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.