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From left to right: Jim Lawson, UNH’s Jennifer Andrews, Rafidah Rahman, Todd Selig, and Nat Balch
On Thursday of this week, our UNH Sustainability Fellow, Rafidah Rahman, took the opportunity to visit Durham and become more familiar with the community. She will be finalizing our Climate Action Plan and other projects and outreach in conjunction with the Energy Committee and Administrator’s Office.
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The Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River project update and Section 106 (NHPA) information meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, July 14, 2022, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM in Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Rd. & also via Zoom. (See more information below).
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PROJECT UPDATE AND SECTION 106 (NHPA) INFORMATIONAL MEETING - Mill Pond Dam on the Oyster River, Thursday, July 14, 2022, 6:30 – 8:30 PM, Durham Town Hall, 8 Newmarket Rd. & Zoom
Following the referendum vote on March 8, the Town has been advancing the design and permitting for the removal of the Mill Pond Dam, which does not meet current dam safety standards.
Due to the historic nature of the Mill Pond Dam, the removal involves consultation under what is known as Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), which requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, license, or approve throughout the country. This meeting has been scheduled to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the Section 106 process, receive an update on the project status, and provide input on cultural resources under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Meeting Objectives
- To familiarize the public with the context, work plan, and schedule for the removal of the Mill Pond Dam.
- To provide an update on actions completed to date.
- To discuss the Section 106 Consultation – the process under federal law for assessing, minimizing, and mitigating impacts to historical and archaeological resources (cultural resources).
- To discuss how to request Section 106 Consulting Party status, which is one way to share your views, receive and review pertinent information, offer ideas, and consider possible solutions together with the federal agency and other consulting parties.
We hope that you will be able to attend. Public participation is critical to ensuring that the project is responsive to the community’s needs. If you have any questions or require any information, please contact April Talon at (603) 868-5578 or atalon@ci.durham.nh.us
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DURHAM BUSINESSES AND FRIDAY UPDATES SUBMISSIONS
The Town of Durham is pleased to showcase Durham’s excellent businesses in its weekly Friday Updates. We have received requests to do so and believe that it is appropriate for the Town to assist in promoting local businesses in this manner.
If you would like to include a short piece about your business in the Friday Updates please email information to Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner, at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us. Please include the following with your email: the name, email, and phone number of a contact person; the name of the proprietor(s); a link to your website if you have one; one or two photographs related to the business (such as the proprietor, the staff posing together, the product, the building, the sign, etc.); and any information or history about your company or product that might be of interest. Items received will be included in the Friday Updates as space allows.
Thank you for your interest in participating with this endeavor!
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LOCAL HOTEL SUGGESTIONS FOR THE ABOVE EVENT:
- Holiday Inn Express- 2 Main Street Durham, NH 603-868-1234
- Holiday Inn Express- 77 Farmington Rd Rochester, NH (near Governors) 603-994-1175
- Anchorage Inn- 13 Wadleigh Rd Rochester, NH (near Governors) 603-332-3350
- Hampton Inn- 9 Hotel Drive Dover, NH 603 516-5600
(Anywhere in Portsmouth, NH would need to be booked very quickly for July 30 weekend)
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DID YOU KNOW? - Second-hand Clothes
Second-hand clothes have a big positive social and environmental impact. They reduce carbon emissions, save many resources, water, and energy. They also keep old clothing from ending up in landfills or incinerators.
We have our own second-hand thrift store right here in Durham. Echo Thrift Store is located downstairs in the Community Church of Durham.
They have clothes of all sizes, purses, jewelry, shoes, and some home decor. In addition, 100% of the proceeds go to local non-profit organizations. Check out this link to learn more:
https://www.echothriftshop.org/
Brought to you by the Integrated Waste Management Committee
Questions about recycling or composting? Email us at Durhamrecycles603@gmail.com
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DURHAM POLICE CAN CHECK YOUR HOME WHILE YOU ARE AWAY
With summer here and vacations planned, the Durham Police would like to let residents know that while you are away, Durham Officers will check your home to ensure everything is just as you left it. To get your home on the Durham house check list, simply call the department at (603) 868-2324 during normal business hours. The women and men of the Durham Police Department wish you all a safe and happy summer season.
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L to R: Deputy Chief David Holmstock, Officer Sean Malonson, Officer Jasdeep Kaur, Officer Travis Bach and Chief Rene Kelley
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DURHAM PD WELCOMES THREE NEW OFFICERS
Officer Sean Malonson, Officer Jasdeep Kaur and Officer Travis Bach were all sworn in as Durham Police Officers on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Officer Malonson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and recently worked for the Middlesex Massachusetts Sheriff’s Office. Officer Kaur graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Boston in 2022. While in school, she was a police cadet with the UMass Boston Police Department. Officer Bach is currently a University of New Hampshire student and was recently employed at the Durham Rite Aid as a Certified Pharmacy Technician. All three officers will start their formal 16-week police training in August as part of the 190th New Hampshire Police Academy class.
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GREEN GRASS AND CLEAR WATER - Did you know that you can have a healthy, green lawn that is both attractive and safer for the environment?
Some lawn care practices create local water quality problems. Excess nutrients (including nitrogen and phosphorus found in fertilizers) that run off our properties into nearby waterbodies can trigger harmful algal blooms. Many of us enjoy the time we spend working on our lawns and are willing to try new practices as long as our lawns continue to look good. Below are some simple and easy tips, customized for northern New England, that can lead to Green Grass & Clear Water.
Choose the right grass seed. The best seed mixes include low maintenance varieties with higher % of fine-leaf fescues and turf - or compact-type tall fescues, and lower % of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial rye grass.
Mow smart. Leave grass at least 3” high. Cut no more than one-third (1/3) of the blade each time you mow to encourage longer, stronger roots. Leave the grass clippings after mowing so they can return nutrients to the soil.
Have your soil tested. To learn more about specific characteristics and needs of your lawn, contact UNH Cooperative Extension
Don’t overwater. 1” of water per week (from rain or irrigation) is usually enough. Overwatering can cause nutrients to move out of root zones and into waterbodies or groundwater.
Only if your lawn requires added nutrients from fertilizer:
Avoid overapplying. Measure the area where you plan to apply and calculate the square footage. For lawns 10+ years old, apply half (1/2) the amount recommended for your square area one time per season. New lawns may need another application. Apply no more than 4 times per season.
Choose the right fertilizer. Select fertilizers with zero or low phosphorus unless a soil test says otherwise. Slow release nitrogen fertilizer is generally preferable. Over applying fertilizer (any type) can cause water quality issues.
Know when and where to apply. Apply only after spring “green up” and before mid-September. Avoid applying in mid-summer. Never apply near waterbodies or storm drains.
View more details about these tips and others HERE.
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NATURE IN YOUR BACKYARD TOUR - Durham, Dover and Newmarket.
9 am - 1:30pm
https://extension.unh.edu/event/2022/08/nature-your-backyard-tour-durham-dover-newmarket
About the Event:
Are you curious about pollinators? Or frustrated by invasive plants? Are you interested in sustainable approaches to landscaping that can improve wildlife habitat value on your property? Join Extension and the Durham Conservation Commission for a Nature in Your Backyard Tour. The tour will highlight 4 properties in the Seacoast area that feature different approaches to ecological landscaping and enhancing wildlife habitat on small acreages. Landowners will guide participants on a walking tour of each property. Tours will last approximately 40 minutes.
The event will start at the Milne Nature Sanctuary in Durham, where you will have the opportunity to hear about the history and stewardship of this town-owned parcel and its native plantings before heading out to visit the three additional tour properties. Additional information on parking and tour locations will be provided upon registration. Tour attendees will rotate between the remaining three sites with tours beginning at 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Tour Sites and Descriptions:
Durham: The landowners' primary goal in planting much of their one-acre landscape is to support "ecological effectiveness" - a successful relationship between and among insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and the plants themselves; all existing in a harmonious relationship in support of a healthy ecosystem. Their original inspiration to develop this landscape was spurred by the work of entomologist and writer Doug Tallamy of the University of Delaware. The property was a cattle pasture as recently as the 1950’s, and the landowners have worked with several local native plant professionals and experts in its current design, planting, and efforts at invasive plant removal. They have also incorporated the surrounding woodland landscape into the design and functionality of the space.
Dover: This 6-acre property has been tended by the landowners for more than 5 years. The landscape is a mix of meadows, forest edges, wetlands, perennial gardens, honeybee hives, and a greenhouse for growing vegetables and native plants. Each year they have adapted their management strategies, letting seasonal meadows go un-mowed to increase forage for pollinators and managing invasive plants. This tour will focus on their technique for optimizing compost processing from onsite materials, such as grass clippings, and incorporation into their plantings. They will also discuss their process for native plant propagation.
Newmarket: The landowners have been creating and experimenting with landscaping for wildlife, beauty, and food on their one-acre yard for 25 plus years. They enjoy growing vegetables, herbs, fruiting shrubs and trees for themselves and to share with the local wildlife. To keep up with the needs of the wildlife that visit their property they have learned to adjust by overproducing or changing how or what they grow. They incorporate native plants as much as possible and let nature do its thing in some corners of their yard. They love to watch bees, flies, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators drawn to their yard. Turtles, turkeys, foxes, deer, bear, opossum, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and many other wildlife visit too. As the climate changes, trees grow taller, invasives invade, and they are constantly thinking about how to be more sustainable and reduce our impact on the planet.
What to Bring:
The entire event will be held outside, please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring snacks and water.
Cost: Free, registration is required. https://learnforlife.unh.edu/portal/events/reg/participantTypeSelection.do?method=load&entityId=236369037
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DON'T LEAVE ANIMALS IN VEHICLES DURING HOT WEATHER
With the arrival of summer, the Durham Police want to remind all pet owners to please leave their pets at home instead of bringing them with you and leaving them alone locked in a vehicle. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise quickly to levels that are dangerous to our furry friends.
Please view information HERE from the Humane Society of the United States for helpful information and their warning of the dangers of leaving a pet unattended in a parked car.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE REGIONAL DROUGHT CONDITIONS AND WISE WATER USE
The Durham/UNH Water System would like to advise customers that the region has entered a D1 category drought condition and asks system users to voluntarily practice wise water use. Voluntary practices may include:
- Limiting the irrigation of landscaped areas using hose-end sprinklers or automatic systems
- Water gardens, trees, flowers or other landscaped areas with handheld hose, a faucet filled bucket or watering can
- Utilize soaker hoses when irrigation is necessary
- Limit vehicle washing with bucket or hand-held hose with automatic shut-off
- Draw less water for bath or reduce shower time
- Do not let water run while shaving, dish washing, brushing teeth, etc.
- Keep pools covered if not used on a daily basis
- Use water displacement device in toilet tank
- Install aerators on faucets
- Utilize water reuse where possible
- Replacement or retrofits with ultra-low flow fixtures is encouraged
- If necessary, use a broom or blower instead of a hose to wash off driveways, decks, etc.
- Use commercial car washes that recycle water
- Take measures to prevent runoff from your property from reaching streets, sidewalks, or impervious areas.
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DATA VERIFICATION FOR 2023 REVALUATION TO BEGIN JULY 11th, 2022.
As you may be aware, the State of New Hampshire requires all real estate within the municipality to be reappraised at least every five years (per RSA 75:8-a) so property tax 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. to reappraise all residential and commercial properties in Durham for TY 2023.
Beginning on July 11th, 2022, staff members from MRI will be measuring the exterior and inspecting the interior all structures in Durham to make sure the data regarding your property is accurate. Post card notifications will be mailed to residents letting them know they will be working in specific neighborhoods during the next few weeks. If, for any reason you are not comfortable allowing an interior inspection, we kindly ask you to verify information at the door. If you are not home, a notification will be mailed to you requesting an inspection or to verify information by phone. If you do not wish to have a representative from MRI visit your property, please notify the Durham Assessor’s Office as soon as possible. All MRI representatives will have a photo ID and a Municipal Letter of Introduction.
Any questions regarding the project should be directed to the Durham Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064. Updates regarding the project will be posted in the Friday Updates newsletter and through mailings. We greatly appreciate your cooperation throughout this project.
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PLANNING BOARD JULY 13TH MEETING
The Planning Board’s agenda for July 13 includes a first look at a new solar energy systems ordinance initiated by the Town Council; continued review of a proposed mixed-use project at 74 Main Street (at the intersection with Pettee Brook Lane); continued review of Tideline Public House, the proposed restaurant, tavern, and food truck emporium at the old Town Offices on Newmarket Road; and final deliberations about the proposed parking lot at 19-21 Main Street on Church Hill. Note that the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. due to the busy agenda.
View the agenda HERE.
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Wagon Hill Farm. Courtesy Tom Brightman
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HAVE YOU VISITED WAGON HILL FARM OVER THE PAST YEAR? -- Take the Wagon Hill Farm Questionnaire!
To determine the best ways to steward our lands, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee seeks input from the users of Town Properties. This questionnaire will be for Wagon Hill Farm.
If you’ve visited Wagon Hill Farm over the past year, please let us know about your experience by clicking HERE. This questionnaire should take less than 5 minutes.
Thank you!
Durham’s Land Stewardship Subcommittee
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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.
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WAGON HILL FARM FOOTBRIDGE AND TRAIL RECONSTRUCTION
The Wagon Hill Farm Bridge replacement project to be funded through a New Hampshire Conservation and Heritage “Moose Plate” Grant along with mitigation payments received though the Seacoast Reliability Project continues to make progress A Standard Dredge and Fill Wetlands Permit Application (RSA 482-A) NHDES File Number 2022-01295 was previously submitted to the NHDES Wetland’s Bureau and comments have been received back from the NHDES. Staff are currently reviewing comments and developing responses. The bridge will replace the existing wooden foot bridge shown below which crosses the freshwater tributary at the location shown on the map and identified as Site 3. The new bridge is expected to be constructed of similar materials and will utilize a pressure treated wooden boardwalk to connect the bridge to existing trails in an effort to eliminate erosion and water quality impacts. Dependent on the timing of the receipt of the wetlands permit, construction improvements may begin in late 2022 or summer 2023.
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SEACOAST EAT LOCAL FARMERS' MARKET IS OPEN FOR THE SEASON
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 is 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: Jams from Marti Gooze, 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.
Make sure to follow on social media for updates, or go to their website: http://seacoasteatlocal.org/.
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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.
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TRIPLINK COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION
TripLink is the regional transportation call center for Strafford County, eastern Rockingham County, Brookfield, and Wakefield. It is a project of the Alliance for Community Transportation and COAST. TripLink provides call-taking and ride scheduling services on behalf of COAST’s ADA Paratransit, Portsmouth Senior Transportation, and Route 7 on Demand, Community Rides, Community Action Partnership of Strafford County, Ready Rides, and Rockingham Nutrition & Meals on Wheels. We also provide information and referrals to people who are looking for help with transportation.
In November 2021, TripLink launched its new Common Application, which allows seniors and individuals with disabilities to apply for all of these services at once. In order to get the word out about this new streamlined process, we are reaching out to ask to be included on Durham’s Social Services page (https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/administration/social-services).
You may visit TripLink's website at https://communityrides.org/
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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.
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WAGON HILL FARM - Portsmouth Watermain Easement, Survey Work
The City of Portsmouth owns and maintains a 7 mile long, 24” diameter water main which brings treated drinking water from its Madbury Water Treatment Plant to Portsmouth. This transmission main supplies close to 60% of the potable water and fire protection demands for this regional system. A portion of this line crosses Wagon Hill Farm through a 40’ wide utility easement granted to Portsmouth, before crossing Little Bay and eventually connecting to the Portsmouth Water distribution system at Fox Point in Newington. Due the poor condition of the submerged sections of this water line, Portsmouth is in the process of designing improvements to the water main which crosses Little Bay and expects to commence construction in 2023. Additional project details can be found at https://www.ci.durham.nh.us/boc_conservation/little-bay-water-line-replacement .
Portsmouth is currently working with the Town of Durham to evaluate the best and least impactful access point at Wagon Hill Farm for both the temporary needs during construction and for ongoing inspection and maintenance. This may consist of a gravel access road along the existing trail as shown below. Over the next several days, beginning on July 8th, the City of Portsmouth’s Engineering consultant, Wright Pierce, will be delineating any wetlands along the trail alignment and completing an instrument survey. Any questions can be directed to Durham Public Works at (603) 868-5578.
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SCRAP METAL NOW COLLECTED IN CONTAINERS AT THE TRANSFER STATIONS
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. In accordance with Best Management Practices outlined by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, scrap metal disposed of at the Transfer Station is now collected in a 40 yd3 roll-off container. This container will be located between the bulky waste and construction/demolition debris containers. 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.
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Leawood Orchards. Courtesy Eleanor Lonske
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ICONS OF DURHAM POSTER - IMAGE #1
Icons of Durham Poster – Image #11 Leawood Orchards. 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 (for a donation of $50).
Here is an excerpt from Durham, New Hampshire, a history 1900-1985. "Farm Life in Durham: Leawood Orchards, on Mast Road off Old Concord Road, was owned by George Potter in the 1920s. It was bought in 1945 by Clayton ("Red") Cross. The farm, which sold eggs in the early days, also had a large apple orchard. In the 1980s, in addition to selling apples, the farm is well known for its excellent cider, sold from the farm in the fall. Vegetables and other fruits are also sold in season." The property is now owned by the university.
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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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UPCOMING EVENTS
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To view more information regarding the above upcoming events, please CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW.
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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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DPL's Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program is underway and under the sea! Visit our website for more information and monthly calendars!
Next week's events include a return to Summer Concerts on the Lawn for all ages, Wildlife Encounters! with the Lee and Madbury Libraries at the Madbury Town Hall, Coral Blow Painting and Seashell Painting at DPL, hosting a Sea Creatures art class with Corinne Roberts and so much more! And don't forget to bring your reading logs in to be checked! For more fun things to do this week, visit our youth webpage HERE!
This week in Adult Services, join us for the return of art historian and educator Jane Oneail to present Childe Hassam and American Impressionism on Tuesday, July 12th at 6PM. Register HERE to receive the link on the day of the program. Shell painting in the cafe will also be open on Wednesdy from 12-4PM and don't miss the return of Summer Concerts with Hungrytown on Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM on the library lawn. For more, check the Upcoming Events page!
Have you taken any of the Adult Summer Reading Challenges yet? Download the challenge card HERE or grab one at the library! Each challenge completed earns a raffle ticket, so finish one or all of the them and return the cards to us each week to check off your completions! Raffle drawings for 2 prize bags are each Friday afternoon with a grand prize drawing on the final Friday of summer reading! Our first drawing is today before 5 pm!
Questions? We can help! The library staff is always available to answer your questions during business hours at 603-868-6699 or any time at http://durhampl@gmail.com!
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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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1848 - Congregational Church on Main Street cost $3,325. Enlarged in 1893 and remodeled in 1923, adding Community House. Name changed to Community Church with 19 denominations as members. Brick Education Center built in 1963 and sanctuary remodeled and new organ in 1976.
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Have a safe and very nice July 4th weekend.
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?
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