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 NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ...
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A fresh pie to ring in 2014. Courtesy Todd Selig
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While we have been lucky in Durham thus far this winter to avoid power outages, if residents have generators, it is important to run them from time to time to ensure they are functioning properly. Don’t wait for an emergency to learn that your generator does not work!
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FILING PERIOD FOR LOCAL ELECTIVE OFFICES
The filing period for local Durham elective offices opens on January 22, 2014 and closes on January 31, 2014 at 5 PM. Positions that are up for election in 2014 include:
3 Councilors (3 yr. term)
2 Durham Library Board of Trustees (3 yr. term)
1 Supervisor of the Checklist (6 yr. term)
1 Town Clerk-Tax Collector (3 yr. term)
1 Town Treasurer (3 yr. term)
1 Trustee of Trust Funds (3 yr. term)
Residents interested in learning more about any of these positions are invited contact the Administrator's Office at (603) 868-5571 or write to tselig@ci.durham.nh.us. The 2014 Town elections will take place on March 11, 2014.
The filing period for Oyster River School District elective positions is on this same cycle and ends at 4 PM on 1/31. Contact the SAU Office for more information at 868-5100.
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ORCSD BUDGET HEARING SCHEDULED
The Oyster River Cooperative School District will hold a public hearing on its proposed budget in the ORHS Auditorium at 7 PM on January 14, 2014. The snow date is January 15th.
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LOST DOG
Anyone who may have seen the above Collie, whose name is Lucky, is asked to please contact his owners at 603-868-5010 or email ejdurnall@comcast.net. Lucky was last seen on Mathes Cove Road in Durham. He is wearing a Durham dog tag.
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Salt shed behind Durham Town Hall
SAND/SALT MIX AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS IN OPEN SHED BEHIND TOWN OFFICES
A reminder that a sand/salt mix is available for residents in the open shed behind the Durham Town Offices for residents. It is not intended to be utilized for commercial purposes.
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YOUNG’S RESTAURANT WINS GREEN GIANT AWARD
The NH Restaurant and Lodging Association (NHRLA) has named Young’s Restaurant as the winner of its Green Giant Leader of the Year for implementing sustainable practices and supporting local agriculture. Young’s will have a table of 10 staff members as part of the annual NHRLA reception on January 13th. To learn more about Young’s Restaurant, click HERE.
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MADBURY COMMONS PROJECT EYES UNH INTEROPERABILTIY LABORATORY (IOL) AS ANCHOR TENANT
The plans for the Madbury Commons project have been shifting over the past few weeks, primarily to incorporate the UNH Interoperability Laboratory (IOL).
The IOL had been planned as part of the SORA project along Main St., but since that project is no loner moving forward, efforts have been under way to integrate the IOL with the Golden Goose development. The new details for Madbury Commons, however, are not widely known by the public. The public has one last opportunity to speak, since the Planning Board's public hearing is likely to close this Wednesday, January 15.
In addition, the latest figure for the current-proposed number of beds is 525.
To see a link to the DCAT on Demand recording showing more about the project, click HERE.
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STATE OF THE UNIVERSITY ADDRESS
The State of the University Address will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2014. Doors open at 12:40 PM for the speech by UNH President Mark Huddleston in the Granite State Room of the MUB. The speech begins at 1 PM. The address is open to the entire Durham communtiy.
The address can also we watched on line live at: http://www.unh.edu/president/state-university.
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HUNTING IN DURHAM – SHOOTING IS PROHIBITED ON TOWN PROPERTY
There have been a limited number of occasions where hikers encounter persons hunting in Durham. While the Durham Police have indicated this is a rarely reported event, it does occur on occasion, especially during deer season which was November 13th through December 8th last year or more recently, duck season along the Wagon Hill walking trails when the Coastal Zone waterfowl season is open on October 3rd and ran through October 14th and then reopened November 19th through January 5, 2014. Several people have inquired, after seeing duck hunters in boats off the shoreline of Wagon Hill, whether this is a legal activity. Under New Hampshire hunting regulations it is lawful as the “coastal hunting zone” includes the Great Bay as well as the various inlets including the Oyster River.
The only reference to hunting in Durham’s Town Ordinance is found in Article II section 63 entitled “Shooting” which states that “Shooting of any kind is prohibited at any time on town property, including the town dump and the town gravel pit.” The ordinance goes on to define shooting as, “The ejection, propelling or driving forth of any object, such as but not limited to a bullet or arrow, by any force whatsoever, including but not limited to a sudden release of tension, as in a bowstring, or an explosion or expanding gases, as in a rifle or other firearm, or by any other means.”
If residents walking or hiking encounter hunters, it certainly is advisable to inform them of your presence. As always, if anyone is concerned about the activity they see and desire clarification, the Durham Police can be contacted at 868-2324 or via 911.
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Pouring concrete today at the Town Hall site. Courtesy Craig Stevens
EXCAVATION WORK AT THE NEW TOWN HALL HAS BEEN DELAYED DUE TO WINTER CONDITIONS
Excavation work at the new Town Hall site has been challenging over the past few weeks due to weather conditions, but steady underground progress is being made. Today, concrete was poured into the elevator pad and half of the concrete footings for the new Town Hall lobby. Progress at last.
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JANUARY 8TH PLANNING BOARD MEETING
These are the key items on the agenda for the January 8 Planning Board meeting:
Public Hearing. Draft Agricultural Resources Chapter of the Master Plan – first presentation to the Planning Board.
Discussion with Dave Cedarholm, Town Engineer about Town water and sewer capacity
2-10 Jenkins Court. Modification to approved site plan for mixed-use building to use one of two on-site parking spaces for a utility trailer that will transport solid-waste containers. Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering, engineer; Matt Crape, property owner. Tax Map 4, Lot 8-0. Central Business Zoning District.
25-35 Main Street. Formal site plan application to redevelop three lots into a mixed-use student housing project. The proposal involves rehabilitating the houses at 25 and 35 Main Street, demolishing the houses at 27 and 29 Main Street, demolishing/relocating the barn in the rear, erecting two new houses fronting on Main Street, erecting two large new buildings, one in the rear and one fronting on Main Street. Orion Student Housing, Bill Fideli and Philip Wills, applicant; Bob Clarke, Allen and Major, engineer; Lisa DeStefano and Adam Wagner, DeStefano Architects, architect; Tim Phoenix, attorney. Tax Map 5, Lots 1-6, 1-7, and 1-8, Central Business District.
Public Hearing (continued) - 17 & 21 Madbury Road. Formal site plan and conditional use application for “Madbury Commons,” a complete redevelopment of multifamily site known as “The Greens” for mixed use project with student/multifamily housing for 460 +/- residents, office/retail, and parking. Golden Goose Properties, Barrett Bilotta, Ken Rubin, and Eamonn Healey (applicant); Rose Lawn Properties, Laura Gangwer (owner of 17 Madbury); GP Madbury 17, Barrett Bilotta (owner of 21 Madbury); Michael Sievert, MJS Engineering (engineer); Shannon Alther, TMS Architects ; Robbi Woodburn, Landscape Architect. Tax Map 2, Lots 12-3 & 12-4. Central Business District.
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BARN AVAILABLE
As part of the Orion Development that is now being reviewed by the Planning Board, the barn on the property will be demolished or removed. Unfortunately, the developer was not able to incorporate the barn into their plans for the project. After many months of discussion, the Historic District Commission approved removal of the barn to accommodate the high-quality development plan. The barn would be available at no cost to any party interested in relocating it. Contact Michael Behrendt, Durham Director of Planning & Community Development, with any questions at 868-8064.
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THREE RIVERS STOCKING ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED RECENT TRIP TO LAMPREY RIVER IN DURHAM
The folks at Three Rivers Stocking Association have been good ambassadors for the Town of Durham.
Recently, six excited Portsmouth Middle school students and their equally thrilled teachers, donned waders, and warm socks, and spent the morning fly fishing in the chilly Lamprey River in Durham with local fishing experts as their guides. Each student was assigned a generous and knowledgeable volunteer who worked with students one-on-one to teach them the basics of fly fishing. One student caught (and released) a rainbow trout and the others all had fish that got away before they could be brought to net.
This event came about after the students had earlier helped the Three Rivers Stocking Association stock the Lamprey River with hundreds of farm-raised Brook, Rainbow and Brown trout. During the field trip all of the students had the chance to see the trout up close as they released them from buckets into their new river home. Before and after the field trip, the students researched topics including the life cycle of trout, the Wiswall Dam in Durham, fish ladders, and the role of trout as an indicator species. The educational posters created by the students currently are on display at the Wiswall Dam educational kiosk in Durham.
To learn more about the Three Rivers Stocking Association, click HERE.
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STUDENT HOUSING GOES UPMARKET - An Interesting WSJ Article
There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on December 3, 2013, focusing on national changes in the off campus student housing market. The article begins, “James Madison University students long ago dubbed the Ashby Crossing housing complex "Trashby" because of its age and rowdy residents. The moniker stuck even after the owner changed the name of the 1,150-bed community to University Fields a few years ago. Now the complex, located in Harrisonburg, Va., has a bigger problem. In November, University Fields fell into foreclosure, the result of rising vacancies as students shunned the property in favor of newer developments with better features.”
The article continues, “While the new developments are welcomed by students who get more choices and fancier amenities, some private owners of aging properties are having a hard time competing.”
To view the full article, click HERE.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CIVIL RIGHTS DAY HOLIDAY
The Town offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2014 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Day.
Although the Town offices are closed, there will be NO CHANGE to the regularly scheduled refuse and recycling routes. As always, residents are asked to please have all items out by 7AM on their respective collection days.
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CHURCHILL RINK AT JACKSON'S LANDING SKATE SCHEDULE
For details on the schedule, please go to https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/churchillrink or call the rink at 868-3907.
Public Skate Schedule:
Sundays: 12:00 - 1:45pm
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 - 3:20pm
Tuesdays:12:00 - 4:20pm
Thursdays: 12:00 - 1:50pm
Saturday: 2:00 - 3:45pm
Open Stick & Puck (unstructured hockey)
Sunday thru Friday: 11:00 - 11:50am
Adult Drop In
Sundays: 9:30 - 10:50am
Monday & Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:20 pm
Fridays: 12:00 - 1:20pm AND 8:00 - 9:20pm
Family Pond Hockey (Helmet required)
Saturday nights, 7:00 - 8:30 pm (except for Dec 28th)
For more information, contact Gary at Rink Services Group, 603-868-3907, gary@rinkservicesgroup.com.
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THE LATEST PRODUCTIONS FROM DCAT STUDIOS
Durham Day 2013 - Sunday’s @ 1:30 & 7:00 PM - Total run time: 11:09
Join your friends from the Town of Durham at their annual picnic. Hop on a boat and learn a wee bit about local oysters. Hear music from Bliss as you take a tour of the festivities. Do the Town Councilors actually cook your burgers & hot dogs….maybe? This video from DCAT 22 Studios is also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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The Architecture of Durham with Michael Behrendt - Sunday’s @ 4:00 PM & 8:30 PM
Join Durham Town Planner Michael Behrendt for “The Architecture of Durham, New Hampshire: Iconic structures, recent projects, and current proposals.” A special highlight will be photos of Dorothy and Murray Straus’ extraordinary organic-style house. Michael is the author of The Architectural Jewels of Rochester, New Hampshire: A History of the Built Environment.
This video from DCAT 22 Studios is also available on the Town’s On Demand site.
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MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND
The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below.
Town Council - Monday, January 13, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
Planning Board - Wednesday, January 15, 2014. To view agenda and other information, click HERE.
All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.
VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.
Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.
DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.
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PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
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.
Senior Trips – NEW! - Are you interested in taking a trip to places like Boston, New York, Foxwoods, etc.? Email: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to put your name on the mailing list.
Monday Morning Yoga – NEW! - Every Monday, starting 1/20/14. Fill out a registration form HERE.
Coyote Club – Last Chance to Sign Up - Find out more HERE.
Yoga for Seniors - Find out more HERE.
Tai Chi – Beginners - Find out more HERE.
Volunteer With DPR - Do you like being outdoors? Do you have a group looking for ways to be more involved and give back to the community? Contact: sfrazee@ci.durham.nh.us to learn about local volunteer opportunities. Find out more HERE.
Stay Fit This Winter! - Pick a class that fits your schedule HERE.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Community Church of Durham 5-Week Oasis Series, beginning Jan 16, 2014. Rest and refreshment for mind, body, and spirit. For more information call 603-868-1230 or email office@durhamcommunitychurch.org.
Home Energy Workshop (FREE), Thursday, Jan 23, 2014, 6:30-8:00 PM, ORHS. To register: durhambuttonup.eventbrite.com or just show up. For more information call 603-536-5030.
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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Baby Lap-Sit! For infants to age 2 with their caregiver, Sat. Jan.11th at 10:30 a.m. - Join us for stories, fingerplays and songs. There will be a time after for you and your baby to play and socialize with other parents and babies. This program is geared to ages 2 and under with their parent/caregiver. All are welcome.
Lincoln Peirce, Author of the "Big Nate" Series Visits, Sat. Jan. 11th at 1 p.m.!!- Mark your Calendar! Lincoln Peirce, author of the "Big Nate" books will visit the library on Sat. Jan. 11th at 1:00 p.m. He will talk about his books, demonstrate how he illustrates and sign any books of his that you bring. Don't miss it! Snow date is Sat. Jan. 25th at 1:00 p.m.
Chess and Board Game Afternoon (ages 10 & up), Monday Jan. 13th 3:00-4:00 p.m. – Join us every Monday afternoon now in the Young Adult room for a game of chess (or other board games).
Pre-school Storytimes: Tues. Jan. 14th and Thurs. Jan. 16th at 10:30 a.m. – The theme is: Snowflakes!
McGregor EMS First Aid Course, Tues. Jan. 14th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. - McGregor Memorial EMS is proud to offer a First Aid Course at the library. The cost for the First Aid Class is $20, and payment is due the night of the class. Please register at www.mcgregorems.org
Bookeaters, Middle School Book Group! Weds. Jan 22nd, 2:45-4:00 p.m. - Join us for this middle school book group. Walk from the Middle School! That month's book is "Epic" by Connor Kostick. Ruth Wharton-MacDonald is the facilitator. Books are available at the library. Pizza is served and all are welcome!
Lego Club (1st-4th graders), Thurs. Jan. 16th at 3:45-4:45 p.m. – Join us Thursdays to make Lego creations. Lego Club is in need of Lego Donations! Have any Legos that you would like to donate to the library? They will be put to good use at our very popular Lego Club.
Homeschoolers Activity Hour, Friday Jan. 17th, 10:30 a.m. – This week: Mysteries! We will hear books, play some games, do some puzzles and make a craft. This group is geared to home-schoolers but all are welcome.
Crafternoon – Fri. Jan. 17th 3:00-4:30 p.m. – Stop by the Children’s craft room on Fridays for a fun craft.
Family Movie Afternoon, “Despicable Me 2”, Sat. Jan. 18th 2:00 p.m. – Join us upstairs for this month’s movie “Despicable Me 2”! Popcorn is served and all are welcome!
DHA Presents: New England's Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society - Tuesday, Jan. 21st at 6:30 p.m. - The Durham Historical Association presents "New England's Colonial Meetinghouses and Their Impact on American Society," an interactive discussion led by photographer Paul Wainwright. In colonial New England, there was little distinction between faith and community. Meetinghouses were built, usually but not always through taxation, and these were used for both worship and business. They were the central focus of the community. These buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into our history. Paul will present his study of these meetinghouses, which date back to the 1700s. He explores their emptiness, as well as their wonderful sense of space and light. This project is made possible through a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities Council.
Affordable Health Care Act Questions? Questions about the Affordable Health Care Act? Sign up or see if you can get better coverage than you have now at www.healthcare.gov. The Durham Public Library has information available and can help you get online to access the site. Please note: There are no Assisters or Navigators at the Library; we are only here to help you find information that will aid you in making your own decision.
Patch Club! Earn patches and a library bag for your reading time. Register at the children’s desk.
Visit the DPL website www.durhampubliclibrary.org for more information.
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There was an informative article in the Union Leader this week regarding the danger of sticking one’s tongue to a flagpole, “Lesson Learned: Don’t stick tongue to flagpole.” Residents with young children may want to read it to relay to their kids, click HERE.
Have a nice weekend.
Todd
Todd I. Selig, Administrator
Town of Durham, NH
T: 603-868-5571 F: 603-868-5572
tselig@ci.durham.nh.us http://www.ci.durham.nh.us
Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?
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