From: Peggy celano Sent: Monday, November 27, 2017 2:46 PM To: Karen Edwards; Michael Behrendt Subject: Fwd: Plaza Redevelopment Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Peggy celano <> Date: November 27, 2017 at 2:44:07 PM EST Cc: mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us Subject: Plaza Redevelopment 3 Pendexter Rd. Durham, NH November 27, 2017 Dear Durham Planning Board, As you can see by my address, I am not a resident of the Faculty neighborhood, although I have been following, writing , and attending meetings for the shopping plaza redevelopment. In addition to the earnest concerns of abutting neighborhoods, and after reviewing the Durham Town Ordinances, specifically number 175-23, C.1-8. I have tried to reframe these development scenarios every which way, even trying to play the 'devil's advocate,' but, adding 300 plus or minus students into the mix of this plan is not what I have envisioned as the Durham Town Center vision. Assuming you're familiar with the Ordinance I cited, and aside from the ramifications to abutting neighborhoods, I have contemplated residual effects on the downtown itself, which I think, at the least, should be shared by Durham residents without further student inundation. The increased busyness of the plaza would not enhance the aesthetic that is our small town (fighting for its life) trying to remain as such. 300 beds would mean at least half that as additional cars on a regular basis. Increased traffic into and out of the plaza would indicate the need for a traffic light at its intersection. Noise levels could escalate, leaving our resident families wondering how students essentially got to take over downtown Durham. Safety concerns arise with the potential of increased traffic. Students would not be classified as slow drivers. The walkability factor would be compromised for student-aged youth as well as the elderly. Arrests, crime, and rowdiness could also accompany student residences. None of these scenarios are not exactly 'new business- inducing.' I can understand the frustration of both developer and resident; we seem to be at cross purposes for what we see as our top priority. I understand that developers are in business to make money, but this redevelopment plan is the wrong fit for the Durham Town Center designation. My family moved to Durham in 1976. My husband at the time was the Veterinarian for UNH. Two children went through Oyster River schools, but one graduated from P.E.A. I gained Teacher Certification through UNH and taught middle school for 30years, along with having coached the Boys' Varsity Tennis Team at Oyster River for 10 years. I returned to UNH for a Masters' degree, and I hold a proud distinction of taking classes at UNH in the last five decades. This is the third house I've owned in Durham, the first at 36 Bagdad Rd. and the second at 63 Newmarket Rd. The only variable in town that has remained the same is our grocery store. One would think that a developer who deeply cared about our town's vision for a town center would at least try to bring some improvement to that situation, as opposed to student infusion. I am invested in what happens to our town. Thank you for your time and attention, Margaret (Peggy) Celano Sent from my iPad