From:	Karen Edwards
Sent:	Monday, January 26, 2015 8:10 AM
To:	Karen Edwards
Subject:	FW: Durham Business Park Proposal 

 
 
From:  [VANASSELT@aol.com] 
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2015 9:52 PM 
To: Michael Behrendt; Todd Selig 
Cc: Jen Berry; Karen Edwards 
Subject: Durham Business Park Proposal 
 
 
TO:         Michael Behrendt, Town Planner
              Todd Selig, Town Administrator
 
FROM:   Karl Van Asselt ()
 
RE:         Proposed Development of Durham Business Park
 
I am writing to support the development of the elderly care facility proposed for the DBP. Please share 
this email with members of the Planning Board and the Town Council.
 
Durham faces several housing needs, a challenge faced by most NH communities. With NH's aging 
population trends well documented, quality elderly housing facilities are a priority. As you know, there are 
many different kinds of housing needs within the "elderly" category: subsidized housing, affordable 
housing, independent living rentals, assisted living facilities, medical-care assisted facilities, facilities for 
the elderly disabled, and housing for elderly disabled veterans to name just a few. The type of elder care 
facility being proposed for the DBP is near the top of that list.
 
I believe the most compelling reasons to make this development work is that it (1) addresses a priority 
community housing need, and (2) provides Durham with a permanent valuable asset.  All housing 
proposals should be judged with those two considerations in mind. 
 
The location for the facility is interesting. I have participated as a consultant with two different groups the 
past few years looking at possible locations in Seacoast communities for a couple of different kinds of 
housing, including multi-unit affordable housing, housing for disabled veterans, and of course elderly 
housing. Durham was difficult to find locations given our zoning regulations and restrictions, especially in 
the MUDOR and ORLI zones. The DBP provides land and zoning where the elderly care facility can be 
built.
 
We all know how difficult it has been for many reasons to locate the "right" commercial, retail, 
manufacturing, or light industry business at the DBP. I was a member of the Town Council when we 
adopted the DBP zoning and guidelines. Few of us anticipated the subsequent difficulties in making the 
DBP work. It appears with this proposal there finally is an opportunity to make it work and meet a 
community priority at the same time.
 
We all know of Eric Chinburg's work in Seacoast communities. Eric's work is always community sensitive 
and the quality is second to none. He is the right developer for this kind of facility.
 
This is an exciting proposal for Durham. I urge the planning board and town council (if they become 
involved) to make this proposed project work. 
 
Karl
 
Karl Van Asselt
vanasselt@aol.com
868-6353