Dover Download

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From Parades to Block Parties: Understanding Dover's Permit Process Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

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.

Public Meeting Roundup for June 2024 and the Evolution of Inspection Services Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

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.

A Mid-Year Planning Update with Donna Benton Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

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.

Navigating New Hampshire's Housing Landscape: A Conversation with Rob Dapice of NH Housing Finance Authority Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

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.

Balancing Growth and Conservation: Dover's Master Plan in Action Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

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.

Museum Magic: Dover Cultural Gems Unveil Exciting Plans Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

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.

Summer in Dover: Cochecho Arts Festival and City Updates Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

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.

Shedding Light on Transparency: Inside Dover's Right-to-Know Process Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

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.

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: The Dover Public Library Renovation Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

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.

From the Ground Up: Dover Waterfront Project Takes Shape Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rob Simmons, the director of development at Cathartes (the private developer for the Dover waterfront project), and Jamie Stevens, the city's project manager.

Simmons discusses the construction timeline and plans for the first phase, which includes 220 residential units across five buildings (with a mix of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom units, including townhouses), as well as ground-floor commercial space. He highlights the collaboration between the city and Cathartes, with the city handling public infrastructure like roads and utilities while Cathartes focuses on vertical construction. Stevens provides updates on the city's progress with site work, shoreline stabilization, utility installation, and coordination with the nearby private residences. Both note the aggressive construction schedule and anticipate visible "vertical" progress soon.

In This Week in Dover History, we continue on the topic of the waterfront with recent history and the sale of waterfront parcels to Cathartes for $1.3 million, a key milestone allowing private development to begin alongside public improvements. The segment traces the long history of plans to revitalize Dover's historic waterfront area.

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