Dover Download

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Economic Development Across Town Lines: A Conversation with Exeter's Darren Winham Mar 26, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Darren Winham, the Economic Development Director for the Town of Exeter. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of economic development in Exeter, which operates under the SB2 form of government. Winham emphasizes the importance of building consensus and engaging the voting public, especially older residents, for zoning changes and other initiatives. He highlights the region's housing affordability crisis as the biggest economic development issue facing the Seacoast. Winham also talks about Exeter's efforts to revitalize its downtown and attract more dining and entertainment options, transforming the town into a "foodie" destination. The conversation touches on the collaborative nature of economic development across Seacoast communities and the importance of considering factors like infrastructure capacity when recruiting new businesses.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's transition from a town to a city government, with Andrew Pierce becoming the first mayor. This change aimed to improve municipal services like fire departments, water works, and public schools.

Regional Spotlight: Balancing Economic Development in Portsmouth Mar 19, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the third in a series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Sean Clancy, the Assistant City Manager for Economic and Community Development for the City of Portsmouth. Clancy discusses his role in promoting Portsmouth's diverse economy, which includes manufacturing, service industries, arts and culture, and a vibrant nonprofit community. He emphasizes the importance of two-way communication with businesses, residents, and visitors to understand their priorities and address potential conflicts, such as the debate over outdoor dining and its impact on parking spaces for retailers. Clancy also highlights the collaborative nature of economic development efforts across the Seacoast region and the need to provide a welcoming experience for visitors while addressing the needs of residents and businesses.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the Dover High School fishing team, which was the first of its kind in the country when it was formed in 1946.

Regional Spotlight: Economic Growth in Rochester Mar 12, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the second in a series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Michael Scala, the Economic Development Director for the city of Rochester. Scala shares his background, growing up in a family with a small business, and how that led him to a career in economic development. He discusses the city's focus on revitalizing downtown Rochester by increasing residential density, working with developers to create new housing units at various income levels. Scala highlights successful projects like the Scenic Theater and Salinger Building redevelopments and plans for improving streetscapes and pedestrian amenities. He emphasizes the importance of a diverse housing stock to attract and retain workers for local businesses. Scala also touches on Rochester's collaboration with neighboring communities, the limitations of state incentives for economic development, and the impact of outdoor dining during COVID-19.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back to 1996, when the Dover City Council established a Historical Designation Committee and created an honorary City Historian position to identify and commemorate sites of historical significance in the city, aiming to attract tourists and businesses by promoting Dover's rich history.

Public Meeting Roundup: What the City Council, Planning Board and Other Public Boards Were Up To in February Mar 05, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Brian Early from Media Services and Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department to discuss updates and activities for Dover's public boards, commissions, and committees in February.

Brian Early highlights the City Council's ongoing fiscal year 2025 budget review, including upcoming meetings and workshops. He also mentions the Council's approval of a contract to rebuild the Portland Avenue retaining wall, the acceptance of a $440,000 grant from InvestNH to help increase attainable housing units, the allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant funding to local nonprofits, and the Council's directive for the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to evaluate the city's trash and recycling options.

Erin Bassegio discusses the activities of various land use boards, including the Community Housing Needs Committee's discussion of a housing opportunity planning grant, the Conservation Commission's endorsement of environmental conditional use permits, and the Planning Board's approval of a two-phase project for a new building to house the city's Inspection Services and other offices.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Captain John Riley, a prominent Dover sea captain from the 1800s, and his family's legacy in shipbuilding and maritime activities.

Regional Spotlight: Newmarket Town Manager Talks Economic Growth Feb 27, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the first in a series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Steve Fournier, Town Manager of Newmarket, about economic and business development strategies. They discuss how Newmarket has shifted its focus from industrial development to improving quality of life for residents by revitalizing downtown. The transportation enhancements and mill redevelopment sparked additional investment like a small grocery store to serve downtown residents. The pandemic accelerated this strategy as people wanted amenities within walking distance. Parker notes similarities between redevelopment patterns in Dover and Newmarket as former mill towns and college housing markets. Fournier explains Newmarket’s approach to providing diverse housing stock for young professionals, empty nesters and others as part of economic growth. They agree regional coordination has been crucial and communities support rather than compete with each other. Looking ahead, Fournier outlines plans for mixed-use development at Newmarket’s gateways to extend downtown and see more recreation-oriented business near the rail trail.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn how Garrison Hill embraced skiing in the 1920s with the addition of a ski jump.

Inside Dover's FY2025 Budget Proposal Feb 20, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Manager J. Michael Joyal about the municipal budgeting process. Joyal explains that he must present a proposed budget to the City Council by February 15 each year. The Council then reviews the details over several weeks through public workshops and hearings, soliciting feedback from residents, boards and commissions. The goal is to decide spending levels across services to meet community priorities and needs. After final discussions, the Council votes to adopt the budget in early April, which takes effect July 1.

The budget serves as a policy document reflecting priorities, a financial plan allocating resources, an operational guide for service delivery, and a communication tool. Factors influencing it include Council directives, contractual obligations, state/federal mandates, economic conditions, operational needs, and financial policies. This year's proposed $198 million budget across all funds prioritizes public safety, education, and infrastructure while addressing inflationary pressures and recruitment/retention challenges.

In his presentation, Joyal outlined the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, including expenses, revenues, and tax impacts. He explained the budget process and highlighted strategic priorities like education, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and fiscal stewardship. After detailing key increases and departmental budgets, he invited further review and public input over the coming weeks before the Council votes to adopt the budget on April 3.

A Conversation with Developer Eric Chinburg Feb 13, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Eric Chinburg, owner of Chinburg Properties, which has owned and redeveloped the mills in downtown Dover for the past 15 years. They discuss the changes Chinburg has spearheaded in redeveloping the mills into vibrant mixed-use spaces, the process and incentives involved in rehabilitating historic buildings, and the current challenges developers face with construction costs and financing. Chinburg also talks about his company's approach of having in-house teams for development, construction, and property management, as well as their focus on saving and repurposing historic mills and buildings in downtown areas. He shares examples of projects in Dover and other New Hampshire cities and towns, addressing factors that make redevelopment feasible or challenging, such as availability of parking, zoning allowances, and sewer infrastructure capacity. Chinburg and Parker also discuss trends in the residential rental market.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Maria Ricker, a prominent women's rights activist who lived in Dover in the late 19th/early 20th century. As one of the most influential suffragists of her time, she tirelessly advocated for women's right to vote through writing, public speaking, and protests. She made history as the first woman to attempt to vote in NH in 1870, to apply for bar membership in 1890, and more.

Parking in Dover: Past, Present and Future Feb 06, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Bill Simons, the city's Parking Manager. They discuss the evolution of paid parking in Dover over the past 25 years, including the rollout of multi-space "master" meters to replace single-head meters 15 years ago and the recent shift to pay-by-plate technology. Simons explains the move to progressive pricing that allows people to stay parked longer while discouraging all-day parking in prime spots. He also talks about the adoption of mobile payment apps to extend time remotely and reduce the need for as many meters. Parker and Simons cover the different parking permit options for residents, commuters, and downtown employees to free up high-demand spaces for downtown visitors and customers. They also touch on coordinating parking needs with local businesses, planning for future development, and the customer-focused approach of Dover's parking enforcement.

In "This Week in Dover History," Mike Gillis describes the opening night festivities of the city's new 1,000-foot toboggan shoot on Garrison Hill in February 1924, which attracted over 3,000 people.

How the City Council Sets Goals for the Next Two Years Jan 30, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. about the strategic goal-setting process that the Dover City Council recently held. Joyal explains that the city has conducted goal-setting with each new council for over 30 years. The process allows new council members to bring ideas from their constituents, while also reminding returning members of previous goals. Over time, the city has embraced a more robust strategic planning system, with goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This allows the city administration to be held accountable for making progress. Joyal also discusses how the council goals align with and drive budget priorities.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a devastating 1907 fire that took six lives at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company's Mill No. 1. The sprinkler system failed, fire crews battled equipment freezing in the cold, and crowds of spectators hampered efforts.

How the City is Adapting to an Evolving Workplace Jan 23, 2024

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Heather Worrall, the new Human Resources Director for the City of Dover. Worrall discusses her background in HR and recruiting and what attracted her to the field. She talks about the various responsibilities of HR, including labor negotiations, benefits, liability analysis, and recruitment/retention. They discuss the current tight labor market and some creative solutions for recruitment, like employee referrals. Worrall emphasizes the good benefits of working for the city, including health insurance, retirement matching, and opportunities for career growth. The conversation concludes with discussing Worrall's goals in her new position.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the early 20th-century origins of many popular winter sports activities in Dover, including hockey, ice skating, sledding, and skiing at Garrison Hill. Over time, this led to things like a public ice skating rink downtown, the opening of the Dover Ice Arena in the 1970s, and a study in 1999 supporting the addition of a second rink at the arena.

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