extraordinary effort from the DPW snow and ice control team. Despite facing significant headwinds, including limited staffing and ongoing Departmental maintenance responsibilities, the Snow Fighting Team has worked hard, often logging 70+ hour weeks, to ensure safe and passable roadways for the community.

DPW would like to remind the motoring public that maintaining safe and passable roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots is a priority during a snow and ice event. Some safety suggestions...

• Slow down and allow extra space within the vicinity of snow fighting equipment.
• Be mindful of roadway conditions and avoid parking on the street during snow and ice events to maximize the efficiency of snow removal operations.
• Don't pass snow plows unless it is safe to do so.

UNH President Elizabeth Chilton's delivered the annual State of the University address on February 11, 2025. Here are some takeaways...

Budget Challenges: President Chilton addressed a projected budget deficit of $15-20 million for fiscal year 2026, highlighting the financial challenges facing the university.

Enrollment Stabilization: A positive note was the steady enrollment for the first time since 2017, indicating a potential turnaround in student recruitment and retention. Yet enrollment headwinds remain.

Freedom of Speech: Chilton emphasized the importance of supporting freedom of speech on campus, regardless of content. She mentioned ongoing work to implement recommendations from a working group to ensure clarity and consistency in this area.

Strategic Plan Development: The president outlined the process for developing the UNH 2030 strategic plan, which will involve engagement from the entire university community, including all three campuses and extension offices.

Four Strategic Pillars: Chilton elaborated on the four pillars of the upcoming 2030 strategic plan:

1. Making UNH a first-choice destination for New England students
2. Focusing on distinct interdisciplinary programs and research strengths
3. Demonstrating commitment to well-being and belonging at UNH and within host communities like Durham
4. Showcasing UNH's impact on the state of New Hampshire.

Provost Search: Chilton mentioned that finalist interviews for a new Provost position would be announced in the coming weeks, with the aim of welcoming the new Provost in July. 

Preserving Academic Programs: In addressing budget challenges, Chilton expressed a desire to preserve academic programs as much as possible, recognizing them as core to the university's mission.

Accountability: The president emphasized that while input would be sought from various university leaders, she would take full responsibility for the decisions made during the upcoming budget process.

Optimism for the Future: Despite the challenges, she expressed hope and a sense of purpose for UNH's future, describing it as a pivotal moment in the university's history.

DURHAM TO OPPOSE HB 457, WHICH AIMS TO STRIKE DOWN A MUNICIPALITY’S LONGSTANDING ZONING POWERS RELATING TO THE COMMERCIAL USE OF PROPERTIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENT HOUSING 

A state representative from Hillsborough, working closely with local landlord Jeffrey Berlin, is the prime sponsor of a bill introduced once again this year that would have negative impacts for the Durham community. HB 457 as introduced would...

• strike down any ordinance that restricts the number of occupants of any dwelling unit to less than 2 occupants per bedroom; AND
• overturn any zoning ordinance within a municipality that discriminates based on the familial or non-familial relationships or marital status among the occupants of the dwelling unit, including but not limited to college students. 

As reported over the last several months, Durham is currently in the process of updating its zoning (the so-called no more than 3-unrelated rule) pertaining to the commercial use of college student rental housing.

Durham sees HB 457 as problematic not only for this community, but for other college towns like Hanover, Keene, Plymouth, New London, Rindge, Manchester, and for the state as a whole.

Durham plans to oppose HB 457 at a public hearing next week before the NH House Committee on Housing on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1 PM, in the Legislative Office Building (LOB) Rm. 305. 

Durham House Rep. Al Howland has crafted and plans to introduce an amendment to HB 457 (January 28, 2025, 2025-0125h, 09/02), that would eliminate the problematic language in HB 457 and replace it with a more reasonable guardrail that would prohibit municipalities from adopting any occupancy ordinance that is more restrictive than allowed by the state fire code, RSA 153:1, VI-a. (See Rep. Howland’s amendment HERE.) We believe Rep. Howland’s amendment to be workable if the House Committee on Housing believes a change to current law is ultimately needed. 

If HB 457 is of concern to Durham residents, we recommend they sign in on-line at https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx to oppose the bill. 

A draft copy of Town Council Resolution #2025-02 can be downloaded HERE. The Resolution will be taken up by the Durham Council on February 17 to potentially bring with a delegation from Durham to Tuesday’s hearing at 1 PM.

Durham has reached out to other NH college communities, as well as to the NH Municipal Association, to encourage them to express concern relative to HB 457.  

UPDATE ON PROCESS FOR REMOVAL OF MILL POND DAM

Key Points:

• The Town of Durham continues project planning to remove the Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River due to concerns regarding its structural integrity and stability and to improve habitat for anadromous fish.
• The Town is also advancing a related project that will install upstream fish passage on the Oyster Reservoir Dam (aka the “UNH Dam”).
• The project is funded by more than $4.0 million in state and federal grants.
• This past Wednesday, February 12, 2025, DPW and our consultant team submitted a detailed 41-page information package to NHDES responding to their comments on the wetland permit application. We expect to hear back from NHDES Wetlands Bureau within 30 days.
• To offset these increased costs the Town submitted this week an additional grant application for $957,332 through NOAA.
• Construction could begin as early as summer 2025, though a 2026 construction schedule may be necessary depending upon the ongoing permitting/funding process.

The proposed work will include the restoration of the Oyster River channel upstream of the dam and invasive species management in the drained impoundment area.

Among the numerous ecological benefits, this restoration project will improve upstream fish passage, restore the natural functions and values of the Oyster River, increase habitat diversity, and allow tidal flow to extend farther upstream. Extensive coordination with various parties (such as the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), US Army Corps of Engineers, NH Natural Heritage Bureau, NH Fish and Game Department, NH Division of Historical Resources, Durham Conservation Commission, and many others) has been crucial for the permitting process and will be ongoing throughout construction.

A Standard Dredge and Fill Wetlands Permit Application was submitted to the NHDES for the Mill Pond Dam removal in February 2024. NHDES issued comments on the application package in May, including many detailed technical comments. Durham has now responded to those detailed technical comments.

Several design changes were incorporated to respond to the agency reviews. One of the more significant adjustments was a reduction in the overall slope (i.e., lowering) of the restored channel to address concerns related to sediment transport and maximizing tidal inundation in the restored area. The agency comments also recommended the addition of outlet energy dissipation control and defined channels to convey the runoff from the existing storm drain outfalls to the restored Oyster River.

These design modifications have led to increased earthwork, disposal and channel surfacing costs with an associated increase in construction administration time to oversee the more significant construction activities. Perhaps most importantly, the project team originally estimated 3,000 cubic yards of sediment removal and disposal. However, the revised design now calls for an estimated 5,527 cubic yards of sediment removal and disposal. Additionally, inflation within the construction industry has also increased the estimated construction cost. To offset these increased costs the Town recently submitted an additional grant application for $957,332 through NOAA as part of a new grant round funding opportunity titled Restoring Fish Passage though Barrier Removal under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

Permitting through the NHDES Shoreland Program will also occur for impacts proposed within the 250-foot Protected Shoreland of the Oyster River, beyond the limits of Mill Pond. These reviews will ensure that this project complies with all applicable state and federal environmental regulations related to wetlands and streams.

The dam removal is subject to review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, which requires the federal agencies leading the project to identify and evaluate the impacts the project may have on historic and archaeological resources. Section 106 is a four step consultation processes, and as part of that process the Town, US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NH Division of Historical Resources (NHDHR) have been regularly meeting with a large number of “consulting parties,” which include property owners, the Durham Historic District/Heritage Commission, Durham Historic Association, Tribal representatives, conservation organizations, and others with an interest in historic resources. 

The agencies and consulting parties have worked through the first three steps, identifying the historic and archaeological resources through research and surveys and assessing the adverse effects that would be caused by the dam’s removal. A consulting party meeting was held on March 26, 2024 where the Town, agencies, and consulting parties developed a mitigation package to offset the adverse effect caused by the project. These mitigation measures will be written into a Memorandum of Agreement to be signed by the Town, NHDHR, NOAA, and the Corps.

The Town has also taken steps to advertise the project for construction bids. Given the complex nature of dam removal and river restoration construction, the Town’s process included a pre-qualification step to ensure that only bids from well qualified contractors will be considered. In March 2024 the Town issued a public notice soliciting qualifications packages from all interested contractors. The Town received prequalification statements from six contractors based in NH, Maine, and Massachusetts. Upon reviewing those statements, the Town notified five of those contractors that they met the prequalification criteria and will be allowed to bid on the project. Once the Town and VHB have resolved all permitting issues, full bid documents will be made available to those five qualified contractors to submit competitive bids for construction.

The project team is also working on two related efforts – improving fish passage on the Oyster Reservoir Dam (the “UNH Dam”) upstream of the Mill Pond Dam, and planning improvements to the Mill Pond Park to adapt that public space to the restored Oyster River. Mill Pond Park improvement planning is also progressing, and a draft of that plan is expected later this year.

Contingent on a number of factors, the Town now plans to begin removing the dam and restoring the river in the summer of 2025. The Town also hopes to begin work on the Oyster Reservoir Dam in 2025, pending successful final design, permitting, and bidding processes.

More information about this project is available through the Town's website HERE.

Following approval of the project by the Town Council in December, the Project Team has finalized contract requirements with Milestone Construction of Concord NH for the historic restoration of the Bickford Chesley Farmhouse. The total contract value is $1,849,416 and includes $286,600 in funding from the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).

The project will provide complete rehabilitation of the farmhouse, including first floor exhibit space, improvements to the barn for 3-season use, fire protection and life safety, restrooms, structural repairs, and full occupancy of the 2nd floor, which will be suitable for full occupancy and caretaker's quarters. 

The project funding was approved as part of the FY 2025 capital budget with a recommendation for the proposed Milestone Construction’s contract approval anticipated to take place during the March 3rd Town Council meeting. 

All property owners are entitled to resident/taxpayer stickers. These stickers allow vehicle admission to the Raymond A. Laroche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center.

The sticker also enables residents to park downtown in the Bobcat Corner Lot (formerly Sammy's Lot) and on the north side of Main Street (Clark's American Bistro side of the street) between Pettee Brook Lane and Madbury Road for an additional hour free.

Rules for Obtaining a Resident Sticker

1.  Please have your license plate number ready. You must know your vehicle license plate number when obtaining a sticker. Having your vehicle registration handy when visiting the office is helpful. You may bring in your family member’s registration or a snapshot of their registration if you need multiple stickers, but a clerk or staff member cannot look this up for you (see important note below). 

2.  Proof of residency or property ownership – a clerk can look this up or you may provide a document that shows you are a resident. Acceptable proof could be a utility bill, lease agreement, or tax bill. Electronic versions are accepted. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Residents often visit the Durham Town Clerk’s office or the Public Work’s Department without their license plate numbers or vehicle registrations. Residents may ask, “Why can’t the clerk or staff member just look up my license plate number?” The Town of Durham tries its very best to accommodate residents. However, NH Driver’s Privacy Laws are now being strictly enforced by the NH-DMV and NH State Police. These laws protect you, keeping your license plate number and personal information private. Please click HERE for more information on NH RSA 260:14.

Resident Stickers are available at:

Durham Town Hall

Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office

8 Newmarket Road

Durham, NH 03824

Open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Durham Public Works Department.

100 Stone Quarry Drive

Durham, NH 03714

Open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-Noon, 12:30pm-4:30pm

The 2024 Town Reports are now available in the Clerk's Office of the Town Hall and at the Durham Public Library. A digital, color copy can be found HERE. A "thank you" goes out to John Parsons for providing us with this year's cover - a beautiful fall photo of the General Sullivan Monument.

American skier Grace Henderson recently won a silver medal at the X Games Aspen 2025. Henderson has been on the U.S. Ski Team since 2022.

In her final attempt, Henderson came in clutch when it mattered. She stomped a left-side 1080 with a perfectly capped blunt grab to impress the judges and fans alike. Holding that blunt grab right on the tail of the skis is so difficult, as announcer and X Games gold medalist Maggie Voisin pointed out. Henderson made it look too easy but was clearly over-the-moon storming into the finish.

In the Women's Big Air event, Flora Tabanelli of Italy won the gold medal, and Tess Ledeux of France took home the bronze.

Grace is the daughter of Durham residents Mark and Chris Henderson who live in Durham. Her brother Hunter also skies competitively. Grace grew up in Madbury.

On Friday January 31, 2025, the CPCNH Board of Directors voted to raise default supply rates.

The “Granite Basic” rate for residential and small commercial customers will move to 9.7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up from the 8.9 cent rate the Board approved on January 2, 2025. The 8.9 cent rate will be in effect for February. The 9.7 rate will go into effect in early March through July 2025. CPCNH (and Durham Community Power by extension utilizing CPCNH rates) works to provide the lowest rates possible while covering costs and maintaining financial stability.

Why is CPCNH Adjusting Rates?

CPCNH has adjusted rates to ensure rates cover costs. CPCNH was negotiating a power purchase agreement with a local generator to meet a significant portion of our energy needs. This agreement did not come to fruition. CPCNH closed market hedges to manage its position and adjusted rates accordingly.

Competitive Rates and Savings Over Time

Since launching in early 2023, Community Power has introduced more competition and product options for nearly 200,000 electric customers in New Hampshire. Customers can easily choose from options including 33%, 50%, or 100% renewable energy on a month-to-month basis and can move between Community Power, utility supply options, and third-party providers.

From launch in April 2023 through July 2025, CPCNH’s Granite Basic will have averaged:

• 15.3% savings relative to Unitil’s supply rate
• 12.3% savings relative to Liberty’s supply rate
• 8.7% savings relative to Eversource’s supply rate
• Less than a percent difference from NH Electric Cooperative’s supply rate

CPCNH is pleased to have generated over $20 million in customer energy savings for New Hampshire.

Customers may make product elections by visiting www.CommunityPowerNH.gov, calling 1-866-603-7697, or by emailing info@CommunityPowerNH.gov. Additional rate options are available at: https://www.energy.nh.gov/engyapps/ceps/shop.aspx

Though hard to discern, those are turkeys in the trees off of Woodridge Road where they roost every evening at dusk. Courtesy, Jim & Nancy Hornbeck

Did You Know?  Recycling at Staples

You may be bringing your tech, ink/toner and batteries to your local Staples store for recycling, but did you know there are many other items you can also recycle at Staples? Below please find a list of new additional items that are now accepted for recycling at Staples:

• Backpacks & lunch bags 
• Binders & zipper binders 
• Crayons & colored pencils 
• Glue sticks & bottles (empty)
• Pencils & pencil pouches
• Pens, markers & highlighters 
• Rulers & drafting tools 
• Bags & luggage 

To see a complete list of all items accepted for recycling at Staples, please click on this link: https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling#rec

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: https://recyclesmartma.org/

FRUIT TREE PRUNING WORKSHOP THIS SATURDAY

There will be a series of fruit tree pruning workshops in the month of February within the watershed community. These workshops will be held in different locations from 1-4pm. During the workshop, we will go over techniques and practices of pruning with Bryan Cassidy who will support participants to actively engage in pruning in the later part of the workshop.

Bryan believes that pruning fruit trees benefits the ecosystem (wildlife and human) through shelter, fruit, and health but maybe more importantly our interdependence of belonging and supporting the abundant gifts that come from a little attention close at hand and foot. Bryan dreams of a posse of pruners, all reimagining and engaging in the magic of fruits and trees still here. 

When: 1-4pm.

• Saturday February 15th: Emery Farm (older apples, blueberries) 147 Piscataqua Rd, Durham, NH
• CANCELED - Sunday February 16th: LaRoche Farm (varying ages of apples) 41 Bennett Road Durham NH
• Saturday February 22nd: Tuckaway Farm (blueberries) 36 Captain Smith Emerson Rd, Lee, NH

What to bring: Wardrobe for the weather, water/snacks, and any tools available to you (loppers, pruning saw, pole saw, gloves, safety glasses to prevent falling wood shavings from saw cuts.) 

Cost: Suggested Donation of $10 to Bryan Cassidy by cash or check are welcome. No one will be turned away related to cost, please be welcome as you are.  

Please RSVP to bryancassidy77@gmail.com or with any further questions!

CIRCLE DANCE FRIDAYS AT COMMUNITY CHURCH OF DURHAM

Come learn dances from a multi-cultural folk dance background on Fridays, February 28, March 28, April 25, & May 23, from 6:00-7:30pm, at the Community Church of Durham, 17 Main St, Durham NH 03825.

The dances will be accessible to many ages, body types and experience levels. Steps taught at all dance sessions. No experience or partner needed. Cost: sliding scale of $5-25. For more info email dance@livinglandpermaculture.com

The Oyster River Cooperative School District wishes to recognize Durham Police Officer Michael Nicolosi on National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, recognized annually on Feb. 15 by the National Association of School Resource Officers. 

A School Resource Officer is a full-time law enforcement officer trained in school-based, community-oriented policing. The position is one of the most important roles for both police departments and school districts, serving as a liaison between educators and law enforcement, a friendly face, and a helping hand in the community. 

Oyster River schools have benefited from Officer Nicolosi’s expertise for five years. During that time, Nicolosi has immersed himself within each school community, developing strong relationships with students and staff. Nicolosi is remarkably supportive and proud of the students he serves and is among the District's biggest Bobcat Boosters. 

Officer Nicolosi is a regular presence in Oyster River schools during and outside the regular school day, where he engages in outreach and promotes positive interactions with law enforcement. Officer Nicolosi assists with conflict resolution efforts and works with administrators to offer professional development opportunities to faculty and staff. He also offers classroom presentations at Oyster River High School where he speaks about law enforcement, civil rights, and forensics.

In November 2024, Nicolosi visited the Preschool Education Program and spoke to students about the role police officers have in the community. Students also learned about the equipment officers use and saw the inside of Nicolosi's police cruiser. 

"One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as the School Resource Officer is the opportunity to provide students, families, and staff with a sense of security. In addition to the safety that my position provides, I enjoy interacting with the students and having the opportunity to witness their educational journey as they pursue their goals," said Officer Nicolosi. "I am proud to be able to offer guidance, support and encouragement to students. My goal will always be to help students develop as outstanding citizens who will positively impact the community and world around them."

 Other responsibilities of School Resource Officers include: 

• Working with guidance counselors and other student support staff to assist students and to provide services to students involved in situations where referrals to service agencies are necessary.
• Assisting in conflict resolution efforts.
• Making themselves visible within the school community by attending and participating in school functions.
• Giving assembly presentations on school safety, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and online safety.
• Initiating interactions with the students in the classroom and general areas of the school building.
• Promoting the profession of police officer, being a positive role model and increasing the visibility and accessibility of police to the school community.

"Officer Nicolosi goes above and beyond for our students and staff every day to make sure they are supported and feel safe," said Superintendent Shaps. "We are proud to have him serve as a role model and a source of comfort for our students. On behalf of the entire Oyster River community, I would like to thank Officer Nicolosi and the Town of Durham for their continued support and dedication." 

The Oyster River Girls track team won their 3rd straight Division II State Championship on February 8. The Durham Police gave the team an escort back into town after their win.

Oyster River scored 80 points and easily outdistanced the 26-team field. Hollis-Brookline was second with 30 points, and Belmont was third with 29.

To read the full article on Seacoastonline, click HERE. Congratulations!

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

All Oyster River schools will be closed February 24-28 for February Break.

Oyster River Middle School MATHCOUNTS Club

On February 5, the Oyster River Middle School (ORMS) MATHCOUNTS competition team earned first place in the Seacoast regional finals at UNH. The team will next compete in the state championship in Concord on March 15. In addition to the competition team, three students entered the competition as individuals. Additional information is available HERE.

2025 R.E.A.C.H. Summer Camps

ORCSD is collaborating again this year with the Town of Durham Parks & Recreation Department (DPR) to provide unique and engaging camp opportunities for Oyster River students between June 30 and August 1, 2025. R.E.A.C.H. Summer Camp's registration will open on Wednesday, February 19, at 7:00 a.m. Camp registration can be completed through DPR's RecDesk portal and will remain open through April 18 or until full. For a complete catalogue of all programs and to register, click HERE.

ORCSD Proposed Budget and Capital Planning

The ORCSD FY26 operating budget warrant articles will be on the ballot on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. A summary is available HERE and budget documents are available on the District website HERE. The District also created a Capital Planning webpage to provide additional information about capital plan initiatives which can be accessed HERE.

ORCSD Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year will be open from January 28 to February 7, 2025. Registrations for all incoming kindergarten students will be accepted in person only during the daytime and evening sessions listed HERE. If you cannot come in person on these dates, you may complete registration forms at the SAU office between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. starting Monday, February 10.

February 19 Information Session

A community information session to provide details about ORCSD's capital plan and Warrant #5. NOVO Studio architects will be there to answer questions. The session is from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Morse Recital Hall at Oyster River Middle School (1 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824).

March 5 Oyster River High School Art Show

The Oyster River High School (ORHS) Art Department presents Creating Connections, an exhibition of the 2025 Scholastic Art Award entries (drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography). At the Durham Public Library (49 Madbury Rd, Durham, NH 03824). The public reception is on March 5, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

March 11 - Annual Meeting Session II - Voting Day - Vote in Town of Residence

• Durham: Oyster River High School, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Lee: Lee Safety Complex, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Madbury: Madbury Town Hall, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wagon Hill Farm on a winter's day. Courtesy, Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

STRAFFORD REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION ASKING FOR COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SURVEY AS THEY UPDATE THEIR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The Strafford Regional Planning Commission has recently announced the start of Forward Thinking: A Comprehensive Plan for the Strafford Region, which is a project to update the region’s comprehensive plan.

A comprehensive or master plan reflects the values, priorities, needs, and aspirations of the residents, businesses, and communities in the region, and ensures their voices and perspectives act as the foundation to the plan. Topics covered in this comprehensive plan update include Land Use & Environment, Housing, Transportation, and Economic Development. This plan will act as a visionary framework for the Strafford region, which includes all of Strafford County, the towns of Brookfield and Wakefield in Carroll County, and the towns of Newmarket, Nottingham, and Northwood in Rockingham County.

Engagement, feedback, and input gathering are key to ensuring the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the region. The first component of our outreach is via a region-wide survey to gather input from residents, businesses, municipal leaders, service providers, and other stakeholders. Your help in taking this survey will be instrumental to making this outreach a success. The more voices we hear from in the survey, the more representative and informative the feedback will be.

To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan and to take the survey, click HERE.