Friday Updates - June 27, 2025

Friday, June 27, 2025

General Lafayette (Ben Goldman) reads a proclamation upon his arrival to Durham last Sunday as part of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Lafayette's original visit to Durham. Courtesy, Todd Selig

Due to the fact that Independence Day falls on a Friday, there will be no Friday Updates next week. Enjoy your July 4th Holiday!  

August 16th is Farm Day! – Save the date for this annual celebration of the farms, gardens, and local food and fiber production in Durham and Lee. Free and family friendly. Sponsored by the Durham and Lee Agricultural Commission. Full list of events coming soon.

PROPERTY TAX BILLS – DUE JULY 3, 2025

Just a friendly reminder: the first property tax payment for 2025 is due Thursday, July 3rd. As a courtesy to our residents, the tax collector’s office will be open on Wednesday, July 2nd between the hours of 11:00am-2:00pm to accept tax payments. Please note that the Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office is normally closed on Wednesdays. The Clerk's office will be closed Friday, July 4th, for the Independence Day Holiday.

Important Note: The Town of Durham no longer uses the Manchester P.O. Box. Please be sure to send all mail directly to the Durham Tax Collector at 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824.

If you have any questions about your property tax bill, feel free to reach out to Rachel Deane at rdeane@ci.durham.nh.us or call 603-868-5577.

The Town of Durham offers several easy and convenient ways to pay your bill:

Online – Visit www.ci.durham.nh.us/clerk

In person – Stop by the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office:

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed: Wednesdays

By mail – Send payments to:

Durham Town Clerk-Tax Collector

8 Newmarket Road

Durham, NH 03824

Drop box – Located just outside Town Hall at 8 Newmarket Road

The Depot Road Lot has spaces for parking if you are using the UNH Pool. Within this lot, any white-lined space beyond the meters is free for any vehicle with a resident parking sticker, as seen by the green lines above. Areas not permitted for parking include the first 10 white-lined spaces on the left as you enter and any metered spots, as seen by the red lines above.

DCAT Coordinator, Craig Stevens, will be retiring from full-time employment on June 30, 2025, after 22 years of service with the Town. After taking a month off, Craig will return to serve as the DCAT Coordinator on a part-time basis.

Craig began his employment by helping the Town expand its ability to video tape public meetings and broadcast them on a local TV station. He started recording with VHS tapes (remember those?!), and now he does everything through cloud-based programming. Over the years Craig has helped to establish a 2nd local TV Channel and began livestreaming meetings over Facebook and YouTube. He is the town's principal photographer for all Town Report photos and any special activities.

Craig oversees two part-time employees and one volunteer who help him in the recording of meetings. He has worked tirelessly to keep the Town updated in its technology for the best broadcast experience, even unexpectedly having to integrate Zoom into the mix when the pandemic hit. The Town is indebted to Craig for his work over the years in keeping town meetings accessible to all of Durham's residents. We are grateful that he has decided to continue on in a part-time capacity.

Outside of work, Craig enjoys traveling with his wife Ilese and spending time at their camp in Moultonborough. He is looking forward to having time off do some boating and kayaking and to spend time with his 3-year old grandson, Eli. The Town thanks Craig for his dedicated service and wishes him a happy retirement and a restful month off!

The Town of Durham and Durham Public Works recognizes the accomplishments of Wastewater Division Superintendent Dan Peterson who will be retiring on June 30, 2025, after a stellar career which began at Durham Public Works in July 2007. Prior to arriving in Durham, Dan joined the United States Air Force, right out of high school, and worked at the Pease Air Force Base as an environmental support specialist. Dan’s career also included work at the Portsmouth wastewater treatment plant.  

Dan has always led his team by example with a positive attitude which serves as a model for all other Durham Public Works team members to aspire to.  Dan has unfailingly provided the highest level of service in an exceedingly professional manner to the citizens of Durham. He has skillfully undertaken his responsibilities as Wastewater Division Superintendent with the highest level of professional integrity and expertise. Throughout Dan’s career and during his time in Durham he has been recognized on many occasions for providing invaluable public service, managing complex wastewater systems. Dan was honored with a “Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Excellence Award” by the EPA and featured in Treatment Plant Operator magazine.

Dan has always viewed his role as a “keeper of the environment” and shared on many occasions “without wastewater treatment you can only imagine what Great Bay would look like, what the river would look like – you wouldn’t see too many people out there I don’t think” With Dan’s leadership, knowledge and commitment he has managed to make Durham’s Wastewater Collection and Treatment program a model system on the Seacoast and for other wastewater programs across the state.

On behalf of the community, the Town of Durham extends a sincere thank you and congratulations to Dan for the dedication, hard work and excellence he has provided the community over his distinguished career. We all wish Dan, his wife Siri and his family a very happy retirement!

ZONING ORDINANCE CHANGES - PROPOSALS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS

Below are the initiatives in the works that involve changes to the zoning ordinance.

• A proposal to increase the height of a section of the Central Business District from three stories to four stories by right and five stories by conditional use. Presently, a significant part of the district, located along Main Street and Madbury Road, is limited to three stories. That limitation would be removed allowing for taller buildings as allowed in the rest of the district. The Town Council is holding a public hearing on Monday, July 7. You can see more information HERE. An analysis by Jim Lawson of the visibility of a fifth story when set back from the fourth story is included at the link. You can see the Town’s Architectural Regulations, which apply to all five of the core commercial zones, HERE. 
• A proposal to allow multi-unit residential (multifamily/apartments) in the Professional Office, Church Hill, and Courthouse Districts. Zoning for multi-use residential is presently very limited in town. The Town Council is holding a public hearing on Monday, July 7. You can see more information HERE. 
• A proposal considering changes to the Conservation Subdivision ordinance. The proposal is only in the discussion phase now at the Planning Board. You can see more information HERE. 
• The Conservation Commission just completed a significant rewrite of the Wetland Conservation Overlay District and the Shoreland Protection Overlay District. The districts have been combined into a new Wetland and Shoreland Overlay District. The proposal will be presented to the Planning Board soon as time allows. The board may post the proposal for a public hearing soon or it may take numerous meetings to revise the draft. You can see more information HERE. 
• The Housing Task Force has just prepared significant changes to various sections of the zoning ordinance to enhance opportunities for housing and residential development. The proposal will be presented to the Planning Board soon as time allows. The board may post the proposal for a public hearing soon or it may take numerous meetings to revise the draft first. You can see more information HERE.  
• The Energy Committee has prepared a proposal to provide for electric vehicle charging stations as part of new development. Their proposal will be presented to the Planning Board as time allows. The proposal will be posted soon.
• The Planning Board held a public hearing on a Planned Unit Development ordinance driven largely by the prospective Edge project by UNH. The board has tabled the ordinance for now pending receiving comments from UNH and the developer for The Edge (once they are selected). You can see more information HERE. 

You can see current proposals before the Planning Board HERE. Feel free to contact Michael Behrendt, Durham Town Planner, with any questions at mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us.

Earlier this week, the Police Department’s newest member made an appearance at the Police Station. As readers of Friday Updates may remember, the department invited residents to suggest names for our new K9 partner. After much deliberation, our four-legged officer will go by the name of Jet. 

Jet is a golden retriever and will soon undergo training for his new role as comfort dog.  Jet will hit the streets with his partner, Officer CJ Young, sometime later this summer. While not at work, Jet will reside with Officer Young and his family. Many thanks to all those who sent name recommendations!  

In last week’s Friday Updates there was an article about an abandoned dock at Cedar Point that was damaging the marsh grass and the fragile shoreline. The Town staff discussed the situation with several neighbors, NHDES, and the Great Bay – Piscataqua Waterkeeper about how best to address the situation. They decided that bringing in a crane would be the safest and most environmentally sound way to remove the debris. The site has now been cleaned up.

We appreciate these kind remarks from Cedar Point Road resident, Michael Mullins, “I would like to thank Team Durham for doing an incredible job removing the docks that have been destroying the salt marsh for nearly 2 years. The team that came out did a remarkable job, and it was not easy. The amount of debris was significant, filling the entire container. Some large pieces were easier to move, but others broke apart in transit, and the team had to redo the work. The team worked for several hours to finish the job. Neighbors from up and down the street came to see the removal and many people have since commented on how much Cedar Point is much more pleasant (this is a street with a lot of walkers along the bay). I speak for our neighborhood to say THANK YOU very much for undertaking this incredible clean-up, and thanks to all the crew members who worked in the heat to get this done. You all did a great job.” 

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can be healthier and have a cleaner environment. 

The good news is, anyone can get involved. Even making a small change will collectively make a big difference to our community.

Town of Durham 

The Town of Durham is helping to do its part. Earlier this year, our town adopted Resolution 2025–10, which calls for “…the elimination of the purchase of single-use plastic bags and food service products, and Styrofoam containers for use by the Town of Durham and town-sponsored events." You can see the Resolution HERE.

Will you be part of Plastic Free July by refusing single-use plastics? To help inspire you, we will feature daily tips throughout the month of July to help find ways you can reduce plastic waste. (We have also attached these tips as part of the Plastic Free July Calendar below).

July 1 Choose one small step. 

Choose a change that will be easy for you to implement into your daily life. Hopefully you will find a great plastic-free alternative that can become a new habit forever.

July 2 Use what you have.

Examples:

• Use a cloth table covering instead of a single-use plastic table covering for events.
• Use your own every-day cutlery instead of purchasing plastic cutlery for picnics and cookouts.
• Use pitchers of water and reusable cups instead of purchasing single-use water bottles for parties.

July 3 Refuse plastic bags.

NH grocery stores distribute millions of single-use plastic bags annually, with each bag being used for an average of only 12 minutes, but persisting in our environment for up to 1,000 years.

July 4 Ditch disposable cups.

Most single-use cups are not recyclable at our local landfill. This includes coffee cups/lids which have a non-recyclable coating. Switch to using your own reusable cup or water bottle. Help make a difference to avoid the billions of single-use cups that end up in our landfill and litter each year.

Source: PlasticfreeJuly.org

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.

Many thanks to Riverwoods for donating a beautiful teak bench to the Town for use at Lafayette Park located next to Town Hall. And a thank you also to the Durham Public Works Department for creating a pleasant space for residents and visitors. All was in place in time for the 200th anniversary celebration of Lafayette's visit to Durham last Sunday.

2025 NH WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN NOW AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW

The first draft of NH Fish and Game's 2025 Wildlife Action Plan is officially ready for public comment! Rooted in collaboration and guided by science, the NH Wildlife Action Plan lays the foundation for successful conservation in the decade ahead. Your feedback will help make sure the NH Wildlife Action Plan reflects what matters most to our communities and local wildlife. Read the draft plan HERE, and submit your comments and questions by July 16 to fgc-wildlifeactionplan@wildlife.nh.gov.

General Lafayette's carriage awaits in front of 14 Newmarket Road. Courtesy, Tom Janosz

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES TO PARTICIPATE IN MAILER TO COMMUNITY

The Durham Business Association (DBA) is looking for any and all businesses who are willing to participate in our Bingo Mailer. 1700 mailers will be going out to residents in the 5 surrounding towns to drum up awareness to come to Durham and visit (no purchase necessary).

The businesses will be listed on the mailer, and when customers visit and say "Hi," that business will stamp their card. Stamps will be provided by the DBA if you do not have your own. The greater number of businesses the customer visits gives them that many chances to win a raffle prize. The winner will be announced at Downtown Trick or Treat in October. If you are a business owner and want to participate, please contact the DBA at durhambusinessassciation@gmail.com by July 1st! Thank you!

The Durham Farmers' Market has had a great start to the season, with roughly 200 community members attending each market! The Market takes place every Monday through October 6th from 2:30–6:00 PM at the Downtown Mini Park on Main Street.

Each week, you’ll find a rotating mix of fresh local produce, baked goods, crafts, homemade soaps, canned goods, and more. It’s the perfect way to start your week, support local businesses, and enjoy live music from talented Seacoast musicians. Curious who’s vending each week? Check out the interactive market map HERE before you come!

Thank you to everyone who has already come out to shop, stroll, and show your support. We love seeing familiar faces (and friendly pups!) every Monday afternoon.

This market is managed by Seacoast Eat Local, a small nonprofit based in Lee. Visit their website HERE.

Durham's own Xanthi Russell was recently crowned Miss New Hampshire 2025. She will compete in the Miss America competition in Orlando, Florida, September 2-7. Part of her competing includes raising funds for the American Heart Association. 

Xanthi is hosting a very fun event, a Second Chance Prom, to raise donations. She is from the ORHS graduating class of 2020 that never had a prom due to COVID, so this is near and dear to her heart. Sign up by clicking on the QR code above. 

EPA MS4 STORMWATER PERMIT - END OF YEAR 6

As we come to the end of permit Year 6 on June 30, 2025, Durham Public Works would like to remind residents that the Town's stormwater management program and associated documents can be found HERE.

Comments and questions about Durham’s stormwater program can be sent to Town Engineer April Talon, P.E. atalon@ci.durham.nh.us.

Protect our community’s outdoor playgrounds for yourself, your pooch, and our environment. Add your name and our Town in the form HERE and take the pledge to scoop the poop, every time. Did you know that NHDES reports out which Towns have received the most pledges!? Please help us to show how much our community cares. Also, if you see that someone has left their pooch’s poop behind, please pick it up!

As a reminder Durham Ordinance #2018-5 and Chapter 49 of the Town Code requires the removal of dog excrement/feces. 1st offense is $25, 2nd offense is $50 and 3rd offense is $150.

WATER QUALITY FRIENDLY LAWN CARE - Tips on where not to pile yard waste.

One of the first activities drawing us outside in the spring is tidying up the accumulation of twigs, pine needles, and decaying leaves left behind during the winter. As this plant material decomposes, it releases nutrients, so there’s no need to aim for immaculate, but important to let the sunlight through.

The bulk of the raked-up yard waste should be put in an area where it can compost away from any drainage area or water body.

NEVER, rake yard waste into a storm drain, down a riverbank, or adjacent to any water body. Excess nutrients in a water body lead to algae blooms that rob aquatic and marine animals of oxygen, obscure water clarity, and even decrease adjacent property values.

Learn more about composting HERE.

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT - Some residents may not even know they have one!

A rule of thumb is that if you are not on Durham's municipal sewer system, you have a septic tank -- and it needs ongoing maintenance. Getting your septic system pumped doesn’t just help to keep it functioning properly. It also helps our community stay safe by keeping wastewater out of the Oyster and Lamprey Rivers, as well as the Great Bay Estuary. Learn more HERE.

Two of Durham's young residents wanted to say the Pledge of Allegiance in the Council Chambers when they stopped by the Town Hall with their mom on Thursday. Courtesy, Craig Stevens, DCAT Coordinator

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.

Community Survey

Superintendent 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.

A gun salute welcomes General Lafayette to Durham. Courtesy, Sandra Hebert