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Youngsters and their parents enjoy sledding while snow still remains on the hill at Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy John Pacheco
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CURBSIDE RECYCLING FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 18 - 22, 2019
PAPER/CARDBOARD will be collected the week of March 18th. View the 2019 Recycling Collection Calendar HERE. Below is the definition of each category:
CO-MINGLED RECYCLABLES
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MESSAGE FROM REPRESENTATIVE JUDITH SPANG
Some of us will see the film about contamination by PFOAs and PFAFs in groundwater being shown locally. We also know of the water contamination crisis at Pease. What is the significance for our water here in Durham? While there is a low level of unsavory substances emitting from the landfill, this is below a level of concern and being carefully monitored by the Town and the State. No problem there.
My legislative committee studies groundwater contamination, and I must urge townspeople to take seriously a more insidious groundwater problem that is far more likely here in Durham.
Wells dug in granite fractures, common in our area drilled into New Hampshire’s bedrock, have about a 1 in 5 probability of containing naturally occurring arsenic above 10 parts per billion, which is the current federal standard that public water systems must not exceed. This The probability for wells to exceed the standard will increased when if NH Department of Environmental Services adopts a new standard of 5 ppb, which is what NHDES proposed to do as a result of a review it conducted in 2018recently completed comprehensive studies that resulted in a State standard for arsenic of 5 ppb.
Arsenic in water has no color or odor, even when present at elevated levels. The only way to determine whether it’s in your well water is by YOU testing your well!
Health studies have shown the connection between arsenic and increased prevalence of cancer, especially bladder cancer.( Our state has the second highest rate of bladder cancer in the nation.)
Those of us raising families on our well water should also know that arsenic also causes health problems at childbirth and the first year of life. developmental effects on children.
My family recently finally tested our well for arsenic and found that it did not meet the current health standards for arsenic. Fortunately, it can be treated pretty easily.
The Lamprey River Watershed Association takes this issue seriously enough to be initiating a program to inform residents of the arsenic problem with a presentation by the Department of Environmental Services and their web sites and making free test kits available to households. While DES recommends a complete set of water contaminants tests, the test or just arsenic will cost only $15.
For questions, consult the DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau’s Arsenic page: “arsenic in drinking water” at http://www.des.nh.gov. Technical staff are also available at (603) 271-3108 or mailto:dwgbinfo@des.nh.gov
Or contact me at mailto:judith@kestrelnet.net
Representative Judith Spang, Durham
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON UNH RENOVATION OF SPAULDING HALL
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on March 27 on UNH’s planned renovation and expansion of Spaulding Hall. According to Doug Bencks, University Architect and Director of Campus Planning, the $86 million project will involve a 50,000 square foot addition and a major renovation of the existing 83,000 square feet. The project will provide state of the art biological teaching and research facilities. The USNH Board of Trustees authorized UNH to proceed and to build in phases as funding becomes available. UNH presently has $51 million in place for the full design and the expansion portion and expects the renovation portion to be funded by future State appropriations over the next 4-6 years.
State law prescribes that towns may hold a public hearing and provide only nonbinding comments on state (UNH) projects like this one. The University plans to start utility work and site preparation this summer with construction of the addition beginning this fall. The entire project is expected to be completed by December 2022. Here is an image of the proposed new south entry.
View all of the documents submitted with the project HERE.
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WHAT HAPPENED AT THE LAST DURHAM HISTORIC COMMISSION MEETING?
Ellen Snyder, Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator, presented information on three historic foundations (cellar holes) located on Town properties; the Oyster River Forest, Doe Farm and Langmaid Farm. The challenges with all three are significant overgrowth of trees, saplings and vines that are threatening the integrity of the stonework and overtaking the sites. Clearing the growth will most likely require a carefully applied herbicide and lots of volunteer help. The Land Stewardship committee is working on this. Mark Doperalski, state archaeologist and Tanya Tarcsik, assistant from the NH Division of Historic Resources will join the Heritage Commission on April 26th at 1:15p to visit the sites, along with other interested parties. It was agreed that the Doe Farm site would be addressed first; and that the HC would assist in the creation of signs and markers.
The Barn Preservation Easement, a seldom-used property tax-relief mechanism, was brought to the HDC’s attention. This may be applied to agricultural buildings at least 75 years old and once granted it does impose constraints on the owner for 10 years. Planner Michael Behrendt will prepare more detailed information for publication in the Weekly Updates.
The HDC will nominate Applied Geo Solutions for a NH Preservation Alliance Award in recognition of their outstanding renovation and rehabilitation of the building at 15 Newmarket Road, aka the previous Town Hall. Planner Behrendt will draft the award application and circulate it for review and approval.
The Commission entered into discussion on a modification of its application process to allow for preliminary or informal review. This would allow an applicant to present early-stage drawings, plans, sketches, etc. for discussion and evaluation in a public session. The comments from the HDC would be acknowledged as non-binding suggestions for the applicant to consider. The HDC application form would be modified to include applicant acknowledgment that preliminary review is not an application for final approval and that would still be required per the HDC ordinances. Similar processes in Rochester and Portsmouth will be researched for possible adaption here in Durham; further discussion at the April 4th meeting.
In other business, Commission Member Zac Fangman reported that the most recent ground survey for the UNH sidewalk project outside the Field House shows a possible graveshaft; further analysis is necessary to determine if it is related to the gravestone of Nancy Page.
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Driveway leading to parking lot behind 18 Main Street.
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HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING
The Historic District Commission denied an application (by a vote of 3-2) from Pete Murphy to expand an existing parking lot behind 18 Main Street at its meeting on February 7. The HDC’s purview includes the creation and expansion of parking areas, along with its purview over buildings and other site changes. Mr. Murphy appealed this decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment which will hold a public hearing on the request on April 9.
Under RSA 674:33, in hearing this appeal, the Zoning Board of Adjustment has the same powers as the Historic District Commission. The ZBA may affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the HDC or make any other appropriate decision.
view the Historic District ordinance HERE.
The HDC denied the application under Section 175-96 - Standards for Review, A. General Principles 1 through 4.
The proposal was also subject to site plan review by the Planning Board, based upon different criteria, which approved it on February 13 (subject to positive resolution of the historic district application). The project could not proceed without approval of both boards (or on appeal). The Durham Historic District Commission was established in 1975. As far as we know, this is the first appeal of an HDC decision.
View the documents related to the appeal HERE.
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THE CONSERVATION FUND
NH RSA 36-A authorizes the establishment and powers of a Town Conservation Commission, “for the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources” of the town. Included in this authority is the creation of a Conservation Fund, with funds expendable by the Conservation Commission. The Conservation Fund can receive gifts of money and property, but mostly comes from a percentage of the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT).
In 1972, recognizing the need to offset development with conservation, the NH Legislature passed RSA 79-A, which enables landowners with 10 acres or more the ability to enroll land in “current use.” This designation offers significant property tax relief in exchange for not developing their open space land. If, at a time in the future, the land is disqualified from current use, they are subject to a “LUCT” equal to 10% of the present-day market value of the land at the time it is disqualified.
The current use law also enables towns to deposit a percentage of the LUCT into the Conservation Fund. In 2001, Durham approved contributing 100% of any land use change tax received by the Town to the Conservation Fund. Since that time, the fund has received $1.4 million from the land use change tax. The Conservation Fund, along with $1.62 million in Town Bond funds, has leveraged more than $500,000 in private donations and over $3.6 million in state and federal grants, to protect 1,200 acres in Durham.
In recent years, the amount of land removed from current use has slowed and consequently less money is flowing to the Conservation Fund. This is due, in part, to the Town of Durham’s (and conservation partners) success in conserving land. As of 2015, 44.7% of the Durham’s land area was either permanently protected, owned by the University, or has another kind of development restriction.
The balance in the Conservation Fund as of March 25, 2019 is $54,082. As the Town shifts to more emphasis on land stewardship these funds will be of importance to completing many projects on conservation lands.
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NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
On April 30, 2019, terms on various Town boards, commissions, and committees will expire. In mid-April, the Town Council will begin the process for making its annual appointments/reappointments to town boards, with appointments to take effect May 1, 2019.
The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies.
Citizens interested in board appointments may stop in or contact the Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town of Durham website at the top of the home page under “Helpful Resources”, then “Town Documents”, then “forms”, then “Application for Appointment”.
Completed applications may be mailed to the Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday, March 22, 2019.
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DURHAM AWARDED TREE CITY USA
Durham, along with 15 other communities, has been honored with the Tree City USA award. This is Durham's 41st consecutive Tree City award. Durham continues to be the leading award winner in the State of New Hampshire regarding this nationwide honor. The Tree City USA award is a national recognition for having an outstanding tree support program. It is annually sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation. Other communities awarded with the Tree City designation were: Concord, Dover, Enfield, Hanover, Keene, Laconia, Lebanon, Manchester, Nashua, New London, Newbury, Portsmouth, Rochester, Somersworth, and Wolfeboro.
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PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS ORDINANCE
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing on a revised draft Solar Energy Systems ordinance on March 27. The board held public hearings on two earlier drafts and has continued to revise the proposal throughout this development and review process. The original document endorsed by the Durham Energy Committee was presented to the Planning Board on April 11, 2018. Once the Planning Board completes its review, the draft will be forwarded to the Town Council for consideration.
View the proposal and also view the changes made to the prior draft HERE.
Feel free to send questions or any comments for the Planning Board to the Town Planner at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.
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WHY SO MANY POLICE AT THE ELECTION POLLS?
While 584 Durham voters exercised one of their civil liberties, the right to vote, several took notice of the police presence at the polls, which is also the Oyster River High School. The Oyster River School District graciously allows Durham voting to occur at the High School, and with school in session during elections, parking and traffic can become problematic with the increase of activity Election Day brings to the campus. Additionally, the voting takes place in the gymnasium, an area that provides immediate and free access to the school facility. On a number of previous occasions non-school personnel have been discovered walking the hallways looking at art, posters and other notices on the walls within the academic area. Others were professing to be seeking bathroom facilities normally used by students only.
Sadly in this era of heightened school safety, these incidents of access to the interior of the school, especially when school is in-session, are unacceptable. Consequently, Durham Police were strategically positioned between the gymnasium in the hallway that leads directly into the student populated environment. These efforts are accomplished to ensure the integrity of a safe school environment while providing an opportunity to interact with Durham Police and our residents in a positive and cheerful manner.
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
The Durham Historic Association is looking for local residents who love history and are willing to give back to our community by volunteering some of their time with the DHA. We are seeking additional officers/directors on our board who will help our organization grow and help shape our future.
If you are interested, please contact David Strong at mailto:luckychuck@comcast.net
The DHA's mission is:
- To preserve the memory of events connected with the history of the Town of Durham, or of individuals who may have resided there;
- To serve as guardian of the town's history;
- To preserve the artifacts of the town's history;
- To inform and educate the citizens of Durham and others of the history of the town and how contemporary Durham arises out of its past.
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DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
The Durham Historic Association will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, April 14th at 1 p.m. in the Durham Town Hall Council Chambers. There will be a brief business meeting for the election of officers and directors for 2019-2021. Annual membership dues will also be collected at this time.
Following the business meeting, the DHA will present “The Lives and Work of Ed and Mary Scheier”.
Ed and Mary Scheier were American potters who were part of the revival of American crafts that blossomed during the mid-twentieth century. They came to UNH in 1940 to teach, and during their long tenure here became internationally famous. Their pottery is unique in the American Craft movement, and is collected by major museums. The work of these former UNH professors, Durham residents, and internationally acclaimed artists continues to be in great demand by collectors.
This program will include a short video presentation about the Scheiers and examples of their work. We also encourage you to share your own memories and stories about the Scheiers. Please feel welcome to bring your own treasured piece to share with the audience.
This event is open to the general public. Refreshments will be served.
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HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?
If you own property in Durham and recently installed a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply.
The Town of Durham has adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.
To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2019. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property.
If approved, this exemption will be applied to your 2019 assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.
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FARM STYLE BREAKFAST FUND-RAISER - Sunday, March 17, 2019
Delicious breakfast! - The 6th Annual Strafford County Farm Bureau Farm Style Fund-raiser Breakfast will be held Sunday, March 17th from 7:30am-12:00pm At the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall, 1 Lee Hook Rd Lee NH. Co-sponsored by Lee & Durham Agricultural Commissions. Proceeds benefit agricultural outreach and youth grant programs.
Tickets $10/adult, $7/children 14 and under. Purchase tickets at the door. Call Matt Scruton, 941-4956, or Laura Gund, 659-2044, or Erick Sawtelle, 659-8106, for more information.
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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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If you are wondering why everyone is in Pink Marina Miles shirts just ask them. Courtesy Ken Entz
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Marina’s Miles 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, Apr 6, 2019, Oyster River HS in Durham, NH. The race starts at 10AM, with same day registration beginning at 8:30am. Online pre-registration is $25; race day registration is $30. For all registrants.
View more details below in Community Programs and Events.
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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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Adult Field Trip to the Maine Flower Show- Thursday, March 28th, 9:00am-5:00pm.
Join Durham Parks & Recreation for a trip to Thompson’s Point in Portland to gear up for your spring and summer gardens!
Please visit https://maineflowershow.com/ for more information about the show. Pre-registration required at https://durhamrec.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=9871 or (603) 817-4074. $10/person for transportation + admission cost at the door.
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JOIN THE DURHAM LIBRARY THIS WEEK FOR:
Wednesday, Mar. 20th at 6:00 pm - Local Author Talk with Robert Wheeler
Please join DPL as we welcome local writer and photographer Robert Wheeler for a lively conversation set on writing and publishing. Wheeler is the author of Hemingway's Paris: A Writer's City in Words and Images (2015) and Hemingway's Havana: A Reflection of the Writer's Life in Cuba (2018). His new book, The Boston Freedom Trail in Words and Pictures, will be released in May of 2019.
AND ...
Wednesday, Mar. 20th at 3:15 pm - Bookeaters Monthly Middle School Book Group Grades 5-8.
This month's book is "The War That Saved My Life" by Kimberly Bradley. Ruth Wharton McDonald is the facilitator. Books are available in the library and all are welcome. Held in the YA room.
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*Academic year commences the third week of August 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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1903 - Goat Island, owned by Newington, was the home of a squatter, Jim Murtaugh, for 22 years. Everyone left him alone, because of his fierce dogs and excellent aim. He did hunt, fish and lobster. He was friend of the Dunlaps, Emersons, Jones, Langleys and Watsons, especially at mealtimes.
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If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.
Have a very nice weekend and Happy St. Patrick's Day on Sunday.
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