Friday Updates - June 10, 2022





FacebookTwitter



Friday, June 10, 2022



 





Officer Rob Keith and Detective/POP Officer Emily Festa participated in Local B Studio’s push-up contest during last Saturday’s Durham Day Celebration. (At least 10 push-ups were needed to qualify for a lollipop!) Courtesy Brett Pestana



__________________________________




Turtle crossing! It's that time of year.

Turtle nesting season has started! As you drive -- crawl? -- to or from the transfer station or past Mill Pond, keep your eyes open for these slow-moving prehistoric-looking but vulnerable reptiles. Turtles are on the move from wetlands and vernal pools to their upland nesting sites. Read NH Fish & Game's notice, “Slow Down and Give Turtles a Brake This Spring and Summer,” HERE to learn how you can help. (And no, dont take one home).



 



TOWN TO CHANGE PETTEE BROOK EV CHARGING STATION FEES ON JULY 1ST

The Pettee Brook lot electric vehicle charging stations are a central part of Durham’s efforts to cut down on greenhouse gases. In the past year alone, the site was used for more than 1155 charging sessions, reducing greenhouse gases by an estimated 10,000 kg. 

The Town encourages electric vehicle use by waiving the hourly parking fee during the first two hours of charging. The recent surge in electric car popularity means that the charging station is now getting more use. To maximize the benefits of our centrally located charging station, the Town hopes to discourage users from leaving cars parked in charging spaces after the batteries have been topped off.  


Toward that end, beginning on July 1 there will be a $3.00 per hour parking fee imposed after a grace period if the vehicle is no longer drawing a charge. This is $1.00 more than the standard $2.00 per hour parking fee in the Pettee Brook lot. Also, the cost per kilowatt hour for the electricity will increase from $0.18 to $0.25 on July 1. This increase is required to cover the town’s actual cost of the electricity delivered to the chargers.


It is worth noting that even with the 7-cent increase for electricity, this is still a bargain. It is the equivalent of paying $1.95 for a gallon of gas.  





Comparison of Existing and New Pettee Brook Fee Structures


Existing Pettee Brook Fees:

Hours 1-2 no parking fee

Energy fee: $0.18/kWh

Hour 3 to limit: $1.00/hr.


New Pettee Brook Fees (July 1)


Hours 1-2 no parking fee

Energy fee: $0.25/kWh

Hour 3 on if car is still charging: $2.00

If car has stopped drawing current after hour 2, grace period of 1 hour @ $2.00.

After grace period: $3.00/hr.



 



CANDIDATE FILINGS FOR NH STATE REPRESENTATIVES REPRESENTING DURHAM

Below is a list of candidates running for NH State Representative for District 10 (Durham only) & District 20 (Durham, Dover Ward 4, Lee, and Madbury) . The filing period closed at 5PM this afternoon.






 



STUDENT HAZING INVESTIGATION AT SAE FRATERNITY

On Monday, April 18th, 2022, the Durham Police Department was notified by representatives of the University of New Hampshire of a possible Student Hazing incident that occurred at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity (SAE). The SAE New Hampshire Beta chapter is a recognized organization with the fraternity and sorority life program at the University of New Hampshire.

Initial information given to the Durham Police Department alleged that on Wednesday, April 13th, 2022, there was an event held at the SAE chapter house, located at 28 Madbury Road, Durham, involving new members of the fraternity. The Durham Police Department immediately investigated the allegations and determined there was probable cause that the crime of Student Hazing had occurred.

On June 7th, 2022, arrest warrants charging SAE New Hampshire Beta chapter, and forty- six (46) of the members of that organization were issued for Student Hazing. Student Hazing is a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,200.00 fine when brought against an individual. Student Hazing is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by up to a $20,000.00 fine when brought against an organization.

The Strafford County Attorney’s office will be responsible for the prosecution of all arrests related to this investigation and all inquiries should be directed to the Strafford County Attorney’s office. 



 





Using a plastic 3D model, food color sprinkles, and water, Durham Conservation Commission Chair Jake Kritzer and DCC member Roanne Robbins demonstrate for Zoe Selig what happens when rain washes pollutants and contaminants such as fertilizer, animal waste, etc. into waterways. Courtesy Todd Selig



 



MONDAY, JUNE 20TH - ROUTE 108 ROAD CLOSURE IN DOVER FOR NHDOT CULVERT REPLACEMENT WORK. Work Will Require Road Closure For Five Days between Dover/Durham.

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation announces that a culvert replacement and utility line relocation project is scheduled to begin Monday, June 20th, at 9 am on NH-108 in Dover.

The culvert work is located between the junctions of Freshet Road and Grapevine Road and will require NH-108 be closed to through traffic for five days. A detour for through traffic will be in place from the junction of Route 108/US-4 in Durham to the junction of Route 108/Mast Road in Dover. Through traffic will be detoured via routes US-4, Madbury Road, NH-155, Pudding Hill Road/Mast Road. Detour signs will be installed to direct traffic around the closure. For more information or questions please contact NHDOT District 6 office at 603-868-1133.

PLEASE NOTE: The road will remain closed until the work is completed.



 





Courtesy Thomas Young



THE END OF AN ERA AT UNH - Faculty Neighborhood's David Lowy retiring.

After 25 years working as a proud part of UNH Dining, the Faculty Neighborhood's own David Lowy is officially retiring. To celebrate, a wonderful congratulatory brunch was held Tuesday in the Huddleston Hall Ballroom. David's sister Pam and father John were in attendance as were many friends and co-workers. We know that David will be dearly missed at UNH Dining Services but we look forward to seeing him more often in the Faculty Neighborhood!





 



ATTENTION LOCAL DURHAM BUSINESSES: DIGITAL TOOLS OUTREACH MEETING FOR SMALL-AND-MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES - Friday, June 17, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                       

The Office of Advocacy, an independent office within the U.S. Small Business Administration, is holding an outreach meeting in Durham, NH on June 17th to hear from small businesses about their views on access to and use of digital tools. The use of digital tools is a key enabler for SMEs to innovate, grow and compete. Its uptake varies significantly across sectors and regions. Beyond training and education gaps and market access barriers, SMEs face challenges regarding access to technologies, data, and finance. 


In September 2021, The U.S.-E.U. Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held its inaugural meeting to reaffirm the TTC’s objectives to coordinate approaches to key global technology, economic, and trade issues, and to deepen transatlantic trade and economic relations, based on shared democratic values. Various working groups comprised of federal agencies were formed to support these initiatives. The Office of Advocacy is a member of the Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) Working Group. 


The purpose of the listening sessions with SMEs and underserved communities is to develop recommendations for U.S. and EU policymakers through the TTC that will help accelerate SME access to and the uptake of digital technologies.

View more information regarding this meeting HERE.



 



UPDATES FROM THE PLANNING BOARD

This past Wednesday, the Planning Board reviewed a proposed small addition for the rear of the Great Bay Veterinary Clinic and scheduled a public hearing for June 22.  The board also discussed the proposed food court emporium, restaurant, tavern, and shop proposed at the old Town Offices site at 15 Newmarket Road.  The review and public hearing are continued to July 13.

 

The Planning Board looked at additional documents it had requested for the proposed parking lot at 19-21 Main Street (behind the Red Tower on Church Hill).   The board adjourned the public hearing to July 27 and will start its deliberations on June 22.  The purpose of the adjournment is to allow the board to devote its time at the meeting entirely to final deliberations.  At the end of its deliberations the board will likely direct the Town Planner to prepare a draft notice of decision (for approval or denial of the project).  

Reopening the public hearing on July 27 will allow for the applicant and the public to then comment on a draft notice or any other new information that might be submitted for the July 27 meeting.  The board will not accept any public comments, verbally or in writing, at this stage until at least July 27.  

(Note that if the draft notice of decision is for denial of the project the public hearing may not be reopened since a denial does not involve any proposed conditions that would invite comments from the applicant or the public.) 



 



GERRISH DRIVE SUBDIVISION APPROVAL REMANDED BACK TO PLANNING BOARD BY SUPERIOR COURT BASED ON APPEAL

The Planning Board approved the 15-unit subdivision off Gerrish Drive on November 10, 2021. An abutter on Gerrish Drive appealed the decision to Strafford County Superior Court. The judge remanded the application back to the Planning Board as follows.


The application process for a conservation subdivision is complicated with numerous steps and much information that must be submitted. The review for Gerrish Drive was rigorous but there is one requirement in the Subdivision Regulations that was missed. 

A High Intensity Soils (HISS) map must be verified by the Strafford County Conservation District. 

The HISS map was prepared by a soil scientist as required and submitted. The site was also evaluated carefully by the applicant’s certified wetland scientist. However the map was not verified by the Conservation District, so the judge determined that the application should not have been accepted as complete. 

After review/any comments from the Strafford County Conservation District are received, the Planning Board and Conservation Commission will need to review the project again, and their review will be focused on deviations, if any, between the submitted HISS map and the review by the Strafford County Conservation District. 



 



PLANNING BOARD DENIAL OF APPLICATION FROM COLONIAL DURHAM ASSOCIATES APPEALED TO NH HOUSING APPEALS BOARD

The Planning Board denied the application from Colonial Durham Associates for the redevelopment of Mill Plaza in May. This past Tuesday the Town received a copy of an appeal by the applicant of the board’s decision. The appeal, submitted by Ari Pollack, attorney for the applicant, was submitted to the State of New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board. Applicants may appeal to Superior Court or the Housing Appeals Board at the appellant’s discretion. 

Mr. Pollack alleges these three “claims of error” in the Planning Board’s decision:

  • That the supermajority requirement of the conditional use review violates New Hampshire state law;
  • That the seating and replacement of alternate Planning Board members violated New Hampshire state law and the board’s Rules of Procedure; and 
  • That the voting procedure on the May 11 motion to deny the conditional use permit violated New Hampshire state law and the board’s Rules of Procedure.

The Town will review the appeal and defend the decision of the Planning Board before the State of New Hampshire Housing Appeals Board.



 





MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT UPDATE - Interactive Public Comment Map –

We would like to hear from YOU!  Durham Public Works and the Madbury Road Complete Streets Project Team are in the initial planning phase for construction improvements to the approximately 8,200 lineal foot Madbury Road corridor, connecting Main Street in downtown Durham to Route 4. 


The Design phase is scheduled to continue through 2022/2023 with the first phase of major culvert construction tentatively planned for the 2023 construction season. The Town was successful in obtaining substantial American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding totaling over $608,000 for these critical culvert and drainage improvements and continues to aggressively pursue funding for other project components, including water distribution system replacement, sewer collection system rehabilitation and stormwater/ drainage system improvements.  


The Project Team has scheduled a Public Project Information and Local Concerns Meeting for Wednesday June 15th beginning at 6:30 PM at the Durham Public Library and cordially invites the public to attend.  


In addition, please click HERE for a Madbury Road Complete Streets Story Map which provides important project information along with an opportunity to take part in a project related survey and use an interactive map where residents and business and corridor users can identify concerns and issues.  


Please contact Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578 if you have any questions.



 



2023 FULL REVALUATION TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER

The State of New Hampshire requires all real estate within a municipality to be reappraised at least every five years (per RSA 75:8-a) for property tax purposes, so assessments are at their full and true value. To keep in compliance with this law, the Town of Durham has contracted with Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) to reappraise all residential and commercial properties in Durham for tax year 2023. The project is to be completed over a two-year period beginning in 2022.


The last full revaluation in Durham was performed in 2002. Since that time, the town has performed statistical updates utilizing the existing data to update assessments. However, it has been observed in the Assessor’s office from sold properties that interior renovations have been occurring (i.e., replacing kitchens/baths that may not require building permits yet enhance the value of the property). Since, by law it is the assessor’s responsibility to value your property for market value, it is time to perform a full revaluation which includes measuring the exterior and inspecting the interior of all structures.   


There are five major phases to a full revaluation: Data Collection and Sales Review, Market Analysis, Valuation, Field Review, and Informal Hearings.


During the summer of 2022, the data collection phase of the project will begin where staff members from MRI will measure the exterior and inspect the interior of all structures in Durham to make sure the data regarding each property is accurate. An exterior photo of the property will also be taken to update the assessment record card. Postcards will be mailed when they are working within a particular neighborhood. Due to the large volume of properties to be reviewed and time constraints to complete a full revaluation, appointments for inspections will not be scheduled in advance. 


The Durham Assessor’s Office is very conscience about the spread of COVID. As a result, representatives from MRI will be wearing face masks and taking every precaution while visiting properties. If, due to COVID or for any other reason the property owner is not comfortable allowing an interior inspection, we kindly ask that the MRI representative be able to verify information at the door. If the property owner is not home, a notification will be mailed requesting an inspection or a phone number where someone can be reached. If the property includes tenants, they should be notified that someone from MRI will be dropping by to measure the exterior. If the property owner does not wish to have a representative from MRI visit their property, they should notify the Durham Assessor’s Office at (603) 868-8064 as soon as possible. All MRI representatives will have a photo ID, a Municipal Letter of Introduction, and their vehicles will be listed with both the Assessor’s Office and the Durham Police Department.


Updates regarding the project will be posted in the Friday Updates Newsletter and through mailings if required. To become a subscriber of Durham’s weekly Friday Updates Newsletter, you may sign up from the home page of the Durham web site at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/.    



We greatly appreciate the cooperation during this project. If there are further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Assessor’s Office.



 





Course map for Marina's Miles 5k run/walk



MARINA'S MILES 5K RUN/WALK--ROAD CLOSURES - Race set for Saturday, June 18th.

The annual Marina's Miles 5k run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2022 at the Oyster River High School beginning at 9AM. Durham roads will be closed in the Canney Farms neighborhood and around the High School and Middle School from 9am to 10am on Saturday, June 18. There will also be signs posted on the roads affected the week beforehand.

The following roads will be CLOSED for this event:


Coe Drive, Bagdad Road, Canney Road, Ambler Way, Gerrish Drive, Sumac Lane, Daisey Drive, Bucks Hill Road, Dennison Road.



 



DID YOU KNOW? - Sunscreen Tubes & Aerosol Spray Cans

Sunscreen tubes and aerosol spray cans must be put in the trash to be disposed of correctly.


(Please note - Partially full containers that you know do not contain hazardous chemicals should be discharged  outdoors into a deep cardboard box or paper bag. Please allow the box or bag to dry before placing in the trash).


in addition, commercial and mainstream sunscreens are harmful not just because of their wasteful plastic packaging. 

They are incredibly harmful to marine life and coral reefs, due to some of the chemical ingredients they include.

These chemicals aren’t good for your skin either. 


Luckily, there are fantastic zero waste sunscreen options. Please check out the link below for recommendations.


https://www.almostzerowaste.com/zero-waste-sunscreens/

Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee


Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com



 





SEACOAST EAT LOCAL FARMERS' MARKET OPENING DAY

The Town of Durham is excited to welcome Seacoast Eat Local as the new management of the weekly Farmer’s Market in Durham. The Farmer’s Market will be located at the new pocket park and parking lot at 66 Main Street. Please find information below for hours and location along with other helpful information. 


Location: Downtown Durham Pocket Park and Parking Lot at 66 Main Street 

Market Day and Time: Mondays 2:30 PM-6:00 PM, excluding holidays

What: Local vendors selling: Vegetables, flowers, small batch natural body care, pottery, textiles, broth, and goat's milk fudge and cheeses.

Music: A variety of local artists will be playing music the entirety of the season. Musical stylings expected include acoustic, bluegrass, folk, blues, and Americana. The opening day musician plays Acoustic Americana.


This market is still growing, if you or someone you know is interested in becoming a vendor, please visit our site HERE.


Make sure to follow on social media for updates, or go to their website: http://seacoasteatlocal.org/.



 





Are tortoises allowed off leash at WHF? I read the many policy/rule signs and couldn’t find one. Time to put that into law!   Courtesy Wayne Burton



 



ASSESSOR TO INSPECT PROPERTIES REQUIRING BUILDING PERMITS IN THE COMING WEEKS

It’s that time of year again when assessor, Jim Rice, will be inspecting all properties in Durham during March and April that have recently undergone new construction such as building new homes, additions, made renovations or have recently been demolished.   


If you have any questions, please contact the Assessing Department at (603) 868-8064. 



 



SCRAP METAL NOW COLLECTED IN CONTAINERS AT THE TRANSFER STATION

For years, the Durham Public Works Department has stored the scrap metal it collects at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station loosely on the ground near the exit of the facility. In addition to being unsightly and unsanitary, it is difficult to manage contamination in its current location and is frequently the culprit of flat vehicle/equipment tires. Beginning next week, in accordance with Best Management Practices outlined by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, scrap metal disposed of at the Transfer Station will be collected in a 40 yd3 roll-off container. This container will be located between the bulky waste and construction/demolition debris containers. 


The DPW team continues to implement site improvements, including hardscaping and mulching, to improve transfer station users experience.  


Durham Public Works would like to kindly remind residents that unauthorized removal of materials from the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center is prohibited. 


Additionally, white goods which contain refrigerant (air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, freezers, etc.) will now be collected and stored on the left side of the large green structure.



 





NEW INTERACTIVE VIEWER FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING

New Interactive Viewer for Solid Waste and Recycling - The Durham Public Works Team is often asked questions about the Town’s Recycling and Solid Waste programs. Questions such as, “How much does a bulky waste coupon cost?” or “Is my milk carton recyclable?” are common. To assist in alleviating some of the confusion, the Durham Public Works Team in conjunction with the Integrated Solid Waste Advisory Committee (IWMAC), has created an Interactive Public Viewer for residents which can be viewed HERE. Residents and others can visit this site to learn more about the Town’s program and familiarize themselves with the services offered. Everyone is encouraged to visit the site as it describes the Department’s policies and procedures for our recycling and solid waste programs.


Scrap Metal Now Collected in Containers at the Transfer Station – For years, the Durham Public Works Department has stored the scrap metal it collects at the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station loosely on the ground near the exit of the facility. In addition to being unsightly and unsanitary, it is difficult to manage contamination in its current location and is frequently the culprit of flat vehicle/equipment tires. Beginning next week, in accordance with Best Management Practices outlined by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, scrap metal disposed of at the Transfer Station will be collected in a 40 yd3 roll-off container. This container will be located between the bulky waste and construction/demolition debris containers. 


The DPW team continues to implement site improvements, including hardscaping and mulching, to improve transfer station users experience.  


Durham Public Works would like to kindly remind residents that unauthorized removal of materials from the Raymond A. LaRoche, Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center is prohibited. 

Additionally, white goods which contain refrigerant (air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, freezers, etc.) will now be collected and stored on the left side of the large green structure.



 





Amtrak Downeaster at the Durham station. Courtesy Todd Selig



THE AMTRAK DOWNEASTER IS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO DURHAM WITH $20 FARES IN JUNE

The Amtrak Downeaster is celebrating 20 years of train service with $20 round-trip fares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in June! Book now and ride from Durham to Brunswick or Boston or any station in between for $20 or less. Use promotion code v471 and book 3 days in advance of travel to take advantage of this opportunity.

Read more information about the Amtrak Downeaster HERE.



 



PROPOSED ADDITION FOR REAR OF GREAT BAY VETERINARY CLINIC

This past Wednesday, the Planning Board reviewed a proposed small addition for the rear of the Great Bay Veterinary Clinic and scheduled a public hearing for June 22.  The board also discussed the proposed food court emporium, restaurant, tavern, and shop proposed at the old Town Offices site at 15 Newmarket Road.  The review and public hearing are continued to July 13.


The Planning Board looked at additional documents it had requested for the proposed parking lot at 19-21 Main Street (behind the Red Tower on Church Hill).   The board adjourned the public hearing to July 27 and will start its deliberations on June 22.  The purpose of the adjournment is to allow the board to devote its time at the meeting entirely to final deliberations.  At the end of its deliberations the board will likely direct the Town Planner to prepare a draft notice of decision (for approval or denial of the project).  Reopening the public hearing on July 27 will allow for the applicant and the public to then comment on a draft notice or any other new information that might be submitted for the July 27 meeting.  The board will not accept any public comments, verbally or in writing, at this stage until at least July 27.  (Note that if the draft notice of decision is for denial of the project the public hearing may not be reopened since a denial does not involve any proposed conditions that would invite comments from the applicant or the public.) 



 





DURHAM IS CREATING ITS FIRST CLIMATE ACTION PLAN, AND WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

This Climate Action Plan will outline what actions Durham will take to reduce its emissions and increase its resiliency to climate change impacts. Because emissions come from all of us, the Town cannot accomplish this task on its own and needs community input and buy-in for these actions to be successful.


Sustainability Fellow Cathy Fletcher presented the proposed plan at multiple Town committee meetings throughout May. If you missed it, a recording is available at this link, and you can read more about the plan on the Sustainable Durham website.


We also have an online survey open now, so share your feedback today!



 



 





Administrator Todd Selig and Fire Chief Dave Emanuel show off their hula hoop skills at Durham Day on Saturday, June 4th. To see Administrator Selig in live action, click HERE.



 



TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE - Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief

The Low & Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief program was designed to lessen the economic burden of the State Education Property Tax on certain at-risk taxpayers.


Chapter 95, Session Laws of 2021, HB 486 amends RSA 198:57 to increase the income limitations for the receipt of a Low & Moderate Income Property Tax Relief award as well as the maximum amount of tax relief available to an awardee for property taxes assessed on or after April 1, 2021.

  • An eligible applicant for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief is a person who is:
  • Single with adjusted gross income equal to or less than $37,000; or
  • Married or head of NH household with adjusted gross income less than or equal to $47,000; and
  • Owns a homestead subject to the State Education Property Tax; and
  • Has resided in that homestead on April 1 of the year for which the claim is made.

Applications for the Low and Moderate Income Homeowners Property Tax Relief are accepted only during the statutory filing period - after May 1, but no later than June 30. You can file your claim online at Granite Tax Connect http://www.revenue.nh.gov/gtc by accessing the Apply for Low and Moderate Income Property Tax Relief link located on the Applications Panel. The law allows 120 days for processing from the date of receipt of your completed application.


For assistance, contact the Department of Revenue Administration at (603) 230-5920 - press prompt 2, then prompt 2 again.



 





RESILIENT SHORELINE TOUR

What: Resilient Shoreline Tour


When: 1 - 4:30, Wednesday, June 22


Who: Municipal board members, staff and consultants working in the region are encouraged to participate.


Why: To hear from project leads that have implemented resilience projects and network with municipal boards and staff.


Where: Tour will start and end at Henry Law Park in Dover, NH


How: Carpooling will be encouraged, but not required.



 





2022 ROAD STRIPING PROGRAM

The Durham Public Works Department’s Traffic Control Division continues to make steady progress on the 2022 Road Striping Program. To date, the Team has completed 120 crosswalks and 200 stencils. Beginning next week, targeted stencil work will include over 400 bicycle “sharrows” along Town arterial and major collector roadways. 



 



SEASONAL HELP WANTED AT PUBLIC WORKS

Mowing, general landscaping and facility maintenance, support to other DPW staff, etc. If interested, please feel free to fill out an application at the Public Works office located at 100 Stone Quarry Drive. Pay will range from $14-16/HR depending on experience. All applicants must be 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license to apply or may be 16 or 17 years of age with signed parental permission.


Applications may also be requested via e-mail at publicworks@ci.durham.nh.us or by calling 603-868-5578. Application and copy of valid driver’s license to be submitted to the Public Works Department.



 





There was a great turn out and beautiful weather for the annual Durham Day event on Saturday, June 4th. Courtesy Todd Selig



 



FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS EACH WEEK IN UNH TODAY ... AND VIA THE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE CALENDAR PAGE

UNH Today is the official online publication of the University of New Hampshire. It delivers news, events, and multimedia devoted to bringing community members a weekly glimpse of the remarkable things happening on campus, in New Hampshire, and around the world.

As a subscriber, you'll learn about student and faculty achievement, the impact of UNH in the community, and timely information on the arts, sports, and special events that make UNH (and in part Durham) a vibrant place.

You may sign up to begin receiving UNH Today by clicking HERE

As you know, there is always a great deal happening on campus, and many events are not mentioned in UNH Today. Many other campus happenings can be researched via the UNH online calendar, which can be accessed HERE.



 





Rendering of Mill Pond Dam. Courtesy Eleanor Lonske



ICONS OF DURHAM POSTER - IMAGE #7

The beautiful poster “Icons of Durham” created by Ellie Lonske is now available.  Just stop into the Town Clerk’s office to place an order.  Note that the poster is available for a donation to the Durham Historical and Cultural Resource Trust of at least $50.  We have reduced the required donation from $100 (those who already paid $100 will be reimbursed for the difference). 


Here is a rendering of the Mill Pond Dam.  The dam was a gift to the Town from Edith Congreve Onderdonk.  It was constructed in 1913 to replace the last of a series of timber dams that had stood at the site since 1649.



 





CULVERT REPLACED BY DPW ON MAST ROAD THIS PAST WEEK

The Durham Public Works Highway Team remains hard at work on the 2022 Road Program improvements. The Team demonstrated their expertise and made quick work in replacing 70 lineal feet of failed corrugated metal culvert drainage pipe along Mast Road this week. Additionally, roadway shoulders received gravel reinforcement to prevent pre-mature raveling and swales were re-established along Pendexter and Mast Roads.



 



SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING CURBSIDE COLLECTION ROUTE CHANGES EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JUNE 27TH 

The Durham Public Works Department would like to make residents along the following roadways aware of a schedule change to their curbside solid waste and recycling collection day:

  1. Newmarket Road (Durham Point Road to Dover Road)
  2. Dover Road (Newmarket Road to Route 4 overpass)
  3. Schoolhouse Lane
  4. Bayview Road
  5. Old Landing Road
  6. Young Drive
  7. Old Piscataqua Road

To improve the efficiency of Monday’s and Wednesday’s curbside solid waste and recycling collection routes, effective Monday, June 27th, 2022, the scheduled collection will change from Wednesdays to Mondays. 


As they have been in the past, solid waste and recyclables must be placed curbside by 7:00am on your collection day. The collection equipment passes through each neighborhood once and will not return for solid waste and recycling that is placed curbside late.


For commercial properties within these bounds that do not participate in our program, please ignore this notice.


We understand that this change may be inconvenient and disrupt normal routines. However, your understanding and cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Durham Public Works Department at (603) 868-5578.



 



WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATIONAL CHANGES IMPLEMENTED WITH UNH MOVING INTO SUMMER SESSION

With UNH now on summer break, the wastewater treatment facility has taken offline, half its treatment process tanks. This includes a primary solids clarifier, one biological aeration train, one secondary solids clarifier, and one chlorine contact tank. With the decrease in student populations, the wastewater flows are cut by half and loadings by two-thirds. This decrease in flows and offline status allows the Wastewater Division team to perform required preventative and scheduled maintenance of this critical equipment.



 





NEW VARIABLE MESSAGE BOARD DELIVERED TO PUBLIC WORKS

the Durham Public Works Department accepted delivery of a 2022 Ver-Mac PCMS-548 electronic variable message board this week. The variable message board is an electronic roadway sign that aids in conveying traveler information and the management of traffic flow. Primary functions include alerting road users of special events, detours, delays, and other useful travel information. This purchase was a part of the Department’s 2022 Capital Improvement Plan.



 





 



 



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.



FacebookTwitter



 



UPCOMING EVENTS

You are invited to a Labyrinth Walk!, Sundays, May 29th-June 12th

11am-1pm, St. George's Church, Dallas Hall

Fundraiser Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Dr. Bob Kennedy's Conservation Work with the Philippine Eagle - Thu, June 16, 2022, 7-9PM (doors open 6:30PM) at The Stone Church, Attic Lounge, Newmarket, NH

Family Night, Little River Park - June 16, 2022 from 5 to 8PM. The Town of Lee extends an invitation to Durham residents for this event as well.

Marina's Miles 5K Run/Walk - 9:00 am on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Oyster River High School in Durham

UNH Extension Upcoming Events and Initiatives - June 25, 2022

UNH Youth Program Writers Academy - A summer camp for kids who love to write - June 27-July 1 and July 11-15

Stories of Freedom: Expanding the Stories we share in K-12 Literacy, history, and language arts classrooms workshop - July 13-15, 8:30am-2:15pm.

Welcome Blankets for Ukranian Refugees Coming to the Freedom Cafe - Please join us at the Freedom Cafe on Monday evenings, 7-9 pm

--------------------------------

To view more information regarding the above upcoming events, please CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW.



 



 





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.



 



 





DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY



Happy Pride Month from DPL! Stop by and take a look at this month's booklists and all the other upcoming events and activities planned for summer! 


Speaking of summer...Registration for this year's Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program at Durham Public Library begins June 13th! Visit our website for more information and monthly calendars! Events will kick off with our YA "Bermuda Triangle Escape Room" on Monday, June 27th and our Live Youth "Oceans of Possibilities" Music Show with Steve Blunt on Friday, July 1st! This is a joint program with the Lee and Madbury Libraries. Register for these and so much more starting Monday! 


We'll kick off this year's Adult Oceans of Possibilities programming with the start of our Adult Summer Reading Challenge and a presentation by author and NHHC presenter Michael Tougias based on his book, The Finest Hours: The True Story Behind the U.S. Coast Guard's Most Daring Sea Rescue on June 28th! Registration is open for this and all other adult programs (those that require registration) now, so check out the Upcoming Events page! 


But first, the Friends of the Library will be holding a book sale at the library next Friday, June 17th from 3:00-5:00 pm and Saturday, June 18th from 10:00-2:00 pm! Come by and stock up for summer reading! 


Did you know that the library offers free daily access to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times as well as NYT archival access? Check out these and other resources HERE! Need help setting up any of the library's digital services? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at durhampl@gmail.com





 





 



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."

________________________

1836 - Anti-slavery agitation began when a convention was called in Gilmanton, with John Richardson, Joseph Coe, George Thompson and John Kelly attending. The town Anti-slavery Society was formed with 63 members and Abraham Perkins, Daniel Mathes and Richard Steele as officers.



 



Have a very nice weekend. And don't forget to stop by Durham Day!

 

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

a: 8 Newmarket Rd., Durham, NH 03824 USA

t: 603.868.5571 | w: www.ci.durham.nh.us

He/him/his pronouns

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?

---