Friday Updates - June 13, 2025

Friday, June 13, 2025

Congratulations to the Oyster River High School Class of 2025! Courtesy, Todd Selig

Happy Friday the 13th! 

Someone who is fearful of Friday the 13th is called a paraskevidekatriaphobe (!), and the condition is known as paraskevidekatriaphobia. This term comes from the Greek words for Friday ("paraskevi"), thirteen ("dekatreis"), and fear ("phobia"). 

Eeek! 

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY

All Town offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. The Durham Town Council approved a Resolution at their June 2nd meeting reaffirming Juneteenth Independence Day as a legally recognized holiday and reaffirming Durham’s opposition to any form of oppression. You can read this Resolution HERE.

UPCOMING JUNE 16 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEMS

• Approval of Tax Abatements
• Approval of Resolution Recognizing the 200th Anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette's visit to Durham
• Approval of the Purchase of Waste Collection Containers to be used in the upcoming Automated Waste Collection Program
• Appointment of Steve Fellows to the Energy Committee
• Report from Chair of the Conservation Commission
• Continued Discussion of Council Goals
• First Reading on an Ordinance to permit by right multi-unit residential in the PO, CH and C Zoning Districts
• First Reading on an Ordinance to eliminate the three-story height limit for CB-1 Zoning District and to change the standard for commercial in five story buildings in CB-1 District from requiring two floors to requiring only one floor
• Discussion of Reconfiguring Stone Quarry Drive for the Riverwoods Development

UPCOMING TOWN COUNCIL FIRST READING ON TWO IMPORTANT HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES

At the June 16 Town Council meeting, the Council will hold the first reading on two important zoning amendments first recommended by the Durham Housing Task Force, then moved forward following public discussion as Council-initiated zoning changes, followed by discussion, public hearing, and recommendations by the Planning Board, aimed at expanding housing and commercial opportunities in key areas of town. Both measures have received support from the Planning Board.

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 no taller than three stories. This amendment would eliminate that three-story height limit, allowing buildings up to four stories by right and up to five stories with conditional approval by conditional use. The change also reduces the requirement for commercial space in five-story buildings from two floors to one floor.

This update is designed to encourage more development, including mixed-use buildings with commercial space on the first floor and housing above, helping to create more housing options and increase taxable property value downtown.

The fifth story would remain subject to conditional use approval to ensure appropriate design and location. The Planning Board has recommended a future review to consider where five-story buildings should be allowed by right or conditionally.

2. Allowing Multi-Unit Residential by Right in Three Commercial Districts

The second amendment permits multi-unit residential buildings by right in the Professional Office (PO), Church Hill (CH), and Courthouse (C) zoning districts.

Currently, multi-unit housing is very restricted in these areas, even though there are existing student housing developments that are technically nonconforming. This change aims to attract a broader range of residents, including non-students, by making it easier to develop quality multi-unit housing close to the downtown core.

The amendment does not apply to the Central Business District itself, where the first floor of buildings will continue to be reserved for commercial uses. Building height limits in these three districts remain at 30 feet by right, allowing for about three stories.

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. 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.  If approved on first reading, the Town Council will set a public hearing on these measures for Monday, July 7, 2025.

We encourage residents to stay informed and participate in the upcoming discussions.

A celebration was held on June 6 for the completion of a $95.5 million expansion and renovation of Spaulding Hall, UNH's biosciences building.

A 30' x 90' tent was erected along Academic Way, under which the speaking portion of the event was held including anticipated remarks from Pres. Chilton and others, including Gov. Ayotte, Gov. Sununu, a NH industry partner, and one or more members of NH's federal delegation. Remarks were followed by a ribbon cutting and reception inside the building with light refreshments and guided and self-guided tours of the building. 

Town Council Chair Joe Friedman was able to attend the event and provided the photo above.

This image is from a video taken in the backyard of a Valentine Hill Road residence. In the video the bear calmly walks across the lawn. Courtesy, Dan Bean

NEW VOTER REGISTRATION SESSION COMING UP

New voters may register at the Town Hall whenever that office is open. However, there will be a specific registration session held on Thursday, June 19 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at the Town Hall.  Existing voters may also make changes to their name, address, and/or party at those times.

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 not until March of 2026. Parents of new graduates might consider encouraging their children to register to vote soon, as long as they will be 18 by that March election. They will then be ready to vote here either in person or by absentee ballot.

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.

This week, the Land Stewardship Subcommittee undertook a site walk with UNH scientist Tom Ballestero, who provided an orientation and overview of the shoreline restoration and stabilization work at Wagon Hill Farm. We hope to undertake the next section of shoreline in 2026.

Mark your calendar to attend the re-enactment of Lafayette’s visit on Sunday, June 22, at 10:15 am on the Town Hall grounds. The program will include: Arrival of General Lafayette by horse-drawn carriage, escorted by the New Hampshire SAR, Welcome remarks by Alan Hoffman, President of the American Friends of Lafayette, A re-enactment of the speech welcoming Lafayette featuring John Herman as Stephen Mitchell, Esq. of Durham, Lafayette’s reply to the citizens of Durham, Lafayette mingles with the citizenry and is available for photos.

Refreshments provided by RiverWoods Durham on the Town Hall grounds. Visitors, please park on Millpond Road or Schoolhouse Lane – the Town Hall site will be a pedestrian area during this event. There will be a 3-gun salute by the New Hampshire SAR during the program

Last week’s Trivia answer:

Lafayette welcomed to Durham with a 24-gun salute, one for each of the 24 states in the Union at that time. He visited every state during his Farewell Tour, all traveling by horse-drawn carriage.

New Trivia question:

How old was Lafayette when he sailed from France to volunteer with General George Washington?

Answer in next week’s Friday Update

Pack up your picnic supper and chair/blanket and join the Durham Historic Association for their annual picnic on Saturday, June 21 (rain date June 28) from 4:30 – 7:30 pm on the lawn of the historic Bickford-Chesley House (circa 1804) at Wagon Hill Farm.

Members of the DHA Executive Board will give a presentation on the rich history of the Bickford-Chesley House and its past residents, as well as an update on the current renovation project. 

Over the past weekend, hundreds of athletes arrived in Town for a weekend full of fun and competition. This is an annual event held on the campus of UNH. This year, due to inclement weather, some events were moved from the UNH Stadium to the Jackson’s Landing rink.  

At Saturday’s event, Durham Officers Chief Kelley, Sergeant Pelletier and Officer Bach, spent some quality time meeting and hanging out with the athletes. A good time was had by all.

Wednesday evening the Planning Board thanked Erika Naumann Gaillat for her service on the board over the past few years. We hope she may come back to serve again in the future, but she does have a new commitment that takes priority now.

Pictured is Erika, her 6 & 1/2 month old daughter Hadiya and Planning Board Chair, Paul Rasmussen. 

The Conservation Commission is holding a public hearing on Monday, June 23, at 7:00 p.m. to receive public input on a proposed contribution from the Town’s Conservation Fund. The commission is considering donating $50,000 from the fund toward the acquisition of a conservation easement on a 29-acre parcel at 280 Durham Point Road owned by the Gsottschneider Family Trust.

The Nature Conservancy is coordinating with the Southeast Land Trust on acquisition of the easement. The project cost (subject to change) is $505,000 +/-. The balance in the Conservation Fund is about $154,000. Money for the fund comes from the change of use tax when properties in current use are taken out of current use. The Conservation Commission is authorized to use the fund for various conservation projects in the community. You can see more information on the website for the commission HERE. 

We are pleased to welcome Kruczek’s Garage to Durham! Many are familiar with their site in Newmarket, on the right side of Route 108, which has been home to the business for four generations, starting in 1949.  Kruczek’s had been planning to expand for a few years in this direction, as their space in Newmarket is limited and they have a large customer base in Durham and at UNH. The business in Newmarket will remain.

The garage is owned by Joseph, Carleen, and Bryan Kruczek (pronounced “Crew’ – Zeck”). They opened here at 10 Dover Road just a month ago on May 19. Kruczek’s does general auto repair and vehicle diagnostics, oil changes, tire sales and repairs, brake work, battery installation, state inspections, alignment service (starting this fall), and pretty much anything that your vehicle needs to stay on the road. They are also the AAA towing provider for the Durham area.

Bryan says, “Business is going good. It has helped to alleviate backed up appointments from our Newmarket shop. Durham is great. The new customers have been encouraging and we have been out adventuring for lunch at all of the awesome food establishments that Durham has to offer.  We are happy to be here and look forward to getting to know our new community.”

Wearing tick repellent clothing is the best— and easiest —way for people to prevent tick bites when they venture outdoors. Did you know you can turn your own favorite clothes into tick repellent clothes? Products containing permethrin kill ticks. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remains protective through several washings.

A study done by the University of Rhode Island showed that subjects wearing shoes treated with permethrin were 73.6 times less likely to have a tick bite than those wearing untreated footwear. Permethrin is safe to touch once dry and effective for up to 6 weeks.

Permethrin should never be applied to skin; use as directed on the product label. Permethrin is safe for pets when your clothes have dried, but NOT when wet for cats or small dogs. 

Tick Free NH is a great resource about how to identify ticks, protect yourself and also how to create a Tick Free Yard. Go to their website HERE.

If you've been bitten by a tick, submitting it for testing could be one of the most important steps you take. Ticks in New Hampshire are carriers of several potentially harmful diseases, like Lyme disease. By testing the tick, you can determine if it carries any of these pathogens, enabling you to take action. Trap the tick in tape and place it in a zip-lock bag.

UNH Coop Extension and UNH laboratories have teamed up to offer public Tick Testing for individuals and agencies seeking more information about the risk of dangerous pathogens. You can order a test kit HERE.

Stay safe while enjoying the outdoors this summer and remember to also check your pets for ticks.

Did You Know?  Recycling Waste Oil & Antifreeze

Waste oil and antifreeze are toxic, caustic, and considered household hazardous waste - they should NOT be burned, dumped, or thrown into your household trash.

HOW DO I RECYCLE WASTE OIL AND ANTIFREEZE?

Antifreeze:

There is used antifreeze recycling available at Durham’s transfer station. You can bring it to the transfer station during open hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Waste Oil:

Due to several occurrences of contaminated oil and the resulting very costly remediations, the transfer station is no longer accepting used motor oil. 

Residents can bring their used motor oil to the following Walmart locations:

1. Walmart 

59 Waltons Way

Somersworth, NH 03878

Instructions:

Bring used motor oil to the Customer Service Desk in a closed container. The agent will ask you how many quarts you have and ask you to fill out a form.

2. Walmart

2460 Lafayette Rd

Portsmouth, NH 03801

Instructions:

Bring used motor oil to the Walmart Automotive Center.  If you would like your container back, the agent can empty the motor oil and return the container to you.

Another Recycling Option

Durham residents can recycle their used motor oil during our Hazardous Waste Day, which is scheduled for October 25 this year. Please sign up for a drop-off appointment by calling the Durham Public Works office at 603-868-5578.

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.

A pileated woodpecker visiting a birdfeeder on Riverview Road. Courtesy, Deborah Alberts

The Durham Police Department wants to alert the public to a fraudulent text message that appears to come from the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), stating that the recipient has an unpaid traffic violation. These messages often claim to be a “final notice” and threaten serious consequences such including suspension of your driver’s license or registration! People in Durham are receiving these messages, so use caution.

The messages include a fake payment link—often designed to look official by including terms like “nhgov.”

IMPORTANT FACTS TO KNOW:

• The NH DMV does NOT send text messages requesting payment.
• The only text messages from the DMV are appointment reminders.
• Do not click on links, provide personal information, or submit payment.

If you receive one of these suspicious messages DO NOT RESPOND. Do not click any links and delete the message immediately. If you doubt the authenticity of the message, contact NH DMV Customer Service directly at 603-227-4000. 

If you have questions or wish to report suspicious activity, contact the Durham Police Department at (603) 868-2324.

SUMMARY OF DURHAM POLICE ACTIVITY SINCE MAY 29th

With a lot of discussion surrounding policing across the county, Mr. Selig felt an overview of a typical Durham week would be helpful to give residents insight into police activity here…

High School Activity and Graduation Events

Officers maintained an active presence at Oyster River High School during senior "prank night" and other graduation-related events. One incident involved an individual jumping onto a tent where several students were sleeping, resulting in minor injury to one student and damage to the tent. Police also responded to a large underage party associated with end-of-year celebrations. All juveniles were released to parents or responsible adults. Graduation ceremonies for ORHS and Somersworth at the Whittemore Center were held without incident and required only minimal police response.

Traffic and Parking Issues

The state track meet at ORHS caused significant parking congestion along Coe Drive and nearby areas. All available spaces at the high school and middle school were filled, with additional vehicles parked along roadways and on grassy areas, narrowing parts of the road to one and a half lanes. Officers issued citations where needed and made announcements in an effort to improve compliance, but parking challenges persisted throughout the event. DPD has been in contact with ORHS about the incident with recommendations concerning such events in the future.  

Criminal Investigations and Arrests

Police conducted several investigations and made multiple arrests during this period. A past sexual assault was reported and is currently under investigation. Arrests included one for driving while intoxicated following a single-vehicle crash into a traffic light, another for operating after suspension, and one for driving without a license. Officers also looked into a reported stalking incident and a possible violation of a criminal bail order. In both cases, no immediate safety concerns were identified, though follow-up is ongoing.

Public Safety and Other Incidents

Officers responded to a range of medical calls, minor incidents, and public safety concerns. Downed power lines on Packers Falls Road led to a temporary road closure of about two hours before the issue was resolved by Eversource. A dog bite reported at The Lodges is under investigation. An elder abuse case was also reported at one facility, involving an alleged assault by a per diem staff member on a dementia patient. The staff member, employed through a third-party agency, has been removed from the property and terminated. Police also provided assistance to a homeless individual seeking transportation to another town after declining further services.

DURHAM RESIDENT PARTICIPATES IN UPCOMING “ROCK MY SOUL” SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Join your neighbor Chris Chance of Durham to support soul-connecting music by buying tickets now to a Rock My Soul summer concert season show. All proceeds support the roots music choir’s ongoing outreach to area nursing homes and jails. More information on the upcoming June 27th show at the Word Barn, plus August shows at the Wolfeboro Players space and at Kittery Dance Hall is available HERE.

We understand that new singers are welcome in September for foot-stomping fun with a purpose! 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL NEWS

Last Day of School is June 18

On April 16, the ORCSD School Board determined that the students' last day of the 2024-2025 school year will be June 18, 2025. Please note that June 18 will be a full day of school, and students will be dismissed at their usual times.

2025-2026 School Calendar

ORCSD's printable 2025-2026 school calendar is available HERE. Please note this document is subject to change. We recommend that you check for online updates on the district calendar page regularly.

ORHS Graduation Ceremony Video

Congratulations to the Class of 2025! A recording of Oyster River High School's (ORHS) graduation ceremony is now available on the ORCSD YouTube channel HERE. We apologize for the technical difficulties that prevented the livestream.

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 June 19 in observance of Juneteenth and 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.

Mast Way Student Wins Design Contest

Ella, a 2nd grade Mast Way School student, won HAVEN Education's annual design contest, and her design will be featured on t-shirts and a coloring book. Ella's design was selected among over 400 submissions. HAVEN's contest is open annually to students in grades K-4 in Rockingham County and Strafford County. Learn more HERE.

15th Annual ORHS Science Showcase

On June 2, Oyster River High School (ORHS) hosted the 15th edition of its annual Science Showcase. For the past 11 years, ORHS educators Jon Bromley (Environmental Science) and Celeste Best (Anatomy and Physiology) have engaged their students in authentic scientific inquiry at the end of their year-long courses. Learn more HERE.

Community Survey

Principal Shaps invites you to take part in a community survey focused on ORCSD's strategic plan. This is your chance to share your thoughts and help us plan for the years ahead. Please consider sharing your thoughts and ideas HERE. The survey will close Friday, July 4, 2025.

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.

Daisies seen near the Middle School. Courtesy, Todd Selig

PUBLIC NOTICE - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT - UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE JACKSON ESTUARINE LABORATORY

Notification is hereby given to the public of the intent of the University of New Hampshire (UNH), with partial funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to construct a new building addition to the existing Jackson Estuarine Laboratory (JEL). The proposed building addition will be constructed on the west side of the existing structure.

The mission of the University of New Hampshire’s Jackson Estuarine Laboratory is to advance science, support education, and inform management, primarily through research activities that increase understanding of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. The purpose of this project is to enhance and expand the School for Marine Science and Ocean Engineering.

The project will provide an array of amenities to enhance the existing laboratory and support spaces at JEL, including the addition of essential community collaborative workspace where various outside workgroups and organizations will work with university researchers on estuarine initiatives and studies. New high-bay spaces are proposed in the addition to provide interior space to store and maintain aquatic research vessels currently used by the University.

In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), an Environmental Assessment has been prepared to assess the potential impacts of the proposed action on the human environment. This EA is available for agency and public review and comment for a period of thirty (30) days. The Environmental Assessment is accessible HERE.

The posting on the UNH facilities website with the link to the document can be found HERE.

Comments, which will become part of the official project record, may be emailed to Mindy.Mozzoni@unh.edu until July 4, 2025.