Dover Download

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Community Service Director John Storer about major construction projects underway and planned for Dover. The episode also features updates on City Council and Planning Board activities from May.Parker and Storer discuss the downtown streetlight replacement project, which began as a pilot program near Franklin Square and will expand along Central Avenue from the railroad tracks toward Broadway. The city is replacing 22 additional lights and hopes to complete the project by fall. They also cover the phased replacement of 15 downtown street trees, pedestrian safety improvements including bump-outs at First and Second streets, and lighting upgrades south of the Central Avenue Bridge.Major infrastructure projects include a $10 million Court and Union Street reconstruction starting this summer, water main replacements on Broadway and Oak Street, and the upcoming Henry Law to Payne Street reconstruction following Apple Harvest Day. Storer highlights the $20 million Central Avenue gateway project from Silver Street to Stark Avenue, which requires extensive right-of-way coordination and federal compliance.Brian Early reports on City Council activities, focusing on the proposed $20 million Dover High School athletic field improvements at Dunaway Field. The Council will hold a public hearing June 11 and vote June 25. Other Council actions included approving Community Development Block Grant funding and public art projects.Erin Bassegio summarizes Planning and Zoning Board decisions, including subdivision approvals, variance requests, and a housing development at 566 Sixth St. that was ultimately approved after an appeal.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Suzanne Weete, a 24-year Dover resident and community mental health advocate who works at Community Partners, a local community mental health center. Weete discusses her role in founding the Dover Mental Health Alliance, a grassroots coalition dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and education in the community.The conversation explores the evolution of mental health awareness, noting how younger generations are more open to discussing mental health challenges compared to previous generations who viewed such issues with stigma. Weete emphasizes that mental health and physical health are equally important, drawing connections between the opioid crisis, the pandemic, and increased mental health needs in the community.A significant focus of the discussion centers on Mental Health First Aid training, which Community Partners provides through a federal SAMHSA grant through October 2027. Parker shares how effective this mandatory training has been for Dover city staff, enabling them to recognize and respond to people in emotional distress. The conversation also touches on the Dover Mental Health Alliance's work toward designating Dover as a "mental health-friendly community."Key mental health resources mentioned include:988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)833-710-6477 (New Hampshire Rapid Response mental health crisis line)Community Partners: https://communitypartnersnh.org/Dover Mental Health Alliance: https://dovermentalhealthalliance.org/In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's 1927 Poppy Day celebration, when veterans' organizations held fundraising events at the Opera House and sold poppies to support disabled and needy veterans and their families, connecting this historical tradition to Memorial Day observances.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with COAST Bus Executive Director Rad Nichols and Operations Director Michael Williams.COAST operates both fixed-route bus services, connecting 10 communities, and demand-response services for older adults and people with disabilities across 13 communities in the greater Seacoast area of New Hampshire and Maine. The organization is primarily funded by federal government support and municipal contributions. Their fixed routes run from Farmington to Portsmouth, with branches to Somersworth and Berwick, operating Monday through Saturday from as early as 5 a.m. until 9 p.m.Nichols and Williams discuss their technology offerings, including an app that shows real-time bus locations and a texting service at (603) 743-5777 for immediate assistance. They provide updates on their facility expansion project, which is in the final design stage and will include indoor storage for their fleet.Recent initiatives include "Fare Free Saturdays" sponsored by local businesses ($2,500 per day), which has increased ridership by 20-28%. Overall ridership has grown significantly, up 28% last fiscal year and an additional 15% so far this year, attributed to new residents, returning riders, and changing commuting patterns, particularly between Dover, Somersworth, and Rochester.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about an 1885 scandal involving Peter Gagne, who abandoned his wife and children and eloped with Delia Thebeault to Dover. The couple sought work at Isaac Lucas's brickyard, presenting themselves as husband and wife, but were soon apprehended by an officer from Biddeford, Maine.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Planning Director Steve Stancel about his career with the city from 1986 to 2007, followed by a conversation with City Engineer Ken Mavrogeorge about Public Works Week activities.Parker and Stancel discuss Stancel's journey from growing up in Dover to becoming its planning director. Stancel reflects on major accomplishments during his tenure, including rezoning initiatives that transformed Dover from a primarily residential community to a more balanced economic center. He highlights successful projects like the Liberty Mutual development, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire relocation, the McConnell Center renovation, and the waterfront development. Stancel emphasizes how his knowledge of Dover's history helped shape thoughtful planning initiatives. The conversation touches on challenges they overcame, including environmental protection efforts and infrastructure development that positioned Dover for future growth.In the second segment, Mavrogeorge previews the upcoming Community Services Open House on May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 271 Mast Road. The free event features a touch-a-truck exhibit, vendor booths, complimentary ice cream, and activities for children. Mavrogeorge explains how Community Services encompasses everything from roads and utilities to park maintenance, highlighting employment opportunities within the department. He notes the event offers visitors a chance to learn about public works operations, tour facilities, and discover career options.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kirt Schuman about his 15-year tenure on the Dover Planning Board. Schuman shares his journey from joining the Main Street Design Committee in 2004 to eventually becoming Planning Board Chair. He discusses his involvement in developing the 2007 Land Use Master Plan and the 2012 Community Visioning Chapter, which prioritized downtown revitalization while balancing the preservation of Dover's diverse housing stock.Schuman reflects on the board's evolution in the early 2000s, praising predecessors like Ron Cole for their efficient meeting management and mentorship. He highlights significant achievements including the adoption of form-based code in 2010, downtown rezoning, and the revolutionary shift from parking minimums to maximums. Throughout the conversation, Schuman emphasizes the importance of thoughtful, community-engaged planning processes and the value of balancing development and community vision.The interview concludes with Schuman encouraging community involvement, noting that local engagement is the most effective way to make an impact, build relationships, and contribute to tangible community improvements like the Dover waterfront development.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's first responders in honor of Firefighter Appreciation Day and National Police Week. Mike Gillis traces the evolution of Dover Fire and Rescue from bucket brigades in the 1600s to today's professional service responding to over 7,100 calls annually under Fire Chief Perry Plummer. He also highlights the Dover Police Department's history from night watchmen to becoming New Hampshire's first accredited police department in 1988, now handling 35,000 calls yearly under Police Chief William Breault.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with John Swartzendruber, a former Planning Board member who served from 2003 until the 2010s. This is the third episode in a series looking back at the Planning Board over the years. Swartzendruber discusses how he joined the board after his father-in-law, who had been a planning director in Portsmouth, suggested he get involved in the community. He reflects on the positive experience of working with a diverse group of board members and city staff, highlighting the camaraderie and teamwork. Swartzendruber mentions notable projects during his tenure, including Liberty Mutual's campus expansion in 2007 (from which he recused himself as a Liberty employee) and the Point Place development. He describes how planning board members received physical packets of materials delivered to their homes before meetings, a practice that has since shifted to digital delivery. Swartzendruber explains that he eventually left the board when his growing family commitments made it difficult to attend meetings consistently. He encourages listeners to consider volunteering for the Planning Board, emphasizing that no specific experience is required to make a valuable contribution.In This Week in Dover History, we hear from Brian Early of Media Services and Erin Bassegio from the planning department about recent city activities. They discuss April City Council actions including approval of new ballot counting machines, a water main replacement project, and a contract for natural turf maintenance on city fields. The Planning Board reviewed Community Development Block Grant funding, approved a project for five single-family homes, and conducted training for members on their roles and responsibilities. Various subcommittees are working on updates to the Transfer of Development Rights ordinance and addressing community housing needs. Other boards and commissions that met include the Conservation Commission, Zoning Board, Parking Commission, and Waterfront Committee.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ron Cole, former Planning Board chair who served from the 1990s through 2011. Cole, who passed away shortly after recording this interview, shares his journey from Gloucester, Mass. to Dover, noting both cities were founded in 1623. He discusses how he unexpectedly joined the Planning Board after initially applying to be a library trustee, and how his people skills and experience with gavels made him well-suited for the role.Cole emphasizes the importance of respect in the planning process and respecting board members and community members who appear before the board. He recounts stories of significant community developments, including a notable interaction with a pharmacy developer and the acquisition of the Children's Museum of New Hampshire. Cole also highlights the vital importance of master planning, stating, "If you don't know where you're going, you're not going to get there."Cole reflects on his pride in having helped shape Dover's development, noting that nearly 75% of the streets and projects in Dover during his drive around town were ones he had been involved with. He recommends Planning Board service as a way for citizens to learn about and contribute to their community.In This Week in Dover History, we learn more about Ron Cole's life and contributions to Dover.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with George Maglaras, a long-time Dover public servant who served on the Planning Board in the 1980s, the first in a series of episodes looking back at the Planning Board over the decades. Maglaras discusses his transition from the state legislature and chairing the Community Development program to joining the Planning Board during what he calls a "transitional decade" for Dover. He explains how Dover was facing economic challenges with the decline of manufacturing jobs and vacant mills downtown.Maglaras shares how the Planning Board under his leadership worked to change zoning ordinances to encourage adaptive reuse of historic buildings, particularly for residential use on upper floors. He discusses controversial decisions like rezoning residential neighborhoods to allow more housing units and revitalizing the Miracle Mile shopping area. Throughout the conversation, Maglaras emphasizes his vision of leveraging private investment to revitalize Dover, create housing opportunities, and keep residents spending their money locally. He notes that in the 1980s, 79% of Dover residents' disposable income was being spent outside the community.The interview reveals Maglaras's perspective as someone with deep family roots in Dover who nonetheless pushed for progressive changes against resistance from the "old guard." After leaving the Planning Board in 1987, Maglaras was elected to the Board of County Commissioners and later served as Mayor of Dover, continuing his public service career.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Arthur D. Maglaras, George's uncle, who passed away in April 1987. Arthur was a city councilor and state representative known for his dedication to his constituents and held court over what some considered Dover's “second City Hall.”

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Deb Clough about the upcoming "Power of an Hour" litter collection event scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Clough explains that this will be the second annual citywide cleanup, organized by ward, with volunteers meeting at their respective voting locations 15 minutes before the event starts. Last year's event saw 283 volunteers collect over a ton (2,000 pounds) of litter in just one hour. Clough encourages participants to wear bright colors and comfortable shoes, bring gloves, and notes that bags will be provided. After collection, volunteers will consolidate trash into blue "New Hampshire the Beautiful" bags, take group photos, and the three wards with the most participants will win "trash trophies." Deb also mentions her "Don't Trash Dover" walks, which have been running monthly for seven years, with the March event attracting a record 55 participants who collected 28 bags of litter.In the second segment, Parker speaks with Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department and Brian Early from Media Services about recent city developments. Bassegio discusses Planning Board activities, including the approval of a second extension for a 173-unit residential project at 47 Chestnut Street, various conditional use permits, and updates to site review and land subdivision regulations. She also mentions the formation of a TDR (Transfer of Development Rights) subcommittee and conservation efforts. Early details the City Council's focus on the fiscal year 2026 budget, including workshops, departmental presentations, and the School Board's $2.4 million budget reduction. He notes that the final budget adoption occurred on April 2. He covers other council actions, including approval of seasonal paving contracts and updates on the Dover High School Athletics Complex project.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, we hear the State of the City address focused on Dover's Waterfront Development project, held March 27 at 121 Broadway in Dover, and hosted by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce. The event features multiple speakers including Chris Parker (Deputy City Manager), Jackie Huber and Rob Simmons from Cathartes (the development partner), Norm Fracassa (chair of the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Commission), and acclaimed local chef Evan Hennessey. The speakers discuss the transformation of a 29-acre waterfront site from its industrial past and former use as a wastewater treatment plant into a mixed-use development featuring residential buildings, commercial spaces, and a significant public park named Nabi Park. The project, which has been decades in the making, is structured as a public-private partnership between the city and Catharsis. Phase one of the development (named "The Truette") will include 197 apartments, 23 townhouses, co-working space, and commercial areas including a new Mediterranean restaurant by Chef Hennessey called "Topolino." The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the first residential units available by late 2025 and the public park opening in May 2026.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Community Services Director John Storer, Library Director Denise LaFrance, and Information Technology Director Annie Dove about the proposed FY26 budget.John Storer discusses Community Services' fifteen budget areas totaling about $35 million (3.6% increase from last year). He explains how they track historical data on expenses like electricity and fuel to make projections. A major change involves transitioning from the current pay-as-you-throw trash bag system to an automated cart collection system. While the city will continue using bags for the next two years under a contract extension with Waste Management, they'll eventually move to automated pickup with costs rolled into the general fund rather than direct resident fees. Storer also highlights increases in street maintenance funding for paving, traffic signals, bridge repairs, and sidewalk improvements.Denise LaFrance explains the library's focus on balancing physical and digital offerings. Despite library renovations, they'll continue purchasing physical books while increasing digital resources by 23% to meet growing demand. She describes how she offset these increases by cutting underutilized databases, saving almost $7,000. The library is maintaining staffing levels and increasing programming funds, supported in part by Friends of the Library.Annie Dove details IT's approach to budgeting, which involves tracking hardware replacement cycles and software costs. FY26 includes enhanced network services for water and sewer facilities, replacing aging network equipment at communication towers, and accounting changes that reorganize subscription costs into a dedicated line item.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the devastating 1889 fire that destroyed Dover's second City Hall. The site of the fire, known as "the Hot Corner," saw multiple structures burn over the years.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Sarah Wrightsman and Ryan Pope from New Hampshire Housing Finance about the relationship between housing development and school enrollment. They discuss common misconceptions about housing's impact on school enrollment and property taxes. The guests explain that new housing developments typically produce far fewer students than people assume - approximately one student per six units in multifamily housing and 0.44 students per single-family home.They highlight three key misunderstandings: people overestimate how many children live in new housing, don't understand the difference between average and marginal costs for educating students, and forget that new housing generates tax revenue. Sarah notes that school districts across New Hampshire generally have capacity for more students, and that enrollment has been declining statewide. Dover's enrollment has remained relatively flat compared to more significant declines elsewhere.The conversation references a study conducted by New Hampshire Housing called "From Homes to Classrooms," which provides data disproving the myth that new housing significantly increases school enrollment and property taxes. The guests emphasize that different housing types generate different numbers of students, with manufactured housing producing almost no school-aged children. They express hope that communities will shift from using potential school enrollment increases as a reason to oppose housing development to recognizing the need for more children and younger families in New Hampshire.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Judson Dunaway, a philanthropist who died in March 1976. Dunaway established the Expello Corporation (later the Judson Dunaway Corporation) in Dover in 1928, which produced household products including mothballs and Vanish Toilet Bowl Cleaner. After retiring in 1958, Dunaway created the Judson Dunaway Foundation, donating over $2 million to Dover for hospital expansions, recreational facilities, and the Dover High School athletic fields.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with several department heads about their proposed FY26 budgets.Police Chief William Breault discusses how his department builds the budget from the ground up, with input from first-line supervisors. He highlights that the biggest change in the FY26 budget is personnel cost increases due to new union contracts with wage adjustments. Breault emphasizes the importance of competitive compensation to retain and recruit officers.Fire Chief Perry Plummer explains his approach to reorganizing the department's budget by reallocating resources from administrative functions to frontline emergency response. He's eliminating administrative positions and pushing division chiefs back to line duty to better handle the department's 8,000 annual calls, noting that over 2,300 times they're responding to multiple calls simultaneously.Recreation Director Kevin Hebert discusses his department's three funding sources: general fund, McConnell fund, and special revenues from programming fees. He mentions fee increases, particularly for non-residents, while trying to minimize increases for residents. Hebert notes that recreation costs taxpayers about $80 annually per citizen, representing just 1% of the overall budget.Planning and Community Development Director Donna Benton highlights that her department will be focusing on updating the transportation chapter of the master plan, which requires substantial technical analysis. She also notes that inspection services will be in their own facility for the first time, requiring budget adjustments.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Strafford Savings Bank introducing fingerprint identification in 1912 for depositors who couldn't sign their names or had difficult-to-read handwriting. This innovation, one of the first of its kind in New Hampshire, was overseen by fingerprint expert P.A. Flack from New York and was inspired by similar practices at Williamsburg Savings Bank in Brooklyn.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Perry Plummer and Community Services Director John Storer about a recent major water main break in Dover.The conversation begins with Storer explaining how the break was first detected late on the night of Feb. 7 when operators noticed more water leaving the system than normal. Despite immediate efforts to locate the break, it remained elusive even after daylight, prompting activation of the city's Emergency Operations Center under Chief Plummer's direction. The break was releasing approximately 2,000 gallons per minute (about 3 million gallons per day), but unusually, no water was visibly surfacing anywhere in the city.Plummer explains how they implemented an incident command structure to coordinate resources efficiently, including fire and police personnel searching the streets, drones with thermal imaging, helicopter support, and engineers. The team systematically isolated different sections of the water system while simultaneously planning for potential water conservation measures if the situation worsened. They also activated an emergency water interconnection with neighboring Somersworth.After extensive searching, they finally discovered the break at 432 Central Avenue, a vacant building overhanging the Cochecho River. The broken pipe inside the building was sending water directly into the river—a "perfect storm" scenario that made detection especially difficult. Both officials praise the collaborative efforts of city staff and the patience of residents during the incident.Parker then speaks with Erin Bassegio from Planning and Community Development and Brian Early from Media Services for their monthly update on city activities. They discuss recent Planning Board meetings, City Council budget workshops, Energy Commission initiatives, Zoning Board approvals, and updates on the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee and the city's two TIF boards.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dover School District's Dr. William Harbron and CFO Michael Limanni about the FY26 school budget. They discuss the nearly $100 million budget (including $6-8 million in grants), with 70% allocated to wages. They explain how the budget aligns with goals like maintaining current services, enhancing academic programming, prioritizing mental health, and strengthening support services. Limanni clarifies common misconceptions about the tax cap and explains how state funding impacts the local budget.Parker reviews the executive department budget, and then digs in to the Finance Department budget with Finance Director Dan Lynch, who outlines changes including a transition from contracted commercial appraisal services to in-house staff and plans for new voting machines. Lynch emphasizes how state statutes guide many of their operations, particularly in the City Clerk's and Assessing offices.Finally, Parker speaks with Welfare Director David Balian about the public welfare budget. Balian explains how they analyze past spending, current trends, cost of living changes, political climate, and job market conditions to project future needs. He notes an increase in security deposit assistance requests and emphasizes their focus on housing loss prevention as a cost-effective strategy.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the 1984 revival of hydroelectric power at Cochecho Falls, when Southern New Hampshire Hydroelectric developed a facility capable of generating 3 million kW annually. The facility continues to operate today, having received a new 40-year permit in 2023.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. about Dover's FY2026 budget process and presentation. They discuss how the city's fiscal year runs from July to June, with taxes collected in December and June. Joyal explains that budget development is a year-round process, beginning with the Capital Improvements Program planning in the summer, which influences the operating budget developed in fall and winter. The proposed FY2026 budget totals $207,557,289, representing a 4.4% increase over the previous year, with a 5.2% increase for school appropriations and a 3.6% increase for non-school expenses. The budget, as presented, is $2,389,687 above the tax cap, requiring a two-thirds council vote for approval.The conversation then shifts to Joyal's formal presentation to the City Council on Feb. 12, where he outlined the budget's strategic priorities: public safety, education, infrastructure maintenance, economic development, and fiscal stewardship. He explains that the average residential tax bill, based on a $524,000 home value, would increase by $578 (6%) to just over $10,000. The budget includes various adjustments, such as reallocating fire command staff to 24/7 duty coverage, increasing stormwater management funding, and absorbing the Solid Waste Special Revenue Fund into the general fund. Joyal concludes by detailing the upcoming budget review schedule, with workshops and public hearings running from February through early April, leading to the required adoption deadline of April 15.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Director of Media Services Mike Gillis about Dover City Council's goal-setting process and the current council goals. Parker explains how newly elected council members participate in orientation sessions before engaging in a facilitated full-day workshop to establish their two-year goals. He details the seven main goals adopted in February 2024: promoting diverse housing, ensuring civic engagement, building city resilience, maintaining safety and appeal, fostering inclusivity, implementing sustainable financial policies, and making opportunities accessible to all. Parker and Gillis discuss how these goals are monitored through monthly city manager reports, budget presentations, and the work of various boards and committees. They emphasize the evolution of the goal-setting process over the years, noting the increased collaboration between council and staff, and how certain goals, like waterfront development, have been achieved while new priorities emerge.In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Marilla Ricker, who announced her candidacy for Governor of New Hampshire on Feb. 14, 1910. A wealthy Dover widow and women's rights activist, Ricker was the first woman to attempt voting in New Hampshire (1870), the first woman admitted to the NH bar (1890), and gained admission to the U.S. Supreme Court bar in 1891. She died in 1920, and in 2016, her portrait was hung in the New Hampshire Statehouse.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with the Planning Department's Erin Bassegio and Brian Early from Media Services about January 2025's municipal updates. Bassegio discusses the master plan steering committee's first meeting to update the land use chapter, the annual Land Use Board meet and greet, and Planning Board activities. She details the board's approval of a scaled-back TDR proposal at 103 Court Street and a residential project at 114 Silver Street. Parker and Early then discuss several significant City Council decisions, including the extension of the Waste Management contract for seven years with a transition to an automated system, authorization of renovations for both the Dover Public Library and Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool, and approval of improvements to the Garrison Hill water storage tank. Early also notes the School Board's adoption of their fiscal year 2026 budget and mentions an upcoming special session regarding an Ethics Commission report. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Elbridge Gage, a prominent Dover citizen who passed away on Feb. 1, 1925. Gage was a successful brick manufacturer who operated three yards at Dover Point, specializing in water-struck bricks. During World War I, he adapted to labor shortages by transitioning to agriculture on his 90-acre farm. He was an active community member whose funeral at Pine Hill Cemetery drew large crowds.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ryan Pope and George Regan from New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority about the state's housing challenges. Pope, formerly Dover's housing navigator, now works in multifamily development, while Regan serves as director of community engagement. They discuss the state's significant housing deficit - needing 60,000 new units by 2030 and 90,000 by 2040. The conversation explores how communities often support housing in principle but resist specific developments, the challenge of balancing property rights with community growth, and the importance of incremental progress through policies like accessory dwelling units (ADUs). They emphasize that solving the housing crisis requires multiple approaches, from state-level policy changes to local zoning updates, and that success comes from both data-driven decisions and understanding personal impacts on communities. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a 1927 controversy over proposed increases in motor vehicle costs. Local auto dealers opposed the measures, urging car owners to voice their objections at legislative hearings.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dover Public Library Director Denise LaFrance and City Facilities Project Manager Eric Sanderson about the library's renovation and temporary relocation project. The discussion covers the library's move to the McConnell Center for approximately one year while the more than 100-year-old building undergoes significant renovations and expansion. LaFrance describes key improvements, including a new entrance, expanded children's area, additional meeting spaces, and modernized facilities while preserving the building's historic character. Sanderson details the construction timeline, logistics of the temporary closure, and impacts on parking. The library's adult services will operate from the McConnell Center's cafeteria, while children's services will be located in Room 305. LaFrance explains how they've partnered with various community organizations to continue programming during the renovation and describes their plan for maintaining access to the collection through storage rounds and curbside pickup service. More about the renovation project can be found here: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/library/about-us/renovation/ In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the development of winter sports facilities in Dover, beginning with a 1923 Dover Chamber of Commerce meeting to discuss expanding winter recreation options. The segment traces the evolution of winter sports facilities from an early ski jump at Garrison Hill and an outdoor skating rink behind the library to the development of the Dover Ice Arena in the 1970s and its subsequent expansion with the Holt rink in 2001.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dave Dinzeo of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Bill Stafford about Dover's transition from a bag-and-tag waste collection system to an automated collection system using wheeled containers ("toters"). The conversation explores how Dover's solid waste management has evolved over 35 years, from primarily using landfills to implementing successful recycling programs. They discuss the upcoming changes to the city's waste collection contract with Waste Management, which includes a two-year extension of the current bag-and-tag system and a transition to automated collection using 64-gallon toters for trash and recycling. The speakers explain that industry-wide shifts toward automation, safety concerns, labor shortages, and rising disposal costs drive this change. They detail how the new system will work, including the transition from per-bag fees to quarterly utility billing, eligibility requirements (limited to single-family homes and buildings with up to three units), and the continued operation of Dover's recycling center. The discussion also addresses concerns about the loss of pay-as-you-throw incentives and the need for extensive community education during the transition. The City Council held a workshop on the topic on Jan. 8, 2025, which can be viewed at https://dovernh.viebit.com/watch?hash=fbHZ3Uz8eo9L4HU2. The City Council is expected to vote on the contract extension and recommended transitioning to an automated system at its next meeting on Jan. 15. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a solitary pine tree that in 1908 stood as the last reminder of a magnificent forest that once surrounded Dover's first high school on Chestnut Street. The segment discusses the historic grove's significance, including its connection to the tragic "sham battle" of 1676, and traces the area's transformation through urban development.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the second of two parts, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Nate Bernitz from UNH Cooperative Extension about building and maintaining public trust in local government. Parker discusses Dover's approach to strategic planning, transparency, and accountability, explaining how the city tracks roughly 700 metrics monthly and regularly reports progress to the public. He emphasizes the importance of admitting mistakes and learning from failed initiatives. The conversation explores how Dover balances tradition with development, with Parker describing the city's approach to zoning and community evolution. They discuss regional collaboration, highlighting successful partnerships with neighboring communities on issues like homelessness and emergency services. Parker shares personal insights about maintaining work-life boundaries as a public servant and stresses that building public trust requires continuous, daily effort from all city employees.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the first of two parts, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Nate Bernitz, a field specialist for Community and Economic Development at the University of New Hampshire's Cooperative Extension, about transparency and public trust in local government. The conversation explores Dover's various approaches to building trust through outreach and engagement, including the Dover Download podcast itself, which Parker notes reaches a surprisingly diverse audience. They discuss Dover's commitment to transparency through detailed budget documentation, accessible staff contact information, and clear communication practices. Parker emphasizes the city's focus on customer service, particularly in "high-touch" departments like the City Clerk's office and inspection services. The discussion also covers how Dover adapted during COVID-19 by streamlining processes and creating more online services, such as permit applications and outdoor dining approvals. Throughout the conversation, both speakers highlight the importance of making local government more accessible and understandable to residents while maintaining effective service delivery.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dave Carpenter, Community Development Coordinator, and Ryan Pope, Housing Navigator, about Dover's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the upcoming five-year consolidated plan. Carpenter explains that Dover has been an entitlement community since the 1970s, receiving direct federal funding to address community needs, particularly in housing and economic development. Pope discusses their current community engagement efforts, including surveys and public listening sessions, to gather input for the new consolidated plan. They highlight emerging themes such as housing affordability, housing quality, and economic development. Carpenter notes the challenges of working with limited funding and the importance of prioritizing needs effectively. The plan will go through public hearings before the Planning Board and City Council in early 2025, with final approval expected by spring. In the second segment, Parker speaks with Brian Early of Media Services and Erin Bassegio of the Planning Department about recent city developments. Early reports on the School Board's budget preparation, the Joint Building Committee's work on the Dover High School Athletic Complex, and City Council actions on the waterfront pavilion project. Bassegio details the Planning Board's December meeting, which included approvals for the Library renovation project, various residential developments, and discussion of a Court Street project. She also mentions updates from the Arts Commission and Conservation Commission, including new staff members joining the planning department.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Bill Hunt, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, and Anna Boudreau, founding member of the Open Lands Committee, about their combined 40-plus years of volunteer service preserving Dover's natural resources. Hunt, a retired teacher and farm owner, discusses the Conservation Commission's role in providing environmental guidance to the Planning Board for development projects. Boudreau explains how the Open Lands Committee works with willing landowners to preserve land through conservation easements, emphasizing that properties must meet specific criteria for conservation value. Both guests highlight Dover's balanced approach to development and conservation, with Boudreau noting the importance of meeting housing needs while protecting natural resources. The conversation concludes with Hunt discussing the Commission's urban tree initiative to replace and maintain trees in downtown Dover, and Boudreau expressing the Open Lands Committee's need for volunteers to help with outreach, education, and easement monitoring. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's oldest hook and ladder fire company, formed on Dec. 21, 1831. Initially called the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company, it later became known as the Lincoln Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. The company was famous for its annual banquets and became the oldest horse-drawn fire apparatus in New England before transitioning to its first motorized ladder truck in 1924.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rick Mikulis and Heather Twombly about recent changes to Dover's Recreation Advisory Board. They discuss how the board has been restructured to combine three separate entities - the Recreation Board, Arena Commission, and Pool Committee - into one comprehensive board. The consolidation aims to streamline operations, reduce duplication of efforts, and create a more cohesive approach to recreation in Dover. They also discuss the transition from former Recreation Director Gary Bannon to new director Kevin Hebert, noting how Hebert brings fresh energy and ideas while maintaining a strong community focus. The conversation highlights upcoming initiatives, including plans to enhance the annual tree lighting ceremony and the revival of the Heyliger Awards, which recognize community volunteers in sports and recreation. Both guests emphasize the board's openness to new members who have a passion for recreation and community involvement. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's 1921 initiative to become a winter recreation destination. Through the formation of a winter sports association led by the Chamber of Commerce and mayor-elect Charles G. Waldron, the city aimed to promote activities like hockey, ski jumping, snowshoeing, and skating. This organized approach marked Dover's early development as a winter recreation hub.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Utilities Superintendent Mike Nadeau and City Engineer Ken Mavrogeorge about Dover's ongoing lead service line inventory initiative. The discussion centers on a federally mandated program requiring cities to document the materials used in water service lines, with particular attention to identifying potential lead pipes. They explain that water service lines connect main water pipes to individual properties, with ownership split between the city and property owners. The conversation covers the historical use of lead in water infrastructure, particularly during World War II material shortages, and the health risks associated with lead exposure. The officials detail Dover's efforts to inventory these lines, including a public survey. They discuss strategies for completing the inventory, options for homeowners with lead services, and available funding programs that could cover up to 70% of replacement costs. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the Boston and Maine Railroad's 1927 decision to relocate its divisional headquarters to Dover. The move brought about 60 employees and their families to the city and included plans to expand the existing passenger station with two additional floors for offices. The decision highlighted Dover's strategic importance as a transportation hub in New England.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Doug Glennon from Jewelry Creations and Shelby Meyrowitz from Hip Finds Company about upcoming holiday shopping events in downtown Dover. They discuss several initiatives including Plaid Friday (Dover's version of Black Friday), Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, and a Holiday Stroll. The guests emphasize the importance of shopping local and highlight that downtown businesses also offer online shopping options. They announce free parking in downtown Dover on select Saturdays through the end of the year and discuss their organization's efforts to build community through events and collaboration rather than competition. In the second segment, Parker speaks with City Planner Erin Bassegio and Media Services Administrator Brian Early about November's municipal activities. They discuss the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) workshop, including potential changes to Fire Department equipment purchases and updates on the Dover High School Athletic Complex project. Early notes that the School Board has begun its FY26 budget process, with adoption planned for January. Bassegio provides updates on various planning initiatives, including progress on a solar array at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Conservation and Open Space chapter update of the Master Plan, and the Community Housing Needs Committee's upcoming recommendations. Parker concludes with updates on the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) Chair Michael Williams and Police Lt. Marn Speidel about the unique structure and function of Dover's TAC. The commission consists of nine members, including three voting staff liaisons and six citizen appointees, making it distinct from other city boards. They discuss how the TAC handles both specific transportation concerns (like crosswalk placement and speed limits) and broader policy issues affecting Dover's transportation infrastructure. The conversation explores the challenges of balancing immediate resident concerns with long-term planning, especially given budget constraints and technical requirements. They explain how the TAC differs from the Parking Commission and discuss the evolution of truck traffic regulations in Dover. Williams and Speidel emphasize the importance of having both technical expertise from staff members and community perspective from citizen representatives to make informed decisions about transportation issues. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Saint George Maronite Catholic Church, which celebrated 53 years of service in 2001. The church, established by Lebanese immigrants in 1948, originated from the Saint George Maronite Society formed in 1939. The building, formerly Lothrop Memorial Hall, was purchased in 1941 and continues to serve Dover's Lebanese American community while preserving both its religious traditions and cultural heritage.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Perry Plummer, Dover's new Fire Chief, who is returning to the role after previously serving as Fire Chief from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Plummer discusses his extensive career, including his time as director of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management and assistant commissioner for the state Department of Safety. He reflects on the changes in firefighting and emergency services over his career, particularly noting the evolution of EMS services from basic transport to advanced life support with 23 paramedics now providing hospital-level care in the field. Plummer addresses the challenges of leading a modern fire department, including longer wait times for equipment, staffing difficulties, and the increasing importance of emergency management. He also discusses his experience with the North End Fire Station project, which he helped shepherd through during his first tenure and has proven successful over nearly two decades of operation. Throughout the conversation, Plummer emphasizes the importance of effective communication, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement in emergency services. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic incident from November 1856, when a celebration of James Buchanan's presidential election turned deadly. During the festivities atop Garrison Hill, a War of 1812 cannon accidentally discharged, killing two men, John Foss and George Clark. The cannon was later moved to the Woodman Museum after years of vandalism on Garrison Hill.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kevin Hebert, Dover's new Recreation Director, who replaced longtime director Gary Bannon in April. Hebert discusses his 25-year background in education and athletics, including roles as Athletic Director at various schools, including Somersworth High School and Spaulding High School in Rochester. As a Dover resident with three children in the school system and a wife teaching at Dover High School, Hebert brings both professional expertise and a local perspective to his new role. He shares his vision for regional recreation collaboration, plans to evaluate and potentially expand programs (including youth volleyball), and thoughts on better coordinating with local sports leagues and school athletics. Hebert emphasizes Dover's impressive recreation infrastructure, including two ice sheets, indoor and outdoor pools, and numerous parks. He discusses current projects, including the Jenny Thompson Pool renovation and waterfront development, while highlighting the importance of maintaining strong relationships with staff and being responsive to community needs. The conversation touches on his background as a local sports coach and his approach to strategic planning and program evaluation. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Earl Goodwin, who was named New Hampshire Municipal Association's Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1999.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Clerk Jerrica Vansylyvong-Bizier about voting in the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. They discuss Dover's six polling locations, voter registration processes, absentee ballot procedures, and ballot counting methods. Vansylyvong-Bizier explains the rigorous checks and balances in place for vote counting. She also details the crucial role of poll workers, with some wards having up to 45 volunteers working from early morning until after the polls close at 7 p.m. Parker then speaks with Brian Early of Media Services and Erin Bassegio of the Planning Department about recent city government activities. They discuss several developments, including parking rate adjustments, the completion of the Dover High School construction project (coming in under budget at $87.6 million), and the approval of a public art installation on traffic control boxes in collaboration with Dover High School's National Arts Society. They also cover updates to the city's Master Plan, including the upcoming Land Use chapter revision and the near-completion of the Conservation and Open Space chapter.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dana Lynch, a long-time advocate and member of the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee, and Jamie Stevens, the city's project manager for the waterfront development project. They discuss the progress of the project, which has been in the works for over 30 years. Lynch reflects on the project's evolution from its conceptual stages in 1990 to the current construction phase, highlighting how the vision of creating a place where people can live, work, and play has remained consistent. Stevens provides updates on the ongoing construction, including the completion of elevator shafts, infrastructure improvements, and the beginning of vertical development. They discuss the compact nature of the site, the importance of the public park component, and how the project will integrate with and expand Dover's existing downtown area. The conversation touches on the challenges of construction, the milestones achieved, and what the public can expect to see in the coming months as the project progresses towards its anticipated completion in spring 2026. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a devastating fire that destroyed Siegel's Department Store on Central Avenue in October 1956. The fire occurred on the same day that owner Meyer Siegel was in court defending his right to open on Sundays. The store, which sold a wide variety of goods, was a total loss with damages estimated at $250,000.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Planning Director Donna Benton about the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for 2026 to 2031. Benton explains the process of creating the CIP, which begins in the summer with department heads submitting requests for new projects or changes to existing ones. The program covers various categories including general government, public safety, community services, education, and utilities. Projects must meet specific criteria, such as having an estimated cost of $25,000 or more and a useful life of at least three years. Benton highlights several new and ongoing projects, including the Littleworth Road Business Park, Durham Road Congestion Mitigation, citywide drainage improvements, and the Broadway neighborhood revitalization. She emphasizes the importance of the CIP in maintaining infrastructure, demonstrating community pride, and attracting investment. The rollout of the new CIP is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Room 305 at the McConnell Center, beginning at 7 p.m. Subsequent reviews by the Planning Board and City Council will follow in the weeks ahead. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Arthur Whittemore, a prominent Dover citizen who passed away on Oct. 14, 1931. Whittemore served as mayor and state legislator and was involved in various community initiatives, including securing funding for the Dover Public Library.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jackson Kaspari, former Resilience Manager for the City of Dover, about the one-year anniversary of Dover's Community Power program and the city's resilience plan. Kaspari explains that Community Power is a coalition of New Hampshire communities that have joined together to provide competitive electricity rates and give community members a voice in electricity supply. He discusses the program's success over the past year, including the ability of some communities to generate funds for energy efficiency projects. Kaspari also highlights future plans, such as attracting renewable energy suppliers to develop projects within member communities. The conversation then shifts to Dover's Citywide Resilience Plan, adopted in February 2023. Kaspari reports that 21 out of 32 action items from the plan have been completed or are in progress. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to update and implement the plan, suggesting it should be revisited every five years. The discussion concludes with reflections on Dover's forward-thinking approach to resilience and sustainability, and ways for community members to get involved through various city commissions. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a 1924 incident where Republican members of the Dover School Board failed to attend a meeting, preventing a quorum and halting important business. This episode highlights how local elections have changed from partisan to non-partisan contests over the past century.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Margaret Joyce and Jed Allen from the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about the upcoming 40th annual Apple Harvest Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. They discuss the event's growth from its humble beginnings to becoming a major regional attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. The conversation covers various aspects of the festival, including the 5K race, the first bite ceremony, entertainment stages, and the addition of a calm area for attendees needing a break from the festivities. They highlight new features such as the US Navy Band's performance, custom cornhole boards, and the relocation of the acoustic stage. Following the update on Apple Harvest Day, Parker speaks with Brian Early from the Media Services Department and Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department about recent activity by the city's public bodies. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the inaugural Apple Harvest Day in 1985, which featured apple-themed breakfast specials, farm stands, a Best Apple Pie contest, craft fairs, live music, parades, and even tethered hot air balloon rides.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the final in a three-part series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Amanda Russell, a former Dover School Board member who served for 10 years from 2012 to 2022. Russell discusses her experiences on the board, including her initial motivation to join due to concerns over budget cuts and program eliminations. She reflects on the challenges faced during her tenure, such as navigating budget constraints, dealing with the impacts of the Great Recession, and making difficult decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Russell also touches on her involvement in three superintendent searches and the high school construction project. She highlights the improvement in the relationship between the school board and city council over time, emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual understanding. Russell shares insights on the learning curve of being a new board member, the time commitment required, and the personal growth she experienced in choosing which battles to fight. The conversation concludes with Russell's reflections on the value of civil discourse and her focus on advocating for education and students' needs. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Cocheco Printworks, a major textile manufacturing operation in Dover. The segment covers the printworks' history from its beginnings in 1826 to its eventual closure and transformation into Henry Law Park. It highlights the economic challenges faced by Northern textile mills and the subsequent repurposing of the mill buildings for commercial and residential use.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Britt Ulinski Schuman, a former Dover School Board member who served from 2007 to 2009. Schuman discusses her roots in Dover, her educational background, and her decision to run for the School Board as a way to give back to the community. She shares insights into her experience on the board, including the supportive dynamics among members and the challenges of balancing the role with other commitments. Schuman highlights some of the major projects during her tenure, such as curriculum revisions and the selection of architects for school renovations. She reflects on the time commitment required for the position and her decision not to run for a second term due to personal and professional obligations. Schuman offers advice for potential School Board candidates, emphasizing the importance of having the right motivation and capacity to serve. She also discusses how her perspective has evolved now that she has children in the Dover school system. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about an 1857 discovery of old ruins on Nelson Street, believed to be from Peter Coffin's garrison house or Dover's first tavern.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Sam Allen, who served on the Dover School Board from 1993 to 1996. Allen reflects on his time as a board member and later as chair, discussing the challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. He describes the community's atmosphere in the early 1990s, the board's efforts to increase accountability in schools, and a sometimes contentious relationship with the teachers' union. Allen recalls significant issues such as developing a comprehensive but controversial health education curriculum, and handling a school shooting. He also mentions the board's involvement in planning for a new middle school and implementing an innovative program that set aside 1% of the budget for creative teaching proposals. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the long and contentious journey to implement public kindergarten in Dover. The segment covers the period from 1981 to 1998, detailing various attempts, setbacks, and eventual success in establishing a public kindergarten program in the city.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with William Harbron, the superintendent of Dover schools, about the upcoming school year and recent developments in the district. Harbron discusses the implementation of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for students, ongoing facility improvements, and his upcoming retirement. He also touches on curriculum adoptions, staffing updates, and the district's strategic planning efforts. Following this, Parker speaks with Brian Early from the Media Services Department and Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department about recent activity by the city's public bodies. Early provides updates on City Council meetings, including discussions on the parking system, library renovations, and upcoming reviews of the curbside waste and recycling collection program. Bassegio shares information on recent land use board meetings, including zoning board decisions, Conservation Commission endorsements, and Planning Board approvals. She also mentions ongoing work on the city's master plan and impact fee program.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dover's Facilities and Grounds Superintendent Mark Colonna, Planning Department intern John DesRoches, and Dover's Resilience Manager Jackson Kaspari about Dover's street tree replacement program. They discuss the multiple benefits of street trees, including aesthetics, drainage, reducing heat island effects, and improving public health. The conversation covers the origins of the project, the process of replacing trees, funding sources, and the importance of species diversity in urban forestry. The team explains how they're addressing the issue of ash trees infested with emerald ash borer through a phased removal and replacement approach. They also touch on the logistics of planting and maintaining new trees, including watering practices and the option for residents to donate trees. The discussion highlights the city's effort to create a resilient and diverse urban canopy by planting various species. Later, Parker and Kaspari discuss Dover's Community Power program, explaining the new electricity rates effective from August 2024 to January 2025. They outline the different renewable energy options available to residents, ranging from 24.3% to 100% renewable content, and how customers can easily switch between tiers. The conversation emphasizes the program's flexibility and its role in promoting clean energy adoption in New Hampshire.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Vicki Harris, the Police Department's Prevention Services Unit Supervisor, and three Youth to Youth program participants about their recent campaign launch and press conference. Harris explains that the Youth to Youth program, initiated by the Dover Police Department over 30 years ago, empowers young people to address substance abuse issues in their community. The program involves various activities, including summer camps, after-school teams, and advocacy efforts. Three student participants -- Megan, Iris, and Annabel -- discuss their involvement in the "Dealer Is Not a Doctor" campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of counterfeit pills and fentanyl. They share their experiences speaking at a press conference, interacting with media, and participating in advocacy efforts. The students emphasize the importance of peer-to-peer education and youth involvement in community activism. They also touch on other aspects of the program, such as presenting at conferences and testifying at the state Capitol. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about efforts to establish a consolidated courthouse in Dover in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The segment covers the various proposed locations, funding challenges, and eventual construction of the new Dover District Court (later Dover Circuit Court) on Saint Thomas Street, which opened in 2002.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Police Lt. Marn Speidel, the traffic coordinator from the department, and Kelley Tidball from the Police Records Bureau about the process of obtaining permits for community events in Dover. They discuss the recent change in administering these permits, which has moved from the City Clerk's office to the Police Department, utilizing an electronic permit portal. The conversation covers various types of permits, including those for parades, road races, block parties, and other public events. Speidel and Tidball explain the importance of these permits in ensuring public safety and managing potential conflicts between events. They emphasize the streamlined process, which has reduced turnaround times for permit approvals. The discussion also touches on the role of the licensing board, the importance of early planning for larger events, and the need for additional permits like health licenses for food vendors. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to the Police Department for guidance on whether a permit is needed for their planned activities. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about M&M Bakeries, founded in the 1920s, which made history in 1925 with the first aerial delivery of fresh bread in New England. The segment also covers the bakery's expansion, innovative techniques, and labor challenges in 1941.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Brian Early from Media Services about recent meetings of the city's public boards, committees and commissions. They discuss the ratification of seven union bargaining agreements, updates on the Inspection Services building construction, and waterfront development projects. Parker then speaks with Planning Director Donna Benton and Building Official Jim Maxfield about the evolution of Inspection Services in Dover and the new building under construction. They discuss the challenges of their current space, the benefits of the new location, and the transition to a paperless permit system. The conversation highlights the importance of early involvement in the planning process, the need for flexible space in city buildings, and the efficiencies gained through electronic permit submissions. Maxfield expresses his excitement for the new purpose-built space, which is expected to open in 2025.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Planning Director Donna Benton about recent development activities in Dover. Benton provides an overview of various projects approved by the Planning Board in the first half of 2024, including housing developments, commercial projects, and amendments to existing plans. They discuss the challenges of balancing housing needs with conservation efforts, particularly in relation to Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) requests. Benton highlights the ongoing work on the city's Master Plan, including updates to the Conservation and Open Space chapter and plans for the Land Use chapter. The conversation touches on the Community Trail's expansion and various art projects along the trail. Benton also mentions the progress of the Community Housing Needs Committee and their work on regulatory audits to support attainable housing. The discussion covers the difficulties faced in the Capital Improvements Program due to rising costs and inflation. Throughout the conversation, Parker and Benton reflect on the changes in Dover's planning processes over the years and the increasing public engagement in planning matters. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the devastating fire that destroyed Dover's City Hall on August 3, 1933. The segment describes the grand opera house that was part of the building and mentions the construction of the current City Hall, which opened in 1935.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rob Dapice, the director of the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. They discuss the role of the authority in supporting affordable housing initiatives and the challenges facing the housing market in New Hampshire. Dapice explains how the organization works with partners to create housing solutions, including homeownership programs and rental assistance. They explore the changing demographics and preferences in housing, noting that millennials and empty nesters often desire similar living spaces. The conversation touches on the impact of the pandemic on housing trends, the interconnectedness of rental and homeownership markets, and the challenges posed by current interest rates. Dapice highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of housing development and finance for policymakers and community members. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Marilla Marks Ricker, a pioneering woman from Dover who became the first female admitted to the New Hampshire State Bar in 1890. The segment highlights her achievements as a suffragist, freethinker, and advocate for prisoners' rights and her candidacy for Governor of New Hampshire in 1910.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Erin Bassegio, Outreach Coordinator for the Planning Department and Office of Business Development, and Jackson Kaspari, the city's Resilience Manager, about the ongoing update to the Conservation and Open Space chapter of Dover's Master Plan. They discuss the chapter's last update in 2012 and the current efforts to incorporate advanced GIS techniques, story mapping, and community feedback into the new version. The conversation covers the makeup of the steering committee, the timeline for completion (expected in the fall), and the various ways residents can engage with the project, including through a new interactive story map. They also touch on the challenges of balancing land preservation with housing needs and the importance of public access to conservation lands. The team highlights recent conservation successes, such as the Ekola family's land donation, and discusses the process of evaluating and acquiring conservation properties. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the first sitting U.S. President to visit Dover.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jane Bard of the Children's Museum of New Hampshire and Jonathan Nichols of the Woodman Museum about upcoming events and developments. Bard discusses a new exhibit called "Opposites" that is opening in July and features artwork from 11 New England artists. She also reveals plans for a major expansion project starting in September, including a new "Little Farmers" exhibit for young children and a "Play Loft" for active physical play. Nichols announces the upcoming "Birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" exhibit opening on Aug. 10, featuring artwork and interactive elements in collaboration with creator Kevin Eastman. Both guests discuss their volunteer programs and community engagement efforts. They also touch on their involvement with the "Discover Dover" initiative, aimed at increasing tourism to the city. The conversation highlights the importance of these museums in attracting visitors to Dover and their role in the community's cultural landscape. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the public execution of Andrew Howard in 1846 for the murder of Phebe Hansen. The event, which took place behind what was then the Silver Street jail, drew thousands of spectators and marked Dover's second and final public execution.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with representatives from the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about the upcoming Cochecho Arts Festival. Margaret Joyce, Cliff Blake, and Jed Allen discuss the festival's lineup, which includes Friday night headliners, children's shows, and a Creative Arts Showcase. They highlight the event's free admission, community involvement, and the importance of volunteers and sponsors. The conversation covers the festival's schedule, button benefits, and its role in making arts accessible to all community members. Parker then speaks with Brian Early and Erin Bassegio about recent city government activities. They discuss a City Council workshop on energy initiatives, including community power and potential solar arrays. The Planning Board's recent approvals are covered, including housing developments and environmental permits. Updates on the Community Housing Needs Committee and Zoning Board are also provided.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Attorney Joshua Wyatt about transparency and the public's right to access government records under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know law (RSA 91-A). They discuss the process of handling public records requests, the legal exceptions and redactions that may apply, and the importance of transparency in government operations. Wyatt explains that while the statute provides guidelines, the underlying constitutional right to access public information is paramount. He emphasizes the city's commitment to transparency and proactive disclosure of frequently requested information. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Tifft, a man who lived in the mid-20th century and was known only by his surname, a rare occurrence at the time. Mike Gillis shares details about Tifft's unique name, his customized farmhouse dubbed "Tifft Top," and the eventual renaming of the road leading to his property.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Denise LaFrance, the Director of the Dover Public Library, about the upcoming renovation plans for the historic library building. LaFrance explains that after over 30 years since the last major renovation, the building needs upgrades to its infrastructure, accessibility, and meeting spaces to better serve the community. She emphasizes the importance of preserving the historic character and architectural features of the 120-year-old building during the renovation process. LaFrance discusses plans to improve sightlines, create a more unified entrance, add handicapped-accessible bathrooms, and expand meeting room spaces. The library will need to temporarily relocate its services and programming for approximately a year during construction. In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the historic visit of the Marquis de Lafayette to Dover in 1825, as he was nearing the end of his tour across 24 American states. The town welcomed the Revolutionary War hero with grand celebrations, processions, and ceremonies, including a ceremonial dinner and party at the home of William Hale.