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View coming up Main Street from downtown. The Red Tower and Durham Community Church are on the right. Courtesy Todd Selig
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Monday, November 12, is Veterans Day. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918.
Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans. Take a brief moment to pause and give thanks to those who have and are currently serving our country this Veterans Day.
And turning to the weather, heavy rain is forecast for this evening. Public Works has cleared catch basins and other problem areas over the course of the day today to ensure proper drainage. We have necessary equipment ready as well as fueled for operation.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSED ON MONDAY IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY HOLIDAY
A final reminder that all Town offices will be closed in observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 12th. There will be NO CHANGE TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE next week. As always, please have all items out by 7AM.
With many holidays coming up, residents should refer to the 2018 Holiday Pick up Schedule located on the DPW Sanitation webpage for refuse and recycling schedule information. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to "Supporting Documents".
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NHDOT ROUTE 108/NEWMARKET ROAD PROJECT STATUS REPORT -- The project that will not end!
As NHDOT nears the completion of the Route 108 Widening project we will likely have increased traffic impacts and congestion in the Route 108/Durham Point Road intersection, as well as the Route 108/Dover Road traffic light beginning next week November 12th through November 21st. The contractor has approval from NHDOT to work on November 12th.
Similar to the process of grinding (reclamation of old pavement) and new base paving that was just completed in the area of Laurel Lane, NHDOT needs to complete this again for the remainder of Route 108 between Laurel Lane and just north of Durham Point Road. NHDOT will update their message boards to stress the increased delays. NHDOT was agreeable, at the Durham's request, to providing a police detail at the Route 108/Dover Road traffic light.
Completion of a project of this size and scope with the high traffic volume is a difficult task. NHDOT has been limited to the hours of 8 AM -3 PM, which is less than what they typically use for a construction window. The limited hours of 8 AM – 3 PM was from the public hearing process for this project.
Prior to the winter shutdown, Durham Point Road will be striped in its final configuration and the slip ramp will be closed. All roads will be based paved for the winter. The curbing, sidewalks, and top coat of pavement will be completed next year.
While we had all hoped the project would be complete in 2018, there will be continued construction in 2019. In the meantime, the Town Council asked that we let NHDOT know how frustrated many townspeople are with the pace of the project.
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DURHAM/UNH HAVE A FEDERALLY DESIGNATED OPPORTUNITY ZONE – It is located at West Edge.
The initiative should help support a new West Edge research park concept pursuant to both Durham and UNH long-term goals.
As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December 2017, the Federal government established a new economic development incentive called Opportunity Zones. Based on census criteria, certain areas may be designated as Opportunity Zones. Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economic development and job creation.
The first Opportunity Zones covering parts of 18 states were designated on April 9, 2018. NH nominated 27 zones at that time, selected by the governor and approved by the Federal Government, including one in Durham.
Support for including this particular census tract as an Opportunity Zone was provided by the Town of Durham, Economic Development Department, as well as the Southeast Economic Development Corporation, the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, and the State Business and Economic Affairs Department.
Durham’s zone encompasses census tract #33017080203, which includes West Edge where the University has proposed developing a Research Park, which was a key reason for its successful designation. The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service will be providing further details, including additional legal guidance over the next few months. What we know so far is that investment in a designated Opportunity Zone will receive favorable tax benefits.
This week, Administrator Selig attended a meeting hosted by the Strafford Regional Planning Commission including representatives from Dover, Rochester, Somersworth, UNH, the NH Business Finance Authority, the NH Housing Finance Authority, and the Strafford Economic Development Corporation. At this time, we’re all working to better understand Opportunity Zones, how the work, and how they can be utilized moving forward to attract desirable investment to our communities. Some questions and answers follow…
Q. What is an Opportunity Zone?
A. An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Localities qualify as Opportunity Zones if they have been nominated for that designation by the state and that nomination has been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury via his delegation of authority to the Internal Revenue Service.
Q. How were Opportunity Zones created?
A. Opportunity Zones were added to the tax code by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017.
Q. Have Opportunity Zones been around a long time?
A. No, they are new. The first set of Opportunity Zones, covering parts of 18 states, were designated on April 9, 2018. Opportunity Zones have now been designated covering parts of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
Q. What is the purpose of Opportunity Zones?
A. Opportunity Zones are an economic development tool—that is, they are designed to spur economic development and job creation in distressed communities.
Q. How do Opportunity Zones spur economic development?
A. Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economic development by providing tax benefits to investors. First, investors can defer tax on any prior gains invested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund (QOF) until the earlier of the date on which the investment in a QOF is sold or exchanged, or December 31, 2026. If the QOF investment is held for longer than 5 years, there is a 10% exclusion of the deferred gain. If held for more than 7 years, the 10% becomes 15%. Second, if the investor holds the investment in the Opportunity Fund for at least ten years, the investor is eligible for an increase in basis of the QOF investment equal to its fair market value on the date that the QOF investment is sold or exchanged.
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A HOTEL AT HETZEL HALL
A conceptual application to create a hotel on UNH property is being presented to the Planning Board this Wednesday, November 14. The applicant is Tim Elliott of Elliott Sidewalk Communities from Sparks, Maryland. Mr. Elliott has been in negotiations with UNH for many months about the project. The site is at the corner of Main Street and Mill Road on the campus. The front and side walls (from Main Street) of Hetzel Hall will be retained and restored and an addition will be built in the rear. Alexander Hall, situated behind Hetzel Hall to the south down Mill Road, will be demolished.
UNH will not subdivide the land but will likely lease a specific area to the applicant. The subject area is about 1.5 acres. It remains to be determined whether the applicant will own the building or lease it long term. As a private project, the development is subject to Town regulations and Town review. The building will be fully taxable. According to the Town Assessor, the land (specific area supporting the project) will also be fully taxable.
There are many aspects of the project to be worked out. Mr. Elliott will submit more detailed plans after this review.
View the documents related to the project HERE.
An aerial view may be seen HERE. Hetzel Hall is at the lower left and Alexander Hall is behind it to the left. Hetzel Hall is part of a distinguished trio of buildings, along with Fairchild and Huddleston Halls, located at the interface of the university and the downtown.A
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JOIN THE ENERGY COMMITTEE ON A DURHAM SOLAR TOUR - SATURDAY, NOV 17, 2018, 1PM
Interested learning about solar power?
Come talk with other Durham residents who have cut their carbon footprints and saved on their electric bills.
We’ll take a “Magical Mystery Tour” of several installations representing a range of solutions including rooftop, trackers, and free-standing fixed arrays.
A courtesy van will leave the Town Hall parking area at 1 pm on Saturday, November 17. Additional transportation via electric cars will be available if needed.
Please R.S.V.P. by contacting mailto:john.lannamann@unh.edu.
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PROPOSED FY2019 BUDGET DELIVERED TO TOWN COUNCIL
Mr. Selig formally presented the proposed budget to the Town Council at its meeting on November 5th. Per Charter, the Town Council has until the last business day in December to adopt a budget of its own, or Mr. Selig’s proposal becomes the budget of the Town by default.
A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed budget is scheduled for the Town Council meeting on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2018.
The proposed budget can now be found on line on the Town’s web site. A hard copy is also available to review at the Town Hall and at the Durham Public Library.
WHY WERE SO MANY ITEMS THAT PEOPLE REQUESTED IN FACT CUT FROM NEXT YEAR'S (FY 2019) BUDGET PROPOSAL BY MR. SELIG, INCLUDING ORYA?
During this budget cycle, Admin. Selig has been under intense pressure to hold down the local portion of the tax rate for 2019 in deference to Town Council goals (which request no change in the local portion of the rate in 2019 for the fifth year in a row), with little new revenue or new assessment coming on line to offset inherent budget drivers such as wages, insurance, debt service costs, etc.
As a result, Mr. Selig has been forced to make a great many hard choices in the form of reductions/cuts from budget requests that we received for 2019. One of them, for example, is the ORYA funding request for next year.
Please know Mr. Selig would much rather NOT have to make such recommendations!
In addition to eliminating the $30,000 subsidy we provide for Durham residents to utilize the UNH outdoor pool, cuts to social service agencies that serve the community (about $20,000), cuts to the Durham Public Library request, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation programatic and training items, and many other requests that could not be funded, he cut the ORYA allocation for 2019 (about $44,000) from the Town budget proposal that was sent to the Council.
Initially, following a very positive ORYA budget meeting with representatives from the organization, which Mr. Selig found both helpful and educational, he had planned to hold funding static for ORYA in 2019.
As funding challenges became more apparent during the budget review process and revenues did not ultimately meet expectations, in part because there has been little to no new economic development activity in town, the ORYA funding request for 2019 (as well as numerous non-ORYA requests) was slowly reduced until, upon seeing other core items that had to be cut (but which were also warranted), he circled back and reduced ORYA funding entirely as well.
Under Admin. Selig's proposed FY 2019 budget, Durham would still provide ORYA with free use of Town fields and free use of the historic brick Town Hall office space (a value of around $15,000/yr).
Mr. Selig informed ORYA of this development prior to the Town Council receiving the proposed budget so that the organization could engage with the Council as part of the budget process and begin to make plans if in fact the proposal became the actual budget ultimately adopted by the Council.
As it is, it was not possible to reach a 0% budget increase without eliminating core departments or initiatives of the Council. Mr. Selig anticipates the Council will continue to discuss how to eliminate additional items/expenditures to try to achieve a 0% increase in the tax rate.
Residents can view the initial presentation of the FY 2019 proposed budget on DCAT On Demand as part of the Nov. 5th Town Council meeting HERE.
The public hearing for the proposed budget is scheduled for November 19, 2018 at 7 PM as part of the Council meeting.
If residents have suggestions for adding or subtracting dollars from the proposed budget, send these to the Town Council at council@ci.durham.nh.us.
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CHIEF KURZ PUBLISHES AN ARTICLE ON BUILDING PUBLIC TRUST
Chief Dave Kurz was appointed recently as the Chairman of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and was tasked to develop initiatives to build public trust. With two of his fellow committee members he co-authored an article that provides suggestions for other police agencies to consider implementing.
View the full article HERE.
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A REVIEW OF SEVERAL DURHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES FOR 2018 – OCT 31, 2018
The Problem Oriented Policing (POP) and the “Good Neighbor Program” were recognized as one of the most comprehensive community policing initiatives in the United States. The Department received this recognition at the International Association of Chiefs of Police meeting several years ago and it remains just as relevant to addressing the unique policing environment of Durham today.
The department remains fully engaged with the downtown businesses to ensure that the parking services program overseen by the DPD works proactively to enhance the parking availability in the downtown core.
The department was reviewed by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) via the new on-line assessment this past year and did very well. The department will continue to meet national best practices and commit to adherence of these policies so as to ensure the Durham community that it is receiving the best the agency can produce.
We continue to reap the benefits of Volunteers In Policing Service (VIPS) at the department whereby citizens assist the department with support services such as data analysis, freeing officers and administrative staff to accomplish other tasks and services.
The department will continue to work collaboratively with the Durham community to provide law enforcement services with a dedication toward customer service and creation of partnerships.
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REDEVELOPMENT OF MILL PLAZA - Planning Board to discuss Wednesday.
The redevelopment of Mill Plaza is back on the Planning Board agenda for this Wednesday, November 14. Colonial Durham Associates, the developer, had postponed the review for several months as they negotiated with Hannaford about various issues, including parking on the site. The public hearing is still open so members of the public may speak at the meeting or send comments in to mailto:kedwards@ci.durham.nh.us.
View all of the documents related to the project, including some recent communication from Rick Taintor, the Town’s contract planner for the project, about the issues related to Hannaford and the process for the review HERE.
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Diwali celebration in Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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THE HINDU HOLIDAY OF DIWALI HAS ARRIVED
DIWALI is an annual festival of lights that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. But what do you say to wish someone a happy Diwali? Happy Diwali!
Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in Hinduism and lasts for five days. Each year, the festival takes place between October and November in the northern hemisphere. However, Diwali is celebrated during spring in the southern hemisphere.
The festival takes place on the day before the new moon in the month of Ashwin, which is the seventh month of the lunisolar Hindu calendar.
This week, there was a lovely Diwali celebration with sparklers and small fireworks at a home in Durham including family and friends. Mr. Selig had the privilege of attending.
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QUARTERLY UPDATE FROM DURHAM PARKS AND RECREATION – OCTOBER 31, 2018
The Parks & Recreation Department has been working hard to offer a wide range of recreational opportunities to the community. Since the start of 2018 to current (programs scheduled through November 2018) DPR has offered a total of 107 program opportunities. These program opportunities are broken down into the following offerings:
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Adult Programs: variety of fitness classes, craft workshops, guided kayak trips, pickelball, (NEW) knitting club and field trips.
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After School Programs (elementary and middle school students): indoor rock climbing, kayaking, trail running, mtn. biking, xc skiing and snowshoeing, archery, outdoor edu./adventure edu. style programs and magic class.
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Youth Programs: dance, yoga, off the beaten path little explores, field trips
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Community Programs (all ages participating together): bird walks, karate, archery, snowshoe hikes, music classes, stargazing workshops, guided trail hikes and vacation week programs: swimming, open gyms, indoor rock climbing.
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Community Special Events: Family Sweetheart Dance, Slush Cup Pond Hockey Tournament, Annual Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Parade, Family Camp Out at WHF, Picnic In the Park, Party At The Commons, Music on Main, Summer Splash and Potluck Picnic, and Durham Day, Downtown Trick or Treat, Feather Fest.
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Summer Camps (ages 5-15) A total of 8 weeks of camps offered: Gadgets and Contraptions Camp, Deep Blue Sea Camp, REACH Afternoon Camp (Partnership camp with the SAU), Outdoor Adventure Week (new), and Adventure Paddle Camp.
Camp Enrollment Recap:
Total of individual REACH campers: 44 - 29 Durham res., 9 Lee res., 5 Madbury res., 1 Portsmouth res.
Total of other camp individual campers: 38 - 29 Durham res., 5 Lee res., 4 Madbury res.
Total camper visits for all camps combined: 180
Fall Program Update:
DPR has had a busy fall. It has offered a variety of after school programs for Middle and Elementary students running Monday – Friday. Programs include: Off The Beaten Path, Kayaking, (NEW) Art & Nature, Mtn. Biking, (NEW) Backcountry Cooking, (NEW) Medieval Wilderness, Indoor Rock Climbing, and (NEW) Cooking Classes.
Total enrollment for fall after school programs is currently at 268.
The department is also offering some evening classes for youth, including a Karate and (NEW) Hip Hop Dance Class.
Durham P&R ran its first Teacher Workshop Day Full Day Field Trip on Oct. 5th since obtaining the new van. They had a full van and enjoyed a day of visiting local parks, bowling, and bouncing at Bltiz Air Park.
The also hosted a Teacher Workshop Full Day Field Trip this week on November 6th and had a full van enrolled for an art workshop at The Art Room in Newmarket and skating at Churchill Rink for the afternoon.
Durham P&R also ran their first Kids Night Out program on Oct. 19th. They picked participants up from school, visited two local farms, and enjoyed dinner at La Festa’s. The next Kid Night Out program is scheduled for Dec. 14th.
Their first (running) Adult Field Trip was scheduled to run on Wednesday, Nov. 7th. They were to visit the Portland Museum of Art for the day.
Fall events included Durham Day on Sept. 22nd and the Downtown Trick or Treat event on Oct. 29th. Both had strong attendance and all went smoothly. The Downtown Trick or Treat event grew in participation both from trick or treaters and businesses/organizations/UNH student group. Director Rachel Gasowski estimates well over 300 trick or treaters and their families enjoyed the event. Despite the event date change due to inclement weather, the department still had 36 businesses/organizations/UNH student groups participate as trick or treat stops.
Durham P&R also assisted with the Land Stewardship Committee Celebrate Durham Trails event which took place on Oct. 14th.Upcoming events include Feather Fest (partnership event with ORPP) on Nov 22nd, and the Annual Tree Lighting Celebration schedule for December 1st.
Marketing DPRWe started producing Constant Contact campaigns, which currently get distributed to 500+ emails obtained through the department's Recdesk accounts.
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Red barn on Church Hill located next to the Town Hall. Courtesy Todd Selig
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WHAT’S HAPPENINGS IN OUR TOWN DEPARTMENTS?
Mr. Selig and Police Chief Kurz met with Dr. Andy Smith from the UNH Survey Center & Professor Andy MacPherson yesterday concerning research they are preparing to conduct in NH relating to emergency management and resiliency in local communities.
Code Officer Audrey Cline reported that a $1,500 fine from the local court system had been awarded to Durham from a landlord due to trash related violations. The landlord amazingly did not bother to show up in court.
DFD Deputy Chief John Powers noted this week that limbs from trees growing out into the right-of-way are beginning to wack the fire trucks as they drive them around Town. This was unsolicited evidence of the need to do something to address roadside trimming along town roadways.
DPW Director Mike Lynch reported that they are preparing for the annual snow fighters meeting for public works staffing as we gear up for … winter!
The long-awaited emergency backup generator for the Durham Town Hall has been ordered. It is a Caterpillar 80 Kw generator for $34,000 that will run on natural gas. Installation should be complete by the end of this calendar year.
Library Director Rose Bebris reports that there is a great deal of fall programming taking place at the library.
Assessor Jim Rice notes that we’ve received our equalized valuation since April 1st of this year. Prices continue to rise (by about about 4%) since the partial revaluation was completed. The EQV is now 96.4% for Durham.
Police Chief Kurz notes that we have 9 candidates to fill the vacancy left by Katheryn Mone’s departure to take the police chief position in North Hampton.
As of last month, the Town has paid contract planner Rick Taintor $13,184.04 for his work in being the lead on the Mill Plaza redevelopment project currently before the Planning Board.
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AN UPDATE FROM DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION’S CHURCHILL RINK
It's beginning to feel like that time of year. The rink opened for the season on Oct. 16. Durham P&R currently has 12 group rentals in addition to the public skate schedule. ORHS boys hockey has added a JV team and is now practicing two times a week in the open ice time we had from Newmarket/Portsmouth leaving (school schedule changed forced them to give up their ice time with us).
Pre-season maintenance that was accomplished:
- Refrigeration Plant: Top end rebuild on both compressors (new valves and vale springs).
- Beam pad installed.
- Zamboni maintenance: new exhaust, repair of leaking hot water tank, general annual/ongoing maintenance.
- Dasher board line stickers (pealing) upgraded to plastic lines within the dashers.
- New to us skate sharpener
- All new rental skates, specifically designed for rentals (we had hand-me-down skates as rentals prior to these).
- Painting, cleaning, new speaker in center ice, new shelving for skates.
- Netting repair around the perimeter of the glass.
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43 SPACE PARKING LOT PROPOSED FOR 18 MAIN STREET
The Planning Board is reviewing a new site plan for a 43-space parking lot at 18 Main Street at the meeting this Wednesday, November 14. 18 Main Street is a four-unit apartment building, owned by Pete Murphy, located in the Historic District atop Church Hill. The parking lot will serve the residents of 18 Main Street, tenants at the Red Tower, across Main Street, also owned by Mr. Murphy, and possibly residents from other sites. The proposal includes adding a primary access through a lot at 12 Cowell Drive, directly behind 18 Main Street, which Mr. Murphy also owns. A variance is needed to incorporate the lot on Cowell Drive into the project and the application will be presented to the Zoning Board of Adjustment this Tuesday, November 13. The project will also be presented to the Historic District Commission, probably on December 6.
View the documents related to the project HERE.
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CHANGES TO DURHAM'S RECYCLING PROGRAM IN 2019
One of the goals of the Integrated Waste Management Advisory Committee and the Durham Town Council has been to encourage recycling.
In the past, we collected paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal, and used the revenue they generated to help offset the cost of Durham's solid waste program. It was cost-effective and good for our environment.
Unfortunately, the global markets for these materials have dramatically changed and have greatly reduced our revenue. This has forced Durham to ponder how to continue recycling in a cost-effective manner.
View more information HERE.
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PROGRESS REPORT ON TOWN COUNCIL GOALS FOR 2018-19
On Monday, May 7, 2018, the Council adopted its goals for 2018/19. In order to measure the progress of the goals adopted by Council, the Administrator believes it is important to provide the Council with periodic status reports.
View the updated progress report as of October 31, 2018, prepared by the Administrator on each of the goals that were adopted in May 2018 HERE.
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TOWN OFFICES CLOSING SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING HOLIDAYS
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NO "FRIDAY UPDATES" ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2018
Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no "Friday Updates" on November 23rd.
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DURHAM HOSTS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - November 24, 2018
On Monday, October 15, 2018, the Town Council adopted Resolution #2018-19 proclaiming Saturday, November 24, 2018 as "Small Business Saturday" in Durham, NH.
Small Business Saturday is an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after US Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year and is a national effort to drive consumers to shop at local independently-owned businesses. As a supporting community, Durham will be listed on the Shop Small website.
We believe Senator Shaheen may be in Durham for the event, as well as other notable public figures.
View the Resolution adopted by the Town Council HERE.
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66 MAIN STREET - At long last, a mixed use development for the former ATO site between Town and Campus and People's United Bank.
A conceptual application for a large mixed-use project at 66 Main Street is being presented to the Planning Board this Wednesday, November 14. The applicant is Tim Elliott of Elliott Sidewalk Communities from Sparks, Maryland, who is also developing the hotel at Hetzel Hall. The University owns the lot but will be selling it to the developer if the project is approved. The development will include a restaurant, shops, offices, apartments, a parking garage to be accessed from Pettee Brook Lane, and a pedestrian promenade in the middle connecting Main Street to Pettee Brook Lane.
There are many aspects of the project to be worked out. Mr. Elliott will submit more detailed plans after this review.
view the documents related to the project HERE.
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WINTER PARKING BAN - Nov. 1st thru April 1st
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2016. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town-owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But, the Winter Parking Ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM.
As the ordinance states: “Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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ORDINANCE ON SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN DEVELOPMENT - It's a little like making sausage... only greener.
The Planning Board has been working for many months on a new ordinance dealing with solar energy systems. The board held a public hearing on April 25 on a first draft of the ordinance. After reviewing many comments offered by the public the board made significant changes and presented a revised draft for public hearings on September 12 and 26 and October 10 (when the hearing was closed). In order to facilitate the board’s new review of every detail, the Town Planner incorporated all written public comments that applied to specific provisions of the proposed ordinance into the document.
View the document with these many comments HERE.
It is striking, but not surprising, the level of engagement and knowledge about this important issue that is evident from the comments. While virtually all Durham residents undoubtedly support sustainable energy, there is somewhat of a split between those favoring less regulation of solar energy in order to encourage as much use as possible and those who support strict regulation to protect scenic views and neighborhood character while also accommodating solar energy.
We know that the Planning Board, in its wisdom, will find a good balance as it works to finalize the proposed ordinance. As is often the case, when we finish this exacting process, Durham should have an excellent ordinance that will likely serve as a model for other communities in New Hampshire.
View all of the documents and public comments HERE.
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Numerous political signs still remain throughout Durham. They need to go. Courtesy PZA Office
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IT'S TIME TO TAKE DOWN THOSE POLITICAL SIGNS!
The Code Enforcement Office would like to remind citizens of the timeline for removing political signs. Political advertisement signs are governed by Durham’s Sign Ordinance and New Hampshire RSA 664:17.
Political advertisement signs must be removed by the second Friday following the election, which will be by Friday, November 16, 2018.
Courtesy Notification to remove signs will be sent starting Saturday November 17; fines are associated with lawn signs that are left on display overly long and we encourage the volunteers of the various campaigns to take a few moments to pick up their candidates’ signs. Thanks for voting!
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WE WILL SPEND $30,000 in 2018 SUPPORTING OUR P.T. LAND STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR POSITION – Take a look at Ellen Snyder’s progress report to see the numerous value added activities the position has shepherded in 2018.
The Land Stewardship Coordinator works in consultation and collaboration with the Durham Land Stewardship Subcommittee to coordinate land stewardship activities, responsibilities and opportunities on Town-owned lands, fulfill conservation easement obligations, and provide information through property signage, the Town website, "Friday Updates,” kiosks, and other forums to inform and engage the public in caring for and enjoying Durham town lands. Many volunteers, conservation partners, the Conservation Commission, and staff at Town Hall and Department of Public Works (DPW) are key to the stewardship accomplishments. This is a contract position for 500 hours per year.
View the Land Stewardship Coordinator’s activities to date HERE.
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ANNUAL LIGHT UP DURHAM LIGHTING CONTEST
The Durham Business Association invites all businesses and UNH fraternities and sororities to light their businesses/houses and share in spreading the joy of the season. It’s razzle-dazzle time! Harness your artistic, creative, innovative genes to start planning a lighted holiday display for your business. We’re going for greater participation to make this year’s contest “bigger and better”.
The Annual Light Up Durham Annual Lighting Contest is intended to benefit the entire Durham community, which includes Durham residents and businesses, as well as, UNH faculty, staff, and students. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved.
Judging will take place Wednesday, November 28, 2018 beginning at 5:30 PM.
2018 Information & Guidelines
Contest is open to all businesses and recognized Greek fraternities and sororities. The guidelines for judging include:
- The effectiveness of lights creating the display.
- The placement and uniformity of the lights.
- The use of design and color to create the decorations.
- The use of special lighted displays.
- The ingenuity, originality, and creativity exercised in the decorations.
Holiday Lights are available for sale at Rite Aid.
For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at mailto:durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com
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Reflection of Durham decorative street light in puddle after recent storm. Courtesy Todd Selig
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HERE'S WHERE WE ARE ON THE LEE CIRCLE WATER LINE EXTENSION PROJECT
Since 2015, the Towns of Durham and Lee, along with the University of New Hampshire and the NH Department of Environmental Services, have been in discussions concerning supplying water to 7 MTBE contaminated sites at the Lee Traffic Circle where Routes 125 and 4 intersect.
NHDES, working in close conjunction with Durham and UNH, contracted with Weston and Sampson Engineers to develop feasibility studies and water modeling to look at options and impacts if connected to the nearby Durham-UNH Water System. Various scenarios were modeled to determine the impact the full build out of the Lee Commercial District would have on the Durham-UNH water pressures and supplies. It was determined that the current Durham-UNH system could support the project, so long as a variety of improvements were made within the Durham-UNH system to be funded by NHDES using various water pollution control funds.
MTBE is a gasoline additive and a potential human carcinogen. It is often introduced into water-supply aquifers by leaking underground storage tanks at gasoline stations or by gasoline containing MTBE spilled onto the ground, all of which likely occurred decades ago at the Lee Circle.
Durham and Lee have a decades old agreement dating to the original siting of Durham’s well in Lee near Lee Five Corners to provide a percentage of the supply to the Town of Lee if needed in the future. This project would satisfy that obligation.
In late 2017, the state’s Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Advisory Commission approved $35 million in grants and loans for communities across New Hampshire, including funds for the Lee water line extension from the Durham/UNH System. Since then, Durham, UNH, Lee, and NHDES have been working collaboratively to bring the project to fruition.
The project partners met this week at the Durham Town Hall to work through an MOU between Durham and Lee relative to the extension, as well as to discuss project design and other project elements.
Many residents may not realize that Durham and UNH partner in the provision of water supply, and effectively operate a combined system. Water drawn by the UNH plant supports town and gown, as does water drawn from the Town’s Lee Well, etc. There are also jointly owned components of the shared system.
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A GREEN ROOFS PRESENTATION WILL OCCUR ON NOV. 28
Green Roofs will be the topic of a presentation on Wednesday, November 28th from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Durham Public Library.
Learn how Green Roofs could provide benefits to Durham’s built environment, including improving building aesthetics, providing space for gardens and food production, and managing stormwater. Join the Town of Durham Planning and Building Departments and the Durham Agricultural Commission for a presentation about Green Roofs by Mark Winterer, Owner and Director of Operations for Recover Green Roofs of Somerville, MA. www.recovergreenroofs.com.
For more information please contact Theresa Walker of the Durham Agricultural Commission, mailto:theresawalker@comcast.net, 603-659-7226.
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THANKSGIVING AND WINTER FOOD BASKETS BY THE WAYSMEET CENTER/CORNUCOPIA FOOD PANTRY
The Cornucopia Food Pantry of the Waysmeet Center is providing Thanksgiving Food Baskets again on November 19 and 20, 2018.
They urgently need and welcome donations of food, paper supplies, personal items, monetary donations as well as volunteer efforts and time. Especially welcome are donations of core items such as stuffing mix, pancake mix, gravy, cranberry sauce, muffin mix, rice, potatoes, onions, fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, milk, cereal and recipes you want to share. The Waysmeet Center is accepting donations right through November 20, and of course accept donations at any time for our weekly food pantry times.
Last year, the organization provided almost 900 food baskets for Thanksgiving, winter and Earth Day, thanks to your help! Please help by donating food, funds or your time in helping organize and distribute the baskets. you can find more information in the attached packets and can also sign up on our Facebook site.
If you or someone you know needs a food basket they can fill out a simple request form for pick up or delivery. For more information call 603-862-1165 or Larry at mailto:Larry.Brickner-Wood@unh.edu or Alissa at mailto:Alissawaysmeet@gmail.com or visit the Waysmeet website.
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Route of the proposed Eversource Seacoast Reliability Project. Courtesy Eversource
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SEACOAST RELIABILITY PROJECT - Eversource petitions to reopen docket to submit more information.
Eversource wants to reopen the record on the 12.9-mile high-voltage transmission line – or Seacoast Reliability Project – to provide information on potentially impacted historic and scenic resources.
The project, if approved by the NH Site Evaluation Committee, would travel from Madbury through Durham, under Little Bay, through Newington to a substation in Portsmouth.
Representing Eversource, Attorney Barry Needleman indicates the request, which was made this past week, would provide new information that would allow the Site Evaluation Committee to make its full consideration of the project as regulators begin deliberations on the project later this month. More specifically, Eversource desires to introduce new information that it claims will show that no Determined Eligible Sites that are scenic resources under Site 102.45 were overlooked in the visual assessment. Eversource intends to try to demonstrate that after sites are screened based on lack of visibility, lack of public access and/or lack of scenic quality, none remain that were not already considered. There are three sites at issue: Merrill Hall on the University of New Hampshire campus in Durham, four historic buildings along Woodbury Avenue in Newington, including the Isaac Dow House, and the General Sullivan Bridge, according to Eversource.
An order issued Wednesday by NH Site Evaluation Committee Chair, Patricia Weathersby, scheduled a special meeting to allow cross-examination of Eversource’s witness for historic and scenic sites, David Raphael, and sets Nov. 13 as the deadline to file briefs opposing the motion to reopen the record. Weathersby indicated if the motion is granted, the hearing will be Nov. 15 with intervenors and the Counsel for the Public cross-examining Raphael. Hearings are held in Concord.
If the motion is not granted, Weathersby indicates the Nov. 15 hearing will be cancelled.
To date, Durham has expended more than $229,000 vetting and exposing concerns and deficiencies regarding the project, which would not otherwise be permitted in Durham.
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GIVE THANKS! Durham Business Association Thanksgiving Food Drive - November 1 through November 16
Please help the DBA by donating non-perishable food items to help benefit those in need this holiday season.
All donations will go the UNH/Waysmeet Center Cornucopia Food Pantry and St. Thomas More Church.
Drop Off Locations:
--Federal Savings Bank, 7A Mill Road
--People’s United Bank, 70 Main Street
--Service Credit Union, 155 Main Street (Wildcat Stadium)
Suggestions:
Applesauce, canned beans, canned fish, canned vegetables, canned yams, cooking oils, crackers, dried herbs and spices, fruit (canned or dried), granola bars, instant mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, nuts, pasta, pasta sauces, peanut butter, rice, soups and stews, cereal, pie crusts, canned pie fillings, chicken or turkey broth.
For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at mailto:durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com
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DURHAM BIKE & SPORTS CLOSING FOR THE WINTER SEASON
Due to the type of space Durham Bike & Sports currently rents, it will be unable to offer ski/snow board tunes or waxing and skate sharpening and will be closing for the season on Friday, November 30, 2018.
There will be an end of season sale on November 10 and November 12 from 10AM - 3PM on all bike, misc. sports and winter (gloves, hats, cabin socks) at 40 - 75% off. Raffle for bikes. Coffee, tea, and cider doughnuts.
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AMERICAN BEE JOURNAL ARTICLE ON DURHAM BEE CITY DESIGNATION
On February 6, 2017, the Town Council passed Resolution #2017-05 accepting the Town of Durham's designation as a “Bee City USA” community and committing to the standards of said designation.
This past summer, Durham Agricultural Commission member, Lee Alexander, was interviewed by a free-lance writer (Melissa Moore) about Durham becoming the first BeeCityUSA town in New England.
View the article that was just published in the November 2018 edition of American Bee Journal HERE.
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FALL LEAF AND BRUSH CURBSIDE COLLECTION
Collection began on Monday, November 5th, all items must be out by 7am! During Fall Cleanup, Public Works picks up brush (natural material from trees) first followed by the collection of leaves. Fall Cleanup is separate from your regular curbside collection!
- Leaves should be placed in paper leaf bags (remember, plastic bags are not recyclable and will not be picked up). Paper bags may be purchased at Aubuchon Hardware and stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Loose leaves will not be accepted but may be brought to the Transfer Station & Recycling Center on Durham Point Road.
- Brush should be placed in one direction, bundled and tied with string (no wire please).
- Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter. No stumps will be accepted.
- The amount of brush and limbs is limited to ONE TRUCKLOAD PER HOUSEHOLD.
- Cutting off small limbs from branches will help maximize each load.
- Remember, backyard composting of your leaves and brush reduces the flow of waste, while at the same time, produces valuable organic matter for the soil. It improves your soil and the plants growing in it.
The Fall Newsletter will be mailed out in the next few days. The Newsletter can also be viewed HERE.
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US CENSUS BUREAU SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR PARTNERSHIP SPECIALIST IN STRAFFORD COUNTY & OTHER PORTIONS OF NH
The Census Bureau is accepting applications for the Partnership Specialist position in New Hampshire. Partnership Specialists develop partnerships with government leaders, community-based organizations, faith-based groups, schools, media outlets, businesses and other grassroots entities. These relationships will be critical in our efforts to break down enumeration barriers in support of the 2020 Census.
These are Work at Home positions. The announcements is closing on November 13, 2018.
To apply click on the links below:
Partnership Specialist: Coos, Grafton, Sullivan, Merrimack or Cheshire counties
External
Internal
Partnership Specialist: Carroll, Belknap, Strafford or Rockingham counties
External
Internal
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WINTER PARKING BAN
The Durham Winter Parking ban commences Thursday November 1st and will be in effect through April 1, 2019. As many know, parking on Main Street, Jenkins Court and any Town owned parking lot is prohibited between 1:00AM and 6:00AM throughout the year. But the Winter Parking ban prohibits parking ON ANY STREET from November 1st to April 1st between 1:00AM and 6:00AM. As the ordinance states,
“Any vehicle so parked during the prohibited hours and dates shall be subject to being towed away at the owner’s risk. The owner or owners shall be required to pay all towing costs and a fine before the vehicle is released.”
For the first few weeks, the Durham Police will endeavor to issue warnings designed to remind everyone of the Winter ban but were a surprise snowstorm to occur during this period, there should be an awareness that vehicles may be towed to allow for Durham Public Works to more effectively plow the streets and roadways of Durham.
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Soggy but cheerful volunteers celebrate their trail clearing accomplishments at Doe Farm last Saturday. Courtesy Ellen Snyder
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VOLUNTEERING IN THE RAIN AT DURHAM'S DOE FARM - UNH students land many hands!
Last Saturday, on another rainy day, 18 dedicated and energetic volunteers helped clear a new trail and re-routed another trail at Doe Farm. The crew, led by Conservation Commission member John Nachilly, included 9 Theta Chi fraternity brothers (their third stewardship volunteer stint this year), other UNH and Great Bay Community College students, and town folks. The UNH Cooperative Extension tool-sharing library provided all the hand tools for the work: loppers, saws, rakes, and work gloves. Salvaged boards from a discontinued trail were placed across a stream until a new permanent bridge is built. This long rainy period (since August!) has been a challenge for getting fieldwork done, but it didn’t hinder the volunteers at Doe Farm last weekend.
The Land Stewardship Subcommittee is spearheading planned improvements at Doe Farm, including building bridges, adding a kiosk and signs, establishing new riverside day-use picnic areas, and enhancing the entrance and parking area. The budget for these projects is $16,000 with additional labor and materials contributed by volunteers and the Department of Public Works. Private donations to the Durham Town Land Stewardship Patron’s Trust will help us reach this goal. Interested donors can learn more by checking out the following documents:
• Patron’s Trust Pledge Form
• Help Improve Doe Farm Trails!
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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY - OCTOBER 27, 2018
It’s hard to believe the October is just around the corner, but unfortunately it is quickly approaching. The 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Day will be held at the Department of Public Works facility located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. As in the past, all hazardous waste will be collected by appointment only, between 8-11:30AM. To register, you must call the Department of Public Works at 868-5578 or e-mail publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us. Remember - The MAXIMUM COLLECTED PER HOUSEHOLD IS FIVE GALLONS. See more details in the spring newsletter located on the DPW's web page HERE.
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TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?
Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.
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Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.
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Downtown Main Street during last year's Tree Lighting Ceremony. Courtesy Durham Parks & Recreation
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ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 pm - DOWNTOWN MAIN STREET
Enjoy raffles, bonfire, s’mores, hot cocoa, crafts, visit with Santa, and be there as we light the TREE for the holiday season.
This is a family friendly event. Participation is FREE. Event rain/inclement weather date: Sunday, December 2nd 5-7pm.
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WELLNESS WEDNESDAY - FACING PAIN: MINDFULNESS MEDITATION - Wednesday, November 14th, 7:00-8:00 pm
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S.T.E.A.M. "THANKSGIVING CRAFT" - Saturday, November 17th, 10:30 am
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*Academic year commenced August 24th and will be measured through graduation at UNH in May.
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HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)
Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."
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1850 - By vote of the town, Jacob Mathes was employed to quarry a stone, 3'10" by 1'10" and marked "DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE" to be used in the construction of the Washington Monument. Inserted in the east wall at the 130' level it has been viewed by astonished Durhamites over the years.
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