Friday Updates - March 21, 2025

Friday, March 21, 2025

Blood moon over Durham as seen from UNH. Courtesy, Meera Mahadevan

TOWN COUNCIL APPROVES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A PETITION TO REDUCE PLASTIC BAG USE BY GROCERY STORES

On Monday evening the Town Council approved a resolution supporting a state-wide petition to reduce plastic bag use by grocery stores. This petition is sponsored by New Hampshire Network (https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/) in an effort to reduce single-use plastic from our environment. To add your name to the petition, click HERE. You can read the full Council Resolution HERE.

The USNH Board of Trustees met this week on Thursday and Friday in the Strafford Room at the MUB in Durham. Friday’s full meeting began with a report from President Chilton and Assoc. UNH VP for Facilities and Operations Bill Janelle focusing on energy and sustainability innovations on campus including the campus cogeneration facility powered by methane from the Turnkey Landfill in Rochester. 

Other topics over the course of the day on Friday included state funding for higher education, enrollment challenges across campuses, the USNH governance structure, endowment, financial affairs reporting, audit reporting, accreditation, relocation of the system offices to NHTI, engagement with state legislature, state workforce needs, and the challenging reality that expenses up while revenues are down. Admin. Selig attended on behalf of the town.

PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED DUNKIN DONUTS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 26 AT LONG-TIME SHUTTERED CUMBERLAND FARMS LOCATION

The Planning Board is holding a public hearing at their meeting of March 26 on a proposal to relocate the Dunkin Donuts on Dover Road from the Irving site to the vacant lot across the road (formerly Cumberland Farms). Irving will be expanding the Circle K convenience store into the space now occupied by Dunkin Donuts. 

Tropic Star, the applicant, has submitted an attractive design for the redevelopment of the Dover Road property, but the key issue is traffic impact. 

The applicant’s traffic engineer submitted a 289-page traffic study. In any site that is adjacent to a very busy road the concern is always the impact of left turns into the site and out of the site, and the impact on neighboring intersections. 

The Planning Board is reviewing the traffic study and comments received by NHDOT on the proposal (Dover Road/Route 108 is a state highway). At this time the NHDOT recommends right turn in/right turn out, yet the owner has indicated to Admin. Selig the project is not workable with such a configuration. The matter rests with NHDOT and the Planning Board. The owner was going to follow up with NHDOT to continue discussions regarding traffic flow in and out of the site to see whether a compromise could be achieved. The intersection at the convergence of Newmarket Road/Dover Road/Church Hill is a busy one that requires careful consideration by NHDOT traffic engineers.

You can see documents related to the proposal HERE.

MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREET PROJECT – Construction Resumes This Spring

Durham Public Works recently awarded numerous contracts for the next phases of construction, roadway paving, and water main replacement on Madbury Road as part of the larger Madbury Road Complete Streets Project.

The Phase 2 Watermain Utility Replacement Project component was awarded to Joseph P. Cardillo and Sons, Inc. of Wakefield, MA. The project will replace the existing watermain on Madbury Road from Maple Street to U.S. Route 4.

The Phase 3 Roadway, Drainage, and Streetscape Project component was awarded to G.W. Brooks and Son, Inc. of Freedom, NH. The project will continue to extend the varying width 8’-10’ wide multi-use pathway on the eastern side of Madbury Road, with construction of a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the westerly side of the roadway between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road. The project includes the addition of a left turn lane from Madbury Road southbound onto Garrison Avenue, heading toward the Oyster River Middle School. Installation of decorative lighting in limited areas and standard cobra head lighting for the corridor is also included. Phase 3 will also feature the installation of traffic calming measures, inclusive of attractive median islands with crosswalks along with streetscape improvements, landscaping and hardscape improvements.

Construction activities are set to begin during the week of March 31. As part of the project, traffic on Madbury Road will be restricted to northbound only between Garrison Avenue and Edgewood Road, with southbound traffic detoured. This traffic pattern is tentatively slated to begin on April 6. An alternate lane Traffic pattern will occur between U.S. Route 4 and Edgewood Road upon commencement of the water main replacement within this corridor. 

Segment 1 of the first phase of the Complete Streets Improvements between Pettee Brook Lane and Garrison Avenue is nearing completion. Apart from the final course roadway paving, planned for summer of 2025, this remaining work will not require lane closures and will be limited to closure of parking spaces while paver installation and tree planting takes place. Segment 2, between Main Street and Pettee Brook, is also scheduled for completion in summer 2025. Due to the confined work area in segment 2, involving the Main Street and Madbury Road intersection and resulting traffic and pedestrian impacts, the contractor has been instructed to delay this work until the current UNH spring session is completed and vehicle and pedestrian activity decreases substantially, lessening traffic impacts. Please contract Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578 with any questions. 

A bald eagle was spotted on the banks of the Oyster River with a tasty fish dinner. Courtesy, Mary Ann Esposito

"FOOD TOGETHER DURHAM" - Agricultural Commission Survey deadline extended

Durham has strong historical roots in growing food, and the many back- and front-yard gardens that dot our neighborhoods show that growing food locally remains at the core of our community.

The Durham Agricultural Commission, with partnership and support from undergraduate student researchers at the University of New Hampshire, is interested in learning whether our town residents view opportunities for more neighborhoods to produce food together. Your responses to a short survey will help the Durham Agricultural Commission better understand your perspectives, and help aspiring neighborhoods connect toward Food Together Durham. Please click HERE to access the survey.

Please complete the survey no later than March 23, 2025. 

VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES - Consider becoming a volunteer member of a local board, commission or committee.

Thank you to all who have contacted the Town to volunteer on a Board/Commission/ Committee. We still have some vacancies, specifically for Planning Board and Zoning Board. See below.

To obtain an application form, you may stop in or contact the Administrator’s office at kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us. The deadline to submit completed applications is Monday, March 31, 2025. You can see more information on vacancies by clicking on the button further down.

A beautiful spring sky Courtesy, Farzaneh Farhoodi

Did You Know?  Plastic Bags

New Hampshire grocery stores distribute millions of single-use plastic bags annually, with each bag being used for an average of only 12 minute but persisting in our environment for up to 1,000 years, breaking down over time into “micro plastics”. (Plastics don’t decompose). 

In fact, less than 9% of all plastics (including single-use plastic bags) get recycled, with the remaining 91% ending up in our oceans, streams, lakes, farms, forests, landfills, and incinerators. 

Here in New Hampshire, local scientists from the Green Mt. Conservation Group in Carroll County, NH, have discovered microplastics in well-water, backyard snow, and every river and stream sampled since 2022.

What can you do to help?

The New Hampshire Network has created a petition to say NO to single-use plastic bags.  They are asking NH residents state-wide to sign the petition if you agree that it’s time to push back on the distribution of single-use plastic bags. Please go to the link HERE to view the petition and get more details. 

If you would like to circulate a paper petition, you can download a copy HERE. 

Also, please consider posting this petition on your social media.  The goal is to have at least 10,000 New Hampshire residents sign the petition in order to convince the grocery store CEOs and NH's Solid Waste Working Group (SWWG) that it's time to reduce the flood of plastic in our stores.

Source: The New Hampshire Network

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/

Durham Public Works’ electrical contractor, Yates Electric Service, completed electrical upgrades at the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center this week. These upgrades were completed in preparation for planned facility improvements over the next year, which will include the installation of material compactors and designated space for an EV truck charger. 

Durham Public Works and the Bickford Chesley working group are working with Milestone Construction of Concord, NH and their sub-contractors, and have made significant progress over the last 2 weeks in demolition and framing, rough electrical and plumbing and interior preparation for the complete restoration and full rehabilitation of the farmhouse and Ell section. This includes restrooms, fire protection, life safety, first floor exhibit and office space and barn improvements for three-season use.

The project will also construct 2nd floor improvements, suitable for occupancy of a caretaker’s quarters. 

The project timeline currently has substantial completion scheduled for late 2025.

Photos above are of the unique timber framing in the former kitchen and the newly framed restroom and Ell viewed from the barn.

THE LINDA H. HOLLISTER SWAP SHOP OPENS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025 - Horray!

Swap Shop hours are 9:00 A.M. -2:30 P.M. on TUESDAYS and SATURDAYS.

For details go to: https://swapshopdurham.wordpress.com/

●    The Swap Shop closes 30 minutes before the Transfer Station so that volunteers may put all items away and leave by 3:00, when the Transfer Station closes. 

●    Often the Swap Shop opens before 9:00. If the doors are open, the Swap Shop is open. If the doors are not open, please check in with a Transfer Station Attendant before dropping off items.

●    Be sure to stop and check-in with the Transfer Station Attendant to review the items you wish to donate.

●    You do not have to swap! You may bring or take any items for free.

●    CHECK the Swap Shop before making new purchases!

The Swap Shop accepts items that are CLEAN, in WORKING CONDITION, and have ALL of their PARTS.

●    Please NO DIRTY and BROKEN items, especially small appliances and kitchen items.

●    BAG ITEMS WITH MULTIPLE PARTS. Items with multiple parts should be bagged, taped or tied together so that the parts do not get separated. Clear plastic bags allow everyone to see what’s inside.  Items without all of their parts, including children’s toys (tracks without the trains or cars, young children’s ball runs without the balls) and board games rarely find new homes.

●    Cords should be attached or taped on.

●    SAVE ALL HOLIDAY DECORATIONS/ITEMS until two months before their corresponding holiday.

FURNITURE

●    Only metal and wooden furniture. Furniture is left outside in the rain.

●    If furniture has been taken apart, be sure to attach the hardware in a sealed bag.

●    Upholstered Furniture and large rugs require Bulky Waste Coupons. These items are not protected from rain and snow. If ruined before anyone wants them, they go to Bulky Waste. Be sure to check in with the Transfer Station Attendant.

●    When possible, bring furniture early on a sunny and dry day.

APPLIANCES and ELECTRONICS

●    We can take working refrigerators or freezers, dehumidifiers, laptops and computer monitors (anything with a screen), and dehumidifiers ONLY if you have purchased an Electronics/ Appliance sticker FIRST and it is displayed on the item.

●    Make sure that cords are attached or taped on!

UNIQUE ITEMS - Please label items whose use is not easily identified. ALSO, please drop off used eyeglasses, cell phones, crutches, tents, and sleeping bags in good condition. They will be made available to those in need.

BECOME a VOLUNTEER. Join our Swap Shop Volunteer Community. It’s easy! Check https://swapshopdurham.wordpress.com/ 

DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Highway Division – Heavy Equipment Operator

This position requires the undertaking of rewarding and challenging work, at times using independent judgment, to execute work involving the maintenance and construction of roads, sidewalks, right of ways, open spaces, Town properties, and drainage conveyance systems to ensure the safety and functionality of the Town’s infrastructure and multi-modal transportation network. The position performs laboring tasks when not assigned to equipment operation and assists in other maintenance-related functions within Durham Public Works when needed. 

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in the safe operation of equipment used in road and utility construction and maintenance in addition to heavy equipment operation and maintenance procedures. Preference will given to applicants with excavator experience. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake Endorsement. This position requires emergency response on a 24/7 basis and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 3:30 PM on April 11th, 2025.    

Solid Waste Division Supervisor

This position requires the undertaking of meaningful and challenging work involving the management of the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center and the Town’s Curbside Collection Program to achieve the Town’s sustainability goals while protecting public health. In this versatile and exciting role, you will report to the Operations Manager and Assistant Public Works Director.

The successful candidate will have a minimum of (2) years of experience in municipal solid waste operations and in the operation of commercial vehicles and related equipment. Applicants will have a current State of New Hampshire Class B Commercial Driver’s License or out-of-state equivalent. The successful candidate will also possess an NHDES Solid Waste Operator License This position requires strenuous physical work, emergency response on a 24/7 basis for winter storm events, and performing work in adverse weather conditions.

Please send resume and cover letter to Town of Durham, Department of Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on April 2nd, 2025.    

Part-Time Seasonal Laborers

These positions require the assisting of the Operations Manager and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor in completing routine public works projects such as landscaping, park and facility maintenance, and road maintenance. 

The successful candidates must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission. Experience with small engine operation, including lawnmowers, string trimmers, and leaf blowers is desired.

Please submit applications to Durham Public Works, Attn: Shannon Shaw, Assistant to the Public Works Director, 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to sshaw@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on April 15th, 2025.    

Applications and a more detailed job description are available at the Department of Public Works Main office or online at www.ci.durham.nh.us/jobs.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

ORCSD Building Committee: Call for Applications

The ORCSD District and School Board are looking for community members to serve on the District’s Building Committee, which helps review and plan for the District’s capital needs. The committee is expected to launch in late April/early May and meet periodically over the next twelve months. If you are interested in becoming a candidate, please submit a letter of interest and qualifications by Friday, April 4, 2025, to Ms. Wendy DiFruscio, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools at wdifruscio@orcsd.org. Additional information may be found HERE.

April 5 Moharimet Pancake Breakfast

8:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Moharimet School (11 Lee Rd, Madbury, NH 03823). Enjoy Moharimet's delicious maple syrup, served with pancakes! Suggested Donation: $6 per person or $20 per family. Cash or check to Moharimet School will be accepted.

April 10 Coffee House

6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Multipurpose Room at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). Coffee House celebrates the quarterly launch of award-winning student publication Mouth of the River (MOR). The $5 admission can be purchased at the door and is one of MOR's primary fundraising sources. Food and drink are included with admission.

April 11 Moharimet 4^th Grade Musical 

6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Auditorium at Oyster River High School (55 Coe Dr, Durham, NH 03824). THE LION KING for KIDS, based on the movie and theater production with music by Sir Elton John. Snow date: April 14. 

April 15 Community Dinner

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Oyster River Middle School's cafeteria. The Oyster River Sustainability Committee invites you to enjoy a delicious, locally and sustainably sourced Mediterranean chicken and grilled pork loin dinner. Each meal includes side salad options (couscous, garden and Caesar salad), primavera pasta, roasted vegetables, a beverage and dessert. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will be available. $15 per adult or $40 per family (a family includes up to 2 adults and children living within the same household). Additional information is available HERE. 

IL CINEMA RITROVATO ON TOUR IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: A Free Week-Long Festival Brings International Cinema to the Seacoast

The prestigious Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in NH film festival is making its way back to New Hampshire this spring for the seventh year, offering local audiences the chance to experience a curated selection of 21 classic and restored films from around the world. Presented by the University of New Hampshire Italian Studies Program in collaboration with the Cineteca di Bologna, this beloved event celebrates the rich history of cinema by showcasing newly restored masterpieces, lost gems, and rare cinematic treasures.

From March 31 to April 6, 2025, Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in NH will take place at UNH’s

Durham campus, offering a week-long series of screenings that highlight the beauty and

artistry of films that have been carefully restored by respected film archives.

All screenings and events are FREE and open to the public. For more information about Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour in NH, the full schedule of screenings, and details about the screening locations, visit https://www.cinemaritrovatonh.com/.

One sure sign of spring is the start of the Cat Trax Bike Share Program, in partnership with the Town of Durham, for 2025! Beginning Tuesday March 25th, the Cat Trax bikes will be dispersed across the UNH campus and surrounding Durham community and can be accessed by any UNH students, staff, faculty, and Durham community members.  

Renting bikes is currently FREE!  

As a reminder, rentals can be made through the Movatic app HERE and scanning the QR code on the bikes. A few more reminders when renting: 

• Cat Trax bikes can be ridden anywhere within Durham (but do not leave at residential properties)
• Wear a helmet and abide by all safety/road laws.
• Do not ride a bike with flat tires/broken brakes/other issue (please report issues using the app!) 
• At the end of your rental, return your bike to a bike rack, LOCK the bike, and end the rental in the app. 

Additionally, we encourage all of you to check out the bike repair clinics this semester! These events are a chance for community members to get free repairs on their bikes. The first clinic will be on April 18 from 1-5pm (on-campus location TBD) and the second clinic will be on May 2 from 10am-2pm at the Durham Public Library. Bring your friends and learn more about sustainable transportation in the Durham community!  

Keep an eye out for more events from Cat Trax this semester and updates on the Sustainability Institute Instagram (@sustainableUNH). Feel free to reach out via email to victoria.whitcomb@unh.edu or donavyn.corcoran@unh.edu with any questions you have in regards to the program, clinic, or anything else. For more information on the Cat Trax program, click HERE.