From:	Michael Behrendt
Sent:	Friday, February 06, 2015 9:17 AM
Subject:	Eldercare Facility at the DBP - email from L. Schwartz

To the PB (and EDC and applicant),
FYI, below.

Michael Behrendt
Director of Planning and Community Development
Town of Durham
8 Newmarket Road
Durham, New Hampshire  03824-2898
(603) 868-8064 (phone)
mbehrendt@ci.durham.nh.us
www.ci.durham.nh.us



From: schwartz leslie []  
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2015 10:49 PM 
To: Michael Behrendt 
Cc: Todd Selig; Tom Johnson 
Subject: Eldercare Facility at the DBP

Dear Michael, et al,

I write at this time in support of the eldercare facility application under consideration re: the 
Durham Business Park, as the proposed project represents a permitted use and a worthwhile 
opportunity to develop the DBP----- an undertaking which is long overdue.  
 
The property on Route 4 was sold by the Town with the intent to see it developed.  It was 
important enough to the community to create zoning for this property per se.  Unfortunately, the 
property has nonetheless remained vacant for nearly a decade. 
 
As a taxpayer who favors balance among conservation, economic 
development, and reasonable preservation of our gateways, I'm encouraged by this project.  Its 
appearance from Route 4 complements the current build-out along this gateway, while the 
topography of the property hides some of the larger buildings close to the river.  I, and likely 
many others in town, would appreciate public access to the river and a public hiking trail to 
Jackson's Landing if such can be integrated into the project.   These would add significant 
recreational value for the residents in the eldercare facility,  and most certainly for our 
community writ large.  
 
Morally and ethically, it is our collective duty to provide high-standard, accessibly-located 
housing to our aging population.  None of us can claim in good faith to “ support and be sensitive 
to the needs of the elderly”  and at the same time dismiss an appropriate development proposal 
geared specifically toward seniors’ residential----and existential----well-being.  Residents of our 
nation, New Hampshire, and Durham are aging.   The proposed project proactively meets the 
housing needs of this demographic in a beautiful and natural setting.
 
Hopefully all involved are familiar with the stellar quality and scope of Mr. Chinburg’s work in 
neighboring towns, and his reputation as a conscientious, community-aware developer who also 
happens to be one of Durham’s native sons.

Issues, concerns, and objections will doubtless arise during the approval process.   I urge you, 
however, to consider this proposal from an orientation of optimistic problem-solving and “do-
ability”.  

Thank you,

Leslie Schwartz