Friday Updates - August 8, 2025

Friday, August 8, 2025

Fledgling osprey getting ready for their first flight on property near Adams Point Road Courtesy, Michael Morneault

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the "dog days of summer," referring to a period of hot and humid weather that typically occurs in late summer, from July 3 to August 11. The name comes from the ancient belief that the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star," added its heat to the sun's during this time.

A team from the Durham Police Dept. including Deputy Chief Jack Dalton, Captain John Lavoie, Admin. Asst. Jennifer Johnson, and Admin. Selig have traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas this week as part of the CALEA reaccreditation process cycle for the department.

The UNH emergency communications center is required to conduct a mandatory test of the Public Safety Alert system, annually.  President Chilton has authorized the test to be completed on: Friday, August 15, around noon. 

The Swap Shop may close or only be open in the morning on Tuesday, August 12. Temperatures on Tuesday may reach into the 90’s and our volunteers may choose to only stay open for part of the day or not open the Swap Shop at all. When the Swap Shop is closed, please do not leave any items. Thank you!

NOTES FROM LEADERSHIP TEAM (DEPARTMENT HEAD) MEETING (8/5/25)

The Leadership Team reviewed the quarterly financial report provided by Business Manager Gail Jablonski (no issues of concern at this time) and discussed various issues associated with the upcoming budget cycle. New positions to be proposed by departments likely will include an additional two firefighters to round out the 6-person shift staffing the Town Council endorsed for 2025, an additional part-time admin. asst. position at the DFD, and a part-time accreditation position for the DPD. We’ll also have to evaluate staffing composition in the code office due to various personnel transitions. Departments are on track with their current spending, though an upcoming anticipated debt service payment will impact financial decisions moving forward for FY 2026. Gail will coordinate follow-up meetings in September to continue budget and CIP planning.

Department Highlights

Police: The department is nearing completion of its national accreditation, with the final commission review scheduled for this weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Zoning: The Town Council recently adopted a new zoning ordinance amendment that allows for increased multifamily and professional office development in certain districts, complying with recent state legislation. The longstanding "3 unrelated" occupancy rule was eliminated, also by state mandate. An effort to increase building heights downtown which was before the Council on 8/4/25 was tabled due to public opposition, but discussions will resume on 9/8/25 (the public hearing on this was closed). The Planning Board will revisit parking space requirements in line with new state limits.

Public Works and Construction: Madbury Road construction (from Main Street to Garrison) is progressing and on schedule to finish before UNH students return to campus. Most scheduled infrastructure projects—including the water main upgrade, binder paving, and sidewalk replacements—are nearly complete. Repairs to potholes at Dennison and Bagdad Road are set to be handled promptly.

Library: The summer reading program greatly exceeded expectations, with substantial community engagement. The program achieved high participation and reading goals, resulting in a charitable donation to a local animal shelter. Students collectively read more than 180,000 hours this summer as part of the effort!

Fire: The department is proceeding with architectural plans for changes at the firehouse and has received a new rescue boat. Hiring processes for firefighter and administrative roles are underway. Staff absences due to medical issues are being managed with appropriate coverage.

Finance: Tax and utility collections remain robust as is typical in Durham. Lien notices have been sent for any unpaid accounts. Work continues on appeal cases linked to the 2023 property revaluation.

Police: Police department staff continue to contend with moisture and humidity problems in the basement and garage at DPD. A third-party assessment of the HVAC system will be conducted to identify solutions. Absences in several areas were noted, but coverage plans are in place to ensure continued operations.

Budget Process: Business Manager Gail Jablonski will arrange September meetings for ongoing budget development.

MADBURY ROAD TRAFFIC AND CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY - Main Street Island to Garrison Avenue

Project Start Date: Monday, August 11, 2025

Start Time: 5:00 AM

Projected End Time: 7:00 PM

Durham Public Works will begin roadway paving operations on Madbury Road between Main Street and Garrison Avenue starting Monday, August 11th at 5:00 AM.

Traffic Impact:

• Paving crews will be active throughout the day.
• Detours and flaggers will be in place to redirect traffic away from the work zone.
• Expect significant traffic delays in the area.
• Parking will be restricted on Madbury Road within the work zone.

Advisory to Motorists and Pedestrians:

• Please seek alternate routes if possible.
• Businesses will remain open and accessible during paving operations.
• Use caution when traveling near construction zones and follow posted signage, Police and flaggers, and detour routes.
• Pedestrians should use alternate sidewalks or pathways away from the active work zone.

Durham Public Works appreciates your patience and cooperation as we work to improve roadway conditions. For updates, please contact the Department of Public Works at (603) 868-5578.

TOWN COUNCIL TAKES UP CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING ON A HOUSING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITIATIVE - Here’s what happened Monday night. 

On August 4 the Town Council continued a public hearing, opened on July 7, to consider another zoning amendment designed to encourage more development downtown, helping to create more housing options and increase taxable property value while supporting smart growth and the revitalization of downtown. 

This “building height” amendment is the last of several that were developed by the Housing Task Force and that made their way over the past year to the Council and the Planning Board before returning for final review by the Council. 

1. Removing the Three-Story Height Limit in Part of the Central Business-1 District

Currently, certain sections of Main Street and Madbury Road in the Central Business-1 (CB-1) District are limited to buildings with no more than three stories. The amendment would eliminate that three-story height limit, allowing buildings up to four stories by right throughout CB-1 and up to five stories with approval by conditional use. The change also reduces the requirement for commercial space in five-story buildings from two floors to one floor. The reality is that, in most small towns, commercial space typically is limited to one floor, and residential floors help to subsidize and support the commercial use.

Opening the continued public hearing on August 4, Housing Task Force Chair Sally Tobias and resident Beth Olshansky each showed images to help the Council and public visualize the existing and potential impact of the proposed building height for the central portion of Main Street. 

Among other speakers, Peter Murphy (developer of the Grange and owner of the Red Tower, Town & Campus, and Jenkins Court properties) noted the challenges of developing under the current zoning. Doug Bencks, long-time resident and former UNH Campus Planner, suggested a holistic approach to rezoning CB-1 and CB-2 to provide more housing density while respecting local character and topography, and Mike Hoffman, retired Durham fire captain, emphasized the benefit of attracting and supporting local developers. 

Former Town Councilor Diana Carroll presented a letter with 252 signatures asking that the Council limit building heights for the central portion of Main Street to 3 1/2 stories to allow for architectural roofline variation while providing 4 usable floors. 

Wrapping up the public hearing, former Town Councilor Jim Lawson noted that his analysis suggests that a portion of the tax benefit would be offset by the loss of the property’s original assessment and other rental housing assessments moving to toward lower market-rate assessments.

The Council closed the public hearing. Councilor Needell then made a motion to reject the zoning amendment, which was seconded. Admin. Selig started off the discussion on the motion by expressing his appreciation for the work of all involved with the amendment, including the public, and indicated he was persuaded by the lengthy public testimony provided that a compromise proposal suggested by Beth Olshansky would be a better path forward versus the measure currently before the Council. He recommended support for Councilor Needell’s motion. 

With a heavy agenda ahead, the Council instead voted 5 to 4 to “table” it. This means that at the next meeting (September 8), the original motion must first be “taken off the table” before any further action may be taken on it. The Council MUST THEN IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS THE ORIGINAL MOTION. It may choose to adopt, amend, reject, or return the zoning amendment to the Planning Board. If the original motion is not “taken off the table” at that meeting, the measure dies.

2. Zoning amendments recently approved by the Town Council

On May 19, the Council approved an amendment that split the Central Business District (“CBD”) into two new business districts: CB-1, covering Main Street and north; and CB-2, covering the Mill Plaza and a few parcels west of Mill Road. The split allows the Planning Board to focus on the distinctly different development opportunities and constraints of those two areas. 

On July 7, the Council approved an amendment to permit multi-unit residential buildings by right in the Professional Office (PO), Church Hill (CH), and Courthouse (C) zoning districts.

3. Next steps?

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in public hearings. The DCAT recording of the August 4th Council meeting may be viewed HERE. The zoning discussion (Agenda Item 7) starts about 42:08 into the meeting and lasts about one hour. 

How do these proposals fit in with the larger plan? Both amendments are part of a broader effort by the Durham Housing Task Force, the Council, and the Planning Board to address housing needs and support smart growth in the community. You can see a list of Ordinance amendments that have come before the Council this year HERE on the right.

With the proliferation of an additional 2,000+ off campus student beds over the last fifteen years in Durham, combined with declining enrollment at UNH, the economics around student housing may well be shifting to support more varied housing types, which has long been a local objective. 

Keep an eye out for updated information in the Council’s packet for the September 8 meeting. Packets are usually accessible on the Friday before a Council meeting. Click on the meeting date on the Town calendar HERE. If you wish to contact ALL MEMBERS of the Town Council by email, please direct your correspondence to council@ci.durham.nh.us 

A very interesting occupant was discovered in this birdhouse! Possibly a Kermit Bird?! Courtesy, Janice Aviza

TOWN COUNCIL RECEIVED PRESENTATION FROM UNH RESEARCHERS AT MONDAY’S COUNCIL MTG. Re: Community Needs Assessment Study for the Town of Durham Parks & Rec. – Jackson’s Landing and Woodridge Park

In 2024, the Town of Durham partnered with UNH’s Recreation Management and Policy Department to conduct a thorough community needs assessment for our parks and recreation system, focusing mainly on Jackson’s Landing and Woodridge Park.

The study combined focus groups, a town-wide mailed survey, and on-site QR code feedback, generating responses from Durham, Lee, and Madbury. The survey response rate was robust at around 15% (a 10% response rate is generally considered good according to the researchers). The goal was to better understand who is using DPR facilities, what residents value, where service gaps exist, and how the department can align future investments with demonstrated community priorities.

The findings: residents view parks and recreation as a central part of community life, citing mental and physical health, youth development, affordability, and social connections as major benefits. There is strong backing for a new indoor community center and expanded trail connectivity, as well as targeted improvements at both Jackson’s Landing (upgraded playground, rink renovations, waterfront access) and Woodridge Park (professional skate park, pickleball, playground and drainage upgrades). Residents also expressed strong support for updating staffing levels to meet the needs of growing programs, and investing in regular maintenance and disability access, as well as interest in exploring possible benefits of a Recreation Revolving Fund.

To review the full report, click HERE.

Farm Day is Saturday, August 16, rain or shine! Free and family friendly. Visit farms and gardens in Durham and Lee, including UNH research farms. Find the full list of events HERE.

Are you starting to plan for the upcoming school year? Are you in need of school supplies, or do you have school supplies you won’t use?

Instead of turning to the Swap Shop to look for school supplies or to drop off supply items you will not need, head over to the Durham Public Library.

The Durham Public Library is currently accepting new or like new school supplies. The supplies will be available to anyone who needs them. This School Supply Swap will be held from August 11 through September 5. Save yourself some money by checking out the inventory at the library for things like binders, folders and pencils, etc.

Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee 

Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at: DurhamRecycles603@gmail.com

Check us out on Instagram: sustainable.durham.nh

Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check here: www.Recyclesmartma.org

Want to learn more about the Swap Shop? Click HERE.

The R.O.B.a.T. (Robot Operation, Building, and Training) robotics camp made its exciting return to the Durham Public Library during the week of August 4, 2025, building on the momentum of its successful debut last year. Founded by Andrew Lu, a rising junior at Oyster River High School, the camp once again provided a dynamic and engaging STEM experience for local students.

Now in its second year, R.O.B.a.T. continues to inspire students in grades 4 through 8 to explore the world of robotics, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and strengthen collaboration through hands-on team projects.

This year’s camp was another resounding success, thanks to the dedication of returning and new volunteers, including Andrew Lu, Steffi Chen, Diyashree Sridharan, Zachary Raven, Yizhou Zhao, and Alex Song. Over the course of just one week, campers tackled complex challenges, built meaningful friendships, and achieved milestones typically seen in multi-week programs.

The camp was made possible through the continued support of the IEEE NH Section, the Durham Public Library, and generous donors from the RiverWoods Retirement Community.

With two successful years behind them, the organizers are optimistic about the future of R.O.B.a.T. and hope to make it a lasting summer tradition for aspiring young roboticists in the community.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

ORCSD joins 2nd federal lawsuit

In a nonpublic meeting session on July 23, 2025, the ORCSD School Board voted 6-0 to join, as a plaintiff, the ACLU-NH legal action against the New Hampshire State Government regarding the anti-DEI statute within HB 2. This comes at no cost to the district. You can read the full statement HERE.

Summer Nutrition Programs

Oyster River families in need of assistance during the summer months can contact End 68 Hours of Hunger HERE and Community Action Partnership of Strafford County HERE.

Summer Hours Between June 23 and August 22

The SAU office summer hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The SAU and schools will be closed on July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

The schools' summer hours are:

• Mast Way School: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Moharimet School: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Oyster River Middle School: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
• Oyster River High School: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

ORCSD School Board Updates

ORCSD school board meetings recordings are available on the ORCSD YouTube channel HERE, and the agendas and minutes are available HERE. School board meetings are live streamed on the ORCSD Streaming channel HERE.

ARE YOU 65 OR OLDER? JOIN A RESEARCH STUDY ON WALKING AND BRAIN HEALTH!

Dr. Ferdinand Delgado, a researcher at the University of New Hampshire, is inviting older adults to participate in a study exploring how walking and thinking abilities change with age.

Participation includes:

• A FREE cognitive assessment to evaluate your memory and thinking
• A couple walking and balance assessments
• The entire visit can be completed in just one session
• (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours)
• Participants will receive a $10 Amazon gift card as a thank-you

Location: New Hampshire Hall on the University of New Hampshire’s Durham Campus

This research will help understand how physical and cognitive health are connected and improve early detection of changes that affect aging adults.

Interested?

Click on this link HERE to fill out a form to assess eligibility:

or

Contact Ferdinand to schedule to see if you qualify: ferdinand.delgado@unh.edu, 617-819-5825

Thank you for supporting research that promotes safe and healthy aging!