Friday Updates - July 25, 2025

Friday, July 25, 2025

View from the Milne Nature Sanctuary Courtesy Veronique Ludington, Land Stewardship Coordinator

DOWNTOWN DURHAM REMAINS OPEN DURING CONSTRUCTION

Ongoing infrastructure improvements along Madbury Road are underway this summer, and we appreciate your patience as this important work continues. While construction may impact usual routes, we want to remind residents and visitors that downtown businesses remain open and ready to serve you.

Summer is typically a quieter season in town, and local businesses feel the difference. Your continued support — whether you're stopping in for coffee, enjoying a meal, or just shopping local — truly makes an impact.

We encourage everyone to plan a visit, explore what's downtown, and help keep Durham's small business community strong during this time.

Thank you for supporting our local economy and the neighbors who make Durham a great place to be!

DURHAM RECEIVES COMPETITIVE RATE ON THIS YEAR’S DEBT ISSUE

The Town of Durham recently collaborated with the NH Municipal Bond Bank on bonding $14,337,300. The NH Municipal Bond Bank combines all approved borrowers throughout the State into a single pooled bond issue. On July 15, 2025 the Bond Bank sold $231,360,000 in bonds. The following are the interest rates obtained.

5-Year Rate - 3.25%

10-Year Rate - 3.43%

20-Year Rate - 4.30%

By collaborating with other communities and increasing the total amount of the bond issue we are able to gain more competitive interest rates.

Durham has replaced the old parking pay stations in the downtown with a new pay-by-plate parking method. Here is what Durham residents need to know: 

• The new meters require you to input your license plate number. However, Durham residents can still receive two free hours of parking when they use their 2025 resident/taxpayer sticker number at the pay station instead of their license plate number. (See instructions above)
• It is no longer necessary to return to your vehicle to display a receipt on the dashboard.
• The one-hour-free parking is still available to all visitors downtown. 

If eligible, 2025 resident/taxpayer stickers can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office or the Public Works Department. The new stickers were deliberately designed to be used at the new pay stations. Each contains a unique number to denote residents and can be found in the upper right-hand corner of the sticker, beginning with “DUR”. 

We are anticipating a learning curve, so please be patient. Your parking services officers will be more visible in the downtown area to assist with this transition, so please do not hesitate to ask for help.

PETTEE BROOK CULVERT REPAIR AND TRAFFIC DETOUR ADVISORY UPDATE

During the initial project evaluation in July of 2021 it was found that the Pettee Brook concrete Box culvert, which is a 7-foot wide and 38 inches high (from stream bed to underside of top slab), and roughly 40 feet long structure, exhibits extensive concrete spalling with exposed and deteriorated reinforcing steel on the bottom side of the top slab in the vicinity of the catch basin, directly under the roadway (see photo below). Given the level of deterioration to the top slab and that it is directly under a travel way, engineering recommendations included an interim repair of the culvert, prior to full replacement with the noted section of slab strengthened and/or replaced as part of the Phase 1 segment 2 phase.  This scope has been included in the Madbury Road Phase 2 contact with contractor G.W. Brooks and the Pettee Brook culvert repair will involve the excavation and replacement of a portion of the structure's top concrete slab.

Pouring of concrete is scheduled to occur on Monday July 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM, weather dependent. Curing of concrete to achieve proper strength is anticipated to be completed by Friday August 1, at which time backfilling of the excavation will be permitted. The full closure of the southbound lane of Madbury Road at the culvert will continue through next week. It is anticipated that a one-way northbound only traffic configuration may be in place beginning Tuesday, July 29, subject to weather and mechanical breakdowns. Access to Woodman Road and Mathes Terrace will be maintained at all times, as well as access to businesses in the project area. 

ADDITIONAL MADBURY ROAD COMPLETE STREET PROJECT UPDATE

Segment 1, between Pettee Brook Lane and Garrison Avenue – This segment is nearing completion. Remaining work includes miscellaneous stone masonry punch-list items, top course paving, and line striping. We anticipate completion of these tasks over the next 2 weeks, with final paving to align with Segment 2 as noted below 

Segment 2, from Main Street to Pettee Brook Lane, Curbing installation has been completed over the last week with sidewalk construction continuing along with streetscape, pedestrian crosswalk improvements and traffic calming elements. Milling and Paving of this section of roadway is scheduled to occur during the weeks of August 4 and August 11. 

During the milling and paving operation of the Main Street and Madbury Road island, road closures and detours will be in place to accommodate large milling and paving equipment in this confined area. Further notice will be provided as the specific days are scheduled. Please seek alternate routes and expect extended delays during this operation. 

STATUS OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING LODGING HOUSES

The Town Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Lodging Houses on August 4. However, after review of the amendment by the Town Attorney, it appears that the proposal would be prohibited under the new law HB457, just signed by the Governor. 

The Durham Town Attorney noted in communication recently to the staff (slightly modified here) for the benefit of the public: “Although the Town Council voted to schedule a public hearing on this potential zoning amendment on August 4, that vote was taken prior to the Governor signing HB 457. In light of this new law, and guidance received from our town attorneys, we expect that the Town Council may decide to cancel the public hearing at the start of the meeting. We are required to give statutory notice about the scheduled public hearing regardless. We expect that an announcement will be made at the beginning of the Town Council meeting regarding whether the public hearing will take place that night. As always, the meeting will be aired live on DCAT and on Zoom. Should the public hearing go forward, it will be held later in the evening, so that anyone who wants to attend in person will have time to drive from their home to the Council Chamber or to participate on Zoom. Please note, however, that Zoom is offered as a convenience to the public and we cannot guarantee that Zoom will always function seamlessly. So, for anybody who wishes to participate in the meeting it is recommended that they attend in person.” 

You can see the proposed amendment, related documents, and the letter from the Town Attorney HERE. Feel free to email the Town Planner with any questions at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

RIVERWOODS PROPOSAL FOR ADDITIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO BE BEFORE THE PLANNING BOARD ON AUGUST 13.

Riverwoods has submitted an application to the Planning Board for development of Phase II of the community on the vacant lot on the northerly side of Stone Quarry Drive. The project will involve construction of two new senior independent living buildings with 55 units, a community center, and a maintenance building. The application will be presented to the Planning Board on August 13. The public hearing will likely be held on August 27. You can see the application materials HERE. Email the Town Planner with any questions at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us  

DOWNTOWN DURHAM DAY IS FAST APPROACHING!

You are invited to downtown Main Street on Aug. 7th from 5:30-8pm for Downtown Durham Day! Live music, games, activities and info tables and booths highlighting local businesses, organizations and Town Committees. The ice cream eating contest is back for another year too- register to participate at the P&R table on Main St. at the event. After Durham Day, gather at 66 Main Street for an Outdoor Movie in the Park, which will start around 8:30pm.  

Businesses, organizations and Town committees can participate in Durham Day to help showcase their business or what their committee is working on. Register your group to participate in the event by August 1 by clicking HERE and then clicking on Register.

HAS YOUR RECENT HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE REGISTERED TO VOTE?

Did your child recently graduate from high school? Are they planning to go away to college in the fall? Suggest to them that they might consider registering to vote before heading out.  

U. S. Citizens must be 18 years of age in order to vote in New Hampshire. However, they may register to vote as long as they will be 18 by the next election. The next election in Durham is March of 2026. Anyone who will be 18 by next March is welcome to register any time before then. They will then be ready to vote here either in person or by absentee ballot for the Durham Town/School election.

New voters may register at the Town Hall whenever that office is open, or at any of the public Supervisor of the Checklist Sessions. The next Session will be held on Monday August 25 from 7:00 – 8:00 PM at the Town Hall. Existing voters may also make changes to their name, address, and/or party at the Town Hall or at a Session.

Applicants for registration must bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), U.S. citizenship, and domicile (in Durham). Affidavits are no longer accepted. The list of proofs currently accepted, especially for domicile, is rather complicated. A NH Driver’s License or Non-Driver’s License with your local address is the easiest thing to bring for identification, age, and proof of domicile in Durham. However, it does not prove citizenship, even if it is a Real ID, so you must also bring another document for that.  If you are unsure of what is necessary and what will be accepted, please call the Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 or check the Secretary of State’s website HERE and click on the link ‘Registering to Vote in New Hampshire.

President Chilton and her husband Michael spent some time at Wagon Hill Farm on Monday sifting through dirt with Meghan Howey and Eleanor Harrison-Buck from the UNH Anthropology Department. President Chilton has a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, with a specialization in archaeology, as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in anthropology, so she felt right at home!

This archaeological work is being done as continued recovery/monitoring work for the water main pipe upgrades to the Wagon Hill Farmhouse. The work has produced ceramics from the 1700's through early 1900's, as well as smoking pipe bowls and stems, lots of animal bone and oyster shell (from food waste), buttons, spoons, and knives – all fragments from daily life that can give insight into what it was like to live here every day. To see more photos, you can check out President Chilton's Instagram page HERE.

As we wrap up our focus on Plastic Free July, we hope you have found our tips helpful to cut back on plastic waste. These suggestions are designed to provide each of us an opportunity to make even one small change in our daily habits to help minimize plastic pollution.

Here are a few more ways to make plastic-free choices.

Buy food in bulk.

It’s crazy how much of our food is sold in single serving plastic wrap or plastic containers! Instead, consider buying as many food items as possible in bulk. Emery Farm is a sustainable Durham business that not only offers locally grown food, but many foods in bulk, like beans, pasta, grains and nuts. For a full list of the bulk items they offer, click HERE.

Choose a better ice cream option.

It’s summer - the perfect time to stop by the Campus Creamery or your favorite ice cream establishment for a treat. Instead of ordering your ice cream in a cup with a spoon or as a frappe with a straw, order it on a cone with no plastic waste.

Check your sunscreen for micro plastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can be added to some sunscreens. These particles can enter the environment through wastewater and contribute to plastic pollution. To avoid sunscreens with microplastics, look for products labeled as "microplastic-free" or "ocean-friendly." You can also check the ingredients list to see if it contains any of the following microplastic ingredients: (NOTE: Not a complete list).

• polyethylene
• polypropylene
• polyethylene terephthalate
• polymethyl methacrylate
• polylactic acid
• nylon

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.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT THE SWAP SHOP ENDS JULY 29th!

The Swap Shop has been very busy with the arrival of holiday items! Don’t miss your chance to pick up an artificial Christmas tree and lights, Halloween costumes and loot bags, Easter egg dyeing kits…etc. All holiday items will be removed from the Swap Shop after Tuesday, July 29th. Please do not bring holiday items afternoon NOON on TUESDAY (7/29).

You may bring holiday items at the following times:

●    Halloween items after October 1st

●    Thanksgiving items after November 1st

●    Christmas and Hanukkah items after Thanksgiving

The Swap Shop will not be open for Valentines’ Day, St. Patrick's Day, or Easter 2026.

REMINDER:

Please bring items that are clean to the Swap Shop. Dirty items rarely find a new home and often end up in the landfill.

Furniture and large items are left outdoors, and rain often ruins them. For alternative donation locations check HERE.

Work continues on the bog bridge over Crommet Creek at Longmarsh Preserve. We’ve also replaced the old Sweet Trail metal markers and wooden signs with more visible ones provided by The Nature Conservancy, one of our partners on the Sweet Trail. 

Find out more information on Longmarsh Preserve HERE and on the Sweet Trail HERE.

WEBINAR AVAILABLE ABOUT PUBLIC WORKS' STORMWATER ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

In 2022, Durham Public Works was awarded a Stormwater Asset Management Grant from NHDES in the amount of $30,000, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Members of the public are invited to attend an informational webinar to learn more about the develop-ment of the Department’s Stormwater Asset Management Program and what the Town has accomplished with this important funding.

The webinar is scheduled for this coming Monday July 28 beginning at 3pm. Please email Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. at atalon@ci.durham.nh.us to receive a link to attend the webinar. 

AMAZON SCAM IDENTIFIED BY THE DURHAM POLICE

The Durham Police Department wants to inform the public about recent scams targeting Amazon customers. Scammers are reaching out through emails, text messages, and phone calls, claiming there is an issue with a recent purchase. They often promise a full refund and provide a link for you to follow. Please do not click on this link, as it is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal or financial information.

To protect yourself, you should:

• Ignore the messages. Do not respond to text messages, emails, or the callers.
• Avoid clicking any links or downloading mobile applications.
• Block the phone numbers or email addresses of the scammers.
• Report the scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Contact the Durham Police Department with any concerns or questions.

Other scams involve victims receiving notifications about a purchase made from an Amazon account linked to someone living in New York. Scammers may impersonate CIA, FBI, or other law enforcement officials, threatening prosecution unless you pay a certain amount of money. This is also a scam.

Here are some ways to identify a scam:

•  Are they requesting personal or financial information from you?
• Are they sending suspicious-looking emails or website links?
• Are they pressuring you to act quickly?
• Do the offers sound too good to be true?
• Are they asking for unusual payment methods, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies?
• Do they use poor grammar and spelling?
• Does it seem like they are operating from a call center?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be dealing with a scam. In this case, stop all communication with them and promptly call the Durham Police Department for assistance at 603-868-2324. We are here to help!

SAVE THE DATE! - Oyster River Music Association Fundraiser

The Oyster River Music Association is hosting a mattress sale on Saturday, September 27, 2025, to raise funds for our Oyster River High School musicians! 

The students are working to take a trip to Orlando to play at Universal Studios this spring. In the market for a better night's sleep? This name-brand mattress sale will benefit student musicians right here in our community! Stay tuned for more information.

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR THE PROPOSED NOAA/UNH OCEAN MAPPING CENTER OF EXCELLENCE AT THE EDGE

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) proposes to construct and operate a joint Ocean Mapping Center of Excellence (CoE) and Innovation Center, in “The Edge” redevelopment area on the Durham campus in Strafford County, New Hampshire. UNH has been awarded United States (U.S.) Department of Commerce (DOC) federal grant funds from the NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) and NIST to design and build the facility.

Since UNH is a non-federal entity, NOAA has initiated the environmental impact analysis for UNH’s Proposed Action that utilizes federal grant funds. Therefore, NOAA is the lead agency for this EA, and NIST is a cooperating agency. NOAA is considering two alternatives: the Preferred Alternative, which would implement the Proposed Action; and the No Action Alternative, which would not implement the Proposed Action but provides a comparative baseline for potential impacts.

The Draft EA evaluates the potential impacts on the environment from implementing the Proposed Action. The evaluation concludes there would be no significant impact as a result of implementing the Proposed Action, which includes compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations, including consultation and permitting, and routine best management practices.

The Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact will be available between July 21, 2025, and August 20, 2025, for a 30-day public comment period. The public may obtain information and submit comments on the Draft EA and Draft FONSI during the review period via U.S. mail to Anne Delp, 1305 East West Highway, SSMC4 Room 5309, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or via email to anne.delp@noaa.gov. Comments must be received by August 20, 2025.

Here are the links for the public’s review –

Draft Environmental Assessment

Draft Finding of No Significant Impact