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One of three new murals behind The Big Bean on their fence within Store 24 Lot. Courtesy Todd Selig
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A reminder that Mother's Day is Sunday!
Looking for a fun and easy way to volunteer for nature? You need look no further as an after-work Garlic Mustard Pulling Party will be held in Durham, NH next Wednesday, 5/12, at 5 pm. You'll learn how to identify this invasive plant (it's easy!), and the best way to pull and dispose of plants. Plus you'll help ensure this plant doesn't spread further into our natural areas. No experience needed, and we'll provide clean gloves, safety vests, and garbage bags.
Pre-registration is required through Nature Groupie. Learn more and sign up HERE today as space is limited to 10 people.
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MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE ANNUAL ISSUER COMMENT REPORT FOR TOWN OF DURHAM, NH – Aa2 Bond Rating
This week Moody’s released their Annual Issuer Comment for Durham. Excerpts from the report follow…
Credit Overview
The credit position for Durham is very high quality. Its Aa2 rating is a little stronger than the US cities median of Aa3. Notable credit factors include a robust financial position, a very strong wealth and income profile, and an adequate tax base. It also reflects a small debt burden and a somewhat inflated pension liability.
Finances
The financial position of the town is robust and is relatively favorable in comparison to the Aa2 rating assigned. The cash balance as a percent of operating revenues (95.3%) is far above the US median, and stayed the same between 2015 and 2019. Moreover, the fund balance as a percent of operating revenues (31.2%) is consistent with other Moody's-rated cities nationwide.
Covid-19 Risks
We regard the coronavirus outbreak as a social risk under our environmental, social and governance framework, given the substantial implications for public health and safety and the economy. We do not see any material immediate credit risks for Durham. However, the situation surrounding coronavirus is rapidly evolving and the longer term impact will depend on both the severity and duration of the crisis. If our view of the credit quality of Durham changes, we will update our opinion at that time.
Economy and Tax Base
The town has a very strong economy and tax base overall, which are comparable to its Aa2 rating. The median family income equals a robust 185.3% of the US level. Yet, Durham's full value per capita ($74,319) is slightly weaker than the US median. Yet, this number increased from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, the total full value ($1.2 billion) is below other Moody's-rated cities nationwide. The local economy benefits from the institutional presence of The University of New Hampshire with an estimated student enrollment of 16,000.
Debt and Pensions
The debt and pension liabilities of Durham are moderate overall. The town's net direct debt to full value (1.6%) is slightly higher than the US median. Furthermore, the Moody's-adjusted net pension liability to operating revenues (2.1x) unfavorably is slightly above the US median.
Management and Governance
New Hampshire cities have an institutional framework score 3 of "Aa", which is strong. The sector's major revenue source, property tax, is not subject to any caps.
View the full report HERE.
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SPRING CLEANUP BULKY WASTE DAYS AT THE TRANSFER STATION
Due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and other concerns described above in the preceding item, the Town has elected to manage the bulky item disposal program this season similar to last spring’s collection. The Transfer Station will be open for Spring Cleanup with extended hours and days as listed below. All participants will be required to practice social distancing and wear masks as they drop off items. On the days listed below, facility users with Resident/Tax payer permits may enter the Transfer Station to dispose of BULKY WASTE ITEMS ONLY (Bulky waste items include mattresses, box springs, upholstered chairs, couches, painted or stained decking, rugs/carpeting/padding, and pressure treated wood) at No Charge and will NOT require coupons.
Wednesday, May 12th and Thursday, May 13th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Wednesday, May 19th and Thursday, May 20th between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Wednesday, June 2rd and Thursday, June 3rd between the hours of 7:30AM- 7:30PM
Residents will have to unload their own material. The Transfer Station attendants will be monitoring activities to ensure capacity will allow for social distancing at each vehicle drop off point. Please Note, electronics items (such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, computer monitors, televisions, laptops and water coolers) still require a $15 electronics sticker which may be purchase with check or cash at DPW or with check only at the Transfer Station. Metal items (such as Bicycles, rolled wire fencing, metal pipe, cast iron sinks and tubs, aluminum screen doors/windows without glass, lawn mowers (fluids removed), bed springs, washers/dryers, empty paint cans, fitness machines) should be separated and put in the metal pile.
Durham Public Works asks that all regular trash and recycling and “regular” transfer station activities be limited to regular Transfer Station hours, Tuesday and Saturday, 7:30am- 3:00pm.
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SUPERVISORS OF THE CHECKLIST TO VERIFY THE VOTER CHECKLIST
The Supervisors of the Checklist are required by New Hampshire law to verify the voter Checklist every 10 years. This is the year. We are about to start this process and would like to share part of what needs to be done. Anyone who is currently on the Durham Checklist who has not voted in 4 years (since April 1, 2017) will be sent a letter explaining that they will be removed from the checklist. This letter is scheduled to be sent out on June 3, 2021. If the person does still live in Durham and would like to remain on the checklist, they may either come before us on the dates and times below, or simply go to the Durham Town Hall during regular business hours, to re-register. They may also call the Town Hall at 868-5577 with questions.
If your household should receive one of these letters and the person no longer lives there, simply toss the letter. Unfortunately, people who registered last fall but then did not vote or whose absentee ballot arrived late, will also receive a letter and will need to re-register at some point. Please keep in mind you can always register to vote at any election. If you receive the letter and need to re-register (or believe you truly have voted since April 1, 2017), the Supervisors will meet on the following dates for this purpose:
Thursday, July 22 - 7:00-8:00 PM Durham Town Hall
Monday, August 9 - 7:00-8:00 PM Durham Town Hall
The Supervisors will also be accepting applications for new voter registration, requests for the correction of the checklist, and/or change of political party affiliation at these times. Voters may check party affiliation on-line HERE.
Applicants for registration or re-registration, whether at the Clerk’s office or with the Supervisors, should bring with them proofs of identity, age (18 by the next election), citizenship, and domicile. Affidavits may be signed under oath if proofs are lacking.
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PANDEMIC UPDATE FOR DURHAM - Case counts continue in downward trajectory.
As illustrated above, the active Covid-19 case count for Durham has been steadily decreasing (24 active cases on May 5th, down from 60 on April 21st), which is very positive news.
Durham’s local option facial coverings ordinance is set to sunset June 5th, getting us beyond the upcoming two UNH graduation ceremonies for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 between May 21-23rd, and giving more time for everyone who is eligible and desires to become vaccinated to in fact get their two shots plus 14 days. Much of the UNH student body is still in that cycle. We continue to monitor public health data for variants, local case counts, etc.
Dr. Beth Daly, the chief of the state Bureau of Infectious Disease Control, indicated during the Governor’s weekly briefing yesterday afternoon that 53% of the state’s total population have received at least one vaccine dose, and 505,000 Granite Staters are now fully vaccinated. NH’s total population is around 1.37 million. Daly noted that it’s been pretty easy finding people who are eager to get vaccinated, but increasingly, the people who still need the vaccine will be harder to reach, for various reasons.
Health experts indicate it likely won’t be too long before the Pfizer vaccine is approved for everyone age 12 or older, and some are hopeful that children age 2 and up will be eligible to get vaccinated by the fall.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine update
Still looking to get the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine? This is the month to get it. Daly announced that starting this Saturday and on every Saturday in May, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be distributed at the state’s fixed vaccination locations in Nashua, Salem, Newington and Concord.
You do need to get an appointment HERE and appointments are available from 1-6 p.m.
View an article in The New Hampshire regarding Durham's mask ordinance HERE.
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Sign on Madbury Road, downtown Durham. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DID YOU KNOW?
Composting is easy to start and it makes a big impact on our environment.Food waste makes up over 40% of what Americans throw into landfills.Once in the landfill,food waste emits methane gas into our atmosphere as it decomposes - which is more toxic and damaging than carbon dioxide.
If you don’t have the space, or aren’t interested in maintaining a backyard compost bin, consider purchasing an inexpensive three gallon compost bin that fits under your sink.Along with compostable bags, you will have an easy to use compost system!
The transfer station has toter bins for compost drop off. Once collected, compost is sent to a commercial compost company (Mr. Fox) for disposal.
Next week we will cover some of the surprising items you can compost and keep out of our landfills!
Brought to you by the IWMAC Committee
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT HOSTS TOURS FOR UNH CLASSES
The Wastewater Division team members conducted three tours for the UNH Freshwater Recourses classes. These are very rewarding tours for the staff as well as the students, as it gives the students an understanding of what is involved in wastewater treatment, as well as providing an opportunity for Wastewater Division staff to showcase the exceptional quality of wastewater discharge to the Oyster river.
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DURHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT QUARTERLY INCIDENT STATISTICS
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DURHAM FIREFIGHTERS RESCUED A CLIMBER IN DISTRESS LAST SATURDAY EVENING
This past Saturday night, May 1st, members of Durham Fire / Rescue were requested to assist the Nottingham and Deerfield Fire / Rescue Departments with rescuing a stranded rock climber from a cliff in the Devils Den area of Pawtuckaway State Park.
Shortly after 8:00 PM a solo rock climber called 911 to report that he was part way up a cliff and had accidentally dropped his climbing rope while resetting the rope to allow him to rappel down to the ground. Nottingham F/R and police immediately responded and requested mutual-aid from Deerfield and Durham. Durham F/R is trained and equipped for “High Angle Rope Rescue” and promptly responded with Captain Brown, four firefighters and Retired Captain Richardson.
After entering the back entrance to the park the rescue party traveled dirt roads and rough hiking trails to Devils Den area. Durham firefighters Dave Blatchford, Devin Skerry and Peter Leavitt accompanied several local firefighters to an area above the stranded climber while Brown, Richardson, and a Deerfield Chief maintained contact with the climber from below. FF Skerry was lowered by rope about fifty feet to the climber where he then connected the climber to a rescue rope. The rescuers at the top of the cliff then lowered both men to the ground.
The 20 year old climber was not injured and the entire event went smoothly. Everyone was back in Durham by 2:00 AM. Off duty personnel came in to cover Durham and UNH. This unique and rare incident showcased the extensive training, skills and capabilities of the members of our Durham Fire / Rescue organization.
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UNH COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PLANT-A-ROW PROGRAM
During the pandemic and beyond, more Granite-Staters are facing food insecurity. Most significantly, access to fresh and healthy, local produce.
The UNH Cooperative Extension is offering the Plant-A-Row program in a timely manner because it's gardening season. The plan of this program is simple: Planting an extra row in your garden bed or an extra container to donate the resulting produce to a food pantry nearby to feed those in need.
When people pledge to plant an extra row they will be provided with a garden kit, growing tips, activities, recipes and other resources. There's information on which vegetables are most suitable to donate, garden tips, food access in NH, etc. and so many other great resources.
More information about the program and how to register can be found HERE.
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FAREWELL AND THANK YOU TO MAIN STREET MAKERY
The Main Street Makery closed its doors in downtown Durham for the last time this past week. A shout out and thank you to proprietor Sarah Grandy and all of the people over many years who worked hard to make the enterprise a success and resource for the Durham-UNH community.
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19-21 MAIN STREET PARKING LOT PROJECT PROPOSAL - AN UPATE
The Planning Board has been reviewing an application from Pete Murphy and Tim Murphy (“Toomerphs” but no relation) for a large parking lot at 19-21 Main Street, behind the Red Tower on Church Hill, for many months. The plan included a large retaining wall and substantial fill because the site slopes down significantly toward the rear of the parcel. Attorney Mark Puffer, representing a number of abutters opposed to the project, argued that the parking lot constituted “structured parking” rather than “surface parking” due to the size of the wall and the change in the grade. The distinction is important because surface parking (as a principal use) is allowed in the Church Hill zoning district whereas structured parking is not.
The staff responded to Attorney Puffer’s assertion that the proposal was surface parking and the Planning Board concurred with that determination. Abutters Josh Meyrowitz and Peter and Martha Andersen appealed the board’s decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. After much discussion, including grappling with the two respective definitions as now written in the Zoning Ordinance, the ZBA voted 3-2 to support the appeal, finding that the parking facility, as proposed, was structured parking.
The applicant just submitted a revised design without any retaining wall, incorporating a 2:1 slope (2 feet of run to 1 foot of rise) instead to connect the parking lot with the natural grade of the land beyond. The revised plan is being presented to the Planning Board this Wednesday, May 12. The applicant may also request a rehearing of the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s decision (with the ZBA) if they submit a request within 30 days of the ZBA’s April 13 decision.
You can see all of the documents related to this project at the website HERE, including the revised site plan and the revised grading plan along with the prior plan (“Updated site plan 4-6-21”). Please feel free to contact the Town Planner with any questions or comments at mailto:mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us
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DPW ROAD PROGRAM - Work progresses on Sullivan Falls Rd., Kelsey Dr., Tall Pines, and a section of Foss Farm Rd.
The Durham Public Works Department’s Team and paving contractor, Continental Paving, have been hard at work over the last several weeks on the 2021 Road Program. Sullivan Falls Road, Kelsey Drive, Tall Pines Drive, and a portion of Foss Farm Road were the focus last week. The asphalt surface on each of the roadways was pulverized and the remaining aggregate was reclaimed into the base material to increase the structural component of the roadway to provide a suitable foundation for the pavement cross sections. Binder course pavement was installed and will remain in place until late Summer/early Fall to allow for proper compaction and field verification of storm water flow patterns before applying the final wearing course. Stormwater catch basins and water gate valve boxes were adjusted to account for the new pavement.
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MAY IS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH - Training the Next Generation.
Well-trained, motivated building safety professionals are key to creating and maintaining a successful built environment. Training is important because it helps code officials avoid mistakes and accidents and properly enforce the code. The building safety field encompasses a wide gamut of specialties and offers many excellent career opportunities that contribute to the safety of the built environment.
View more information on this important topic HERE.
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Bo MacGregor and his siblings Robey, Wally, and Tilly. Bo is the black lab on the right side of the photo, closest to the camera.
2021 TOP DOG WINNER - BO MACGREGOR!
Congratulations to Durham’s 2021 Top Dog, Bo MacGregor! Bo is a beautiful, black lab born with a tricuspid valve dysplasia and pulmonic stenosis. His owners, John and Kate MacGregor, rescued Bo from his breeder because John is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. The MacGregor family has the ability to care for Bo and two of his three siblings that also have heart conditions. The winner of the 2021 Top Dog raffle was drawn at random in the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s office and later, announced at the Town Council meeting on Monday, May 3, 2021. Bo received a gift basket of dog treats and goodies donated by the clerk’s office and Interware, the town’s dog license software provider.
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One of three new murals behind The Big Bean in Store 24 Lot. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DURHAM PUBLIC WORKS SOLICITS APPLICANTS FOR NEW PROJECT ENGINEER POSITION
Durham Public Works, located in the beautiful Seacoast region of New Hampshire, is a recognized leader in the Public Works field. We are seeking a highly qualified team member to join an exceptional team of public works professionals to serve in the role of Project Engineer. In this exciting role you will report to the Town Engineer and undertake challenging and rewarding work involving the fields of water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, street and highway design and construction, stormwater, and geographic information systems.
Durham Public Works is a fully integrated and progressive Department with modern equipment and facilities. The position includes performing professional civil engineering activities associated with the investigation, design, maintenance, and construction of public works projects. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in civil engineering from a recognized college or university with a minimum one year of responsible experience in the field of civil engineering including design and inspection. Years of related work experience may not be substituted for the formal education required. The successful candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office computer software applications, computer aided drafting and geographic information system software. Must also have competency in using engineering/survey instrumentation and developing topographic site plans.
Salary range for this position is from $65,000 to $81,200, depending upon qualifications. This position includes a generous benefit package: Health, Dental, NH State Pension and Paid Time off. A copy of the job description is located on the Town of Durham’s website HERE.
Send resume and letter of interest to Town of Durham, Town Engineer April Talon, P.E., 100 Stone Quarry Drive, Durham, NH 03824 or by email to mailto:atalon@ci.durham.nh.us by 4:30 PM on June 1, 2021.
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2021 SIDEWALK PROGRAM
The Durham Public Works Department’s paving contractor, Continental Paving, began construction on the sidewalk program this past week. This year’s program includes the removal and in-kind replacement of the bituminous asphalt sidewalk along sections of Dover Road and Newmarket Road. The sidewalks in these areas are in extremely poor condition, with severe rutting, scabbing, and alligator cracking. This project aligns with Riverwood’s expansion of the Town’s sidewalk network from Old Piscataqua Road to Stone Quarry Drive this summer.
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UNH EARTH DAY VOLUNTEERS PICKED UP OVER 1000 PIECES OF TRASH IN DURHAM LAST WEK
Dozens of University of New Hampshire Students participated in multiple litter pick-ups around Durham centered around Earth Day/Week. In collaboration with Nature Groupie (a project of UNH), students joined in a new initiative called the Great New England Cleanup. They used the Litterati mobile app to track litter found and removed at Pettee Brook and in the woodlands around the Raymond A. LaRoche Sr. Transfer Station and Recycling Center. Despite snow on Earth Day and rain on Sunday, volunteers picked up over 1,000 pieces of trash, with aluminum cans leading the way and plastic bags a close second. We sincerely appreciate their efforts and look forward to having them back for future community service projects!
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T-Hall with spring leaves. Courtesy Bill Doucet
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NEWS FROM ORCSD
Suzanne Filippone, currently principal of ORHS, is Oyster River's new Assistant Superintendent effective July 1 upon the retirement of Todd Allen. A committee of 22 stakeholders screened and interviewed about 20 candidates as part of this selection process. Congratulations to Ms. Filippone!
A search for a high school principal began the day after her appointment.
Community - School Board Forum on May 12: The Oyster River School Board will host a community forum on May 12 at 7:00 pm in the high school auditorium. Members of the public can raise comments or questions to the school board, and individual board members will be able to directly respond. The event will be streamed and recorded, and all discussion will be live in-person for this initial forum. Future events may utilize a virtual/remote format.
The School Board approved hiring 2 Mandarin Chinese world language teachers for grades 6-12 to replace funding lost with the ending of UNH's relationship with the Confucius Institute. ORCSD will also seek grant funding to support continuation of a K-5 after school Mandarin enrichment program.
Superintendent Morse requests the full cooperation of the community to create a safe environment for students traveling to and from school. With more students being driven to school due to the pandemic, extra congestion is expected around arrival and dismissal around all ORCSD schools, and in particular on Coe Dr. near ORHS. All drivers must stop for school busses that have red lights flashing or stop signs extended.
ORCSD will hold a forum on May 25 called “Diversity, Visibility, and Standing Together in Oyster River.” It will focus on Asian American History & Current Issues, with our district’s significant Asian population and with the recent increase in anti-Asian violence nationally -- but it’s really part of the district’s commitment to celebrating diversity and recognizing and dismantling systemic racism of all kinds. UNH Professor Monica Chiu, also a Durham resident and parent, will give a brief presentation, then we’ll hear about some Asian American family experiences and have an open community discussion. Everyone is encouraged to attend. This event will be Tuesday, May 25th, from 6-7:30 in the ORHS auditorium.
Oyster River will join the lawsuit filed by the Contoocook Valley (ConVal), Mascenic, Monadnock, and Winchester School Districts challenging the State of New Hampshire's calculation and financial support for an adequate public education, as required by the state Constitution.
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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY SCHOLARSHIP
Did you know that there is an environmental sustainability scholarship awarded annually to graduating Oyster River High School seniors that demonstrate leadership in sustainability efforts?
Recently named the Freid/Carroll Scholarship in honor of its first recipient Alex Freid and the founder Diana Carroll, this scholarship has been funded by community members for the past twelve years and awarded to 27 students.
This year we are excited to announce that our newest neighbor, Riverwoods Durham, has become a new sponsor of this important community initiative. We are so grateful for Riverwoods support!
For more information about this scholarship, please contact one of the committee members: Diana Carroll, Meridith Davidson, Julie Kelley or Maggie Morrison.
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LEE WATERLINE EXTENSION PROJECT OVERVIEW AND SOME HISTORY
The Lee Traffic Circle water system extension project is being implemented by Durham/UNH/NHDES/Lee to provide safe, potable drinking water to the Irving gas station and to surrounding properties at the Lee Traffic Circle that are currently in violation of the 13 micrograms per liter (ug/L) maximum contaminant level (MCL) drinking water standard for MtBE and warrant connection to a water supply.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Service (NHDES) MtBE Bureau will fund the connection of these properties to the Durham/UNH Water System as part of this project. The cost of the water line extension is approximately $3M. Additionally, the Durham/UNH Water System has secured $1M in funding towards the construction of the new UNH water treatment plant.
The 7,000 LF water main extension will originate at Durham's well site in Lee (the so-called Lee Well) and then be installed cross-country toward Route 4, before extending west along Route 4 to the Lee traffic circle.
While the initial extension would be constructed to serve only the affected MtBE contaminated properties, other residential and commercial property owners in Lee along the new water line route could request a connection to the water system, pay a connection fee, and become a Durham water user. Applications for water service connections beyond what is built initially would come to the Durham-UNH Water/Wastewater Committee for review and recommendation to the Town Council as required and will be subject to the available remaining water volume entitlement for the Town of Lee.
In order to determine the impact to the Durham/UNH water system, NHDES contracted directly with Weston and Sampson engineers to perform a water system modeling study. Results of this study identified 3 deficiencies in the distribution system (Strafford Ave, South Drive and Main St/Route 155A, which would need to be improved. NHDES will also fund the design and construction of these distribution system improvements including the upgrade of the PRV/Booster station at Technology Drive as part of the Lee Waterline Extension project.
The Durham-UNH water/wastewater/stormwater committee has held multiple meetings with the representatives from the Town of Lee, Weston and Sampson Engineers, Underwood Engineers, Mike Juranty and Tal Hubbard at NHDES MtBE Bureau as well as Rick Skarinka, NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau.
The Town Council approved the Lee water main extension of the Durham-UNH Water System to the MtBE Contaminated Sites at the Lee Traffic Circle on Monday January 7th 2019.
Both the Lee Waterline Extension (contract price of $2,676,664.70) and UNH/Durham Water System Improvement (contract price of $1,083,498) projects have been awarded to DeFelice Corporation of Dracut, MA. A preconstruction conference has been scheduled for later this month and construction is expected to begin this summer.
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At Durham’s wastewater treatment plant, Paula Mouser and Durham department of public works director Rich Reine review data with plant supervisor Daniel Peterson (pointing) and chief operator Max Driscoll (seated).
PHOTO BY JEREMY GASOWSKI
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MEETING THE NEED - In New Hampshire and around the country, UNH research helps others cope with COVID by Beth Potier
To give some New Hampshire towns a heads up on local COVID-19 infection trends, UNH researchers Paula Mouser and Fabrizio Colosimo employ a powerful, if unsavory, tool: Sewage.
Flushing out COVID-19 outbreaks is just one way UNH has extended its research and expertise beyond campus to help communities in New Hampshire and the region respond to the pandemic. In the past year, UNH researchers have fired up idling 3D printers, assisted oyster farmers, applied UV light research to sterilizing scarce protective equipment, and yes, watched for COVID in our waste.
Read the full article by Beth Potier, Communications Manager for UNH Communications & Public Affairs HERE.
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WASTEWATER PLANT UPGRADES CONTINUE
Ongoing plant maintenance involved the installation of new piping and retrofitting of the Potassium Permanganate system. This system is used for mixing a dry Potassium Permanganate, it is then mixed into a solution where it is injected to the sludge solids to help oxidize and break down the odors that are produced from the solids.
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WILDLIFE WATCH - Sponsored by the Durham Conservation Commission
For three days, May 14-16, record the wildlife that you see pass through your yard. If you have one, use a trail camera to record activity at night.
Checklists are available at the Durham Public Library and in the Town Hall foyer. You can also download a checklist right HERE.
Please complete the checklist and send a photo or scan to durhamwildbblitz@gmail.com. You can also place your completed checklist in a Wildlife Watch data box in the Town Hall foyer or Durham Public Library. Your records will help the town determine what pathways or corridors animals use to move through Durham.
Locating wildlife corridors will help us conserve important connectivity greenways.
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FOSTER'S DAILY DEMOCRAT COVERS STORY CONCERNING FUTURE OF MILL PLAZA SITE – “What will be the fate of Durham's Mill Plaza? After years of debate, decision appears imminent” by Paul Briand
From a 10-acre field known as Osgood Farm in the early 1960s to a proposed large-scale Mill Plaza redevelopment project today, commerce and concern have collided at the corner of Mill Road and Main Street for years.
Mill Plaza’s unfinished story – played out in Town Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Planning Board meetings, and even in court – involves elements that normally influence proposed commercial developments everywhere: Its effect on nearby residential neighborhoods, on traffic, on parking, on the environment, and on the general character of the community.
View the full article HERE.
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PETTEE BROOK FOOTBRIDGE - Out with the old, in with the new...
The Durham Public Works Department removed the Pettee Brook Footbridge located between the Pettee Brook Parking Lot and the properties owned by Dr. Andrew Rutter and Dr. Jason Lenk on Mathes Terrance this past week. Construction on the new bridge will begin in mid-May. During construction, a pedestrian detour route will be in place for access across Pettee Brook. This project was made possible in part following a generous donation from Dr. Rutter, Dr. Lenk, Dr. Dan Garcia de Paredesand.
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METAL DETECTING/DOWSING IS NOT ALLOWED ON TOWN PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMIT
Per Chapter 82 of the Town Code, the practice of metal detection and/or dowsing is prohibited on or in all Durham-owned property if the site is an “historic property,” as defined by New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) 227-C:1, VI.
Otherwise, the practice of metal detecting or dowsing is permitted on or in Town-owned property with the following restrictions:
A formal request for metal detection and/or dowsing activities must first be filed with and approved by the Town Administrator. The Administrator shall ensure the application does not involve an historic property or other Town parcel where metal detecting is prohibited and that the applicant understands the restrictions that are in effect in Durham as described herein.
Unless otherwise exempted herein, any items discovered through this practice are and shall be the property of the Town of Durham.
The Town of Durham reserves the right to prohibit metal detecting and/or dowsing on certain of its properties as it sees fit. The Town Administrator, in consultation with the appropriate boards and committees, shall make such determinations.
The Town rarely permits these practices on Town property. If resident see such activity, please contact the Durham Police Department (603) 868-2324 at so an officer may follow up and promptly address the issue.
View the ordinance regarding this matter HERE.
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Dandelions in back of Town Hall. Courtesy Todd Selig
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DANDELIONS ARE BEE-UTIFUL - 4th Annual Durham Dandelion Contest
In conjunction with Durham’s Bee Friendly Program, the Agricultural Commission is sponsoring the 4th Annual Contest (2021) to encourage town residents to both recognize and demonstrate the importance of dandelions for honeybees and other pollinators.
Town residents are invited to submit a photo(s) of where dandelions are either allowed -- or encouraged! -- to grow. Like last year, the contest now includes nine (9) categories:
Criteria
- The most dandelions per unit area (>50% dandelions)
- Greatest total area (50% grass and 50% dandelions)
- A scraggly lawn that is improved by dandelions
- A garden site where dandelions can grow
- A single dandelion blossom or bouquet
- Aligns with Ladybird Johnson’s beautify America’s roadways initiative
- A dandelion blossom with honeybee or bumble bee
- Dandelions growing in the downtown area or on Town property
- Dandelions growing under difficult circumstances
Send a photo(s) via e-mail to:
Lee Alexander
e-mail: leealex64@gmail.com
mobile: 603-866-2822
Please include name, address, and phone number.
Each contest participant will receive a small (2 oz) squeeze bottle of “Lee’s Bees” Wildflower Honey. The winner of each of the nine (9) contest categories will be awarded a larger (12 oz) bottle.
Note: Durham has again been challenged by Kingston, NH to a “Two-Town Contest”. The winner will be the town with the most participants. Show your pride and “Bee-a-Contestant”!
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Fun facts about dandelions
Dandelion blossom
A dandelion is the only flower that represents the three celestial bodies of the sun, moon, and stars. The yellow blossom resembles the sun, the puff ball the moon, and the dispersing seeds the stars. Dandelions do not need to be pollinated to form seed.
- Dandelions have one of the longest flowering seasons of any plant. The dandelion blossom also responds to light. It opens in the morning to greet the day and closes in the evening to go to sleep.
- Dandelion blossoms also close when it rains and open the when the sun shines.
- Dandelions are, quite possibly, the most successful plants that exist and masters of survival, worldwide. If you mow dandelions, they will then grow shorter stalks to spite you.
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The historic marker to be removed. Courtesy Todd Selig
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OYSTER RIVER MASSACRE HISTORIC MARKER TO BE REMOVED BY NHDOT WHILE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN BY NH DIVISION OF HISTORIC RESOURCES
The NH Division of Historic Resources (NHDHR) has recently formed a State Historical Highway Marker Advisory Committee to review the state’s existing historical markers for inappropriateness, lack of context, or offensive/dated language, identifying markers that are in need of revision. The Oyster River Massacre marker in Durham (Route 108 at Oyster River on Newmarket Road) was identified by the group as well as by the NH Commission on Native American Affairs. The state has let Durham know that NHDOT has plans to remove the marker while NHDHR determines the best approach moving forward. NHDHR has solicited feedback as part of this process from Durham and the matter has been brought to the attention of the Durham Historic District Commission/Heritage Commission.
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Information located at Wagon Hill Farm regarding the Oyster River Massacre that was developed and updated by 5th graders from ORMS. Courtesy Todd Selig
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WASTEWATER DIVISION REQUESTS ASSISTANCE WITH ELIMINATING USE OF "FLUSABLE WIPES"
The increased use of “flushable wipes” is posing significant challenges in wastewater collection for municipalities requiring costly resources to manage. Recent upgrades at the Dover Rd. Main sewage pumping station included the installation of a new channel grinder to shred incoming items that should not be disposed of down the toilet. This project has proven successful and has worked extremely well to minimize pump damage and plugging due to “flushable wipes”.
The Old Concord Road sewage pumping station that serves the West end of Durham has seen an influx of undesirable materials that are being flushed. Prior to Covid, the two pumps required cleaning approximately once annually. Over this past year, the frequency of having to remove debris from the pumps has gone from once per month to currently, once per week. These unwanted “wipes” and other types of rags have caused excess wear and tear on the pumps as well as extra staff resources to clean them. Durham Public Works requests that users refrain from flushing any debris, rags and “flushable” wipes.
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THE FREEDOM CAFE - Moving to The Grange on Main Street
At the May 6th The Historic District Commission meeting, members approved a sign for The Freedom Café at 37 Main Street (the former Grange building). The non-profit specialty café, overseen by Executive Director Bryan Bessette, is relocating from their long-time home at 10 Mill Road because their lease was not renewed. The mission of The Freedom Cafe is to end human trafficking and the commercial exploitation of people. The idea for the café grew out of a service trip that Bryan lead to Nepal in 2011 to help survivors of slavery.
The public is invited to the café to enjoy ethically-sourced drinks, baked goods and snacks. Items are served for a suggested donation and 100% of the proceeds go to support this important cause. The Freedom Café also seeks to educate and engage citizens through presentations, discussion groups, and community events such as Perform for Freedom and Seed to Cup Seminars.
Bryan hopes to be situated in the new space by June 1. Take a look at the website (https://thefreedomcafe.org/) and stop by some time.
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One of three new murals behind The Big Bean in Store 24 Lot. Courtesy Todd Selig
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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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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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DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Happy spring from DPL!
Please read the latest Durham Public Library Service Update from our Director HERE.
Take a look at our Upcoming Events page and see what is happening virtually at the library in May! Try out Meditative Yoga on Sundays at 7:30 PM thru the end of the month! On June 3rd, McGregor EMS is back for Ask Your Ambulance. This session's topic is Identifying and Responding to a Heart Attack. Digital Services are offering some great titles this month! ! Kanopy has added curated film lists in celebration of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month and hoopla brought back Bonus Borrows with 100s of audio, ebook, movies and music to choose from! Need help connecting? We offer device help every Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm to get your started! Call us at 603-868-6699. And June 8th, don't miss a virtual book talk with local author and professor Charles Wheelan detailing his family's experiences in his brand new book, We Came, We Saw, We Left: A Family Gap Year.
What's new in Youth Services! Sign-up for regularly scheduled programming, including Zoom Storytime, Baby Lap-sit, Racoon Readers Book Group, and YA Compassion Project, the Patch club, STEAM crafts to go and more! ! Register Here for The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, "Inspired by Picture Books: Collage", Zoom Youth Hands on Art Program on Sat. May 15th at 10:30 am. This is another joint library program with the Durham, Lee and Madbury Libraries. Or download and print the complete May calendar!
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*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.
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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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1734 -A Durham charer was granted. Common lands were divided among those 21 or over who had farmed the land. A whole share was 25 acres and the cost was 8 shillings. Whole shares were purchased by 122, portions by 75. The Rev. Hugh Adams drew lots in the Meetinghouse.
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Again, have a very nice Mother's Day on Sunday.
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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