Dover Download

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Dover Rotary's Century of Service and July City Updates Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with newly appointed Dover Rotary Club President Cathy Beaudoin about the organization's century-long commitment to community service. Beaudoin discusses how the club, now in its 101st year, raises approximately $100,000 annually through weekly bingo operations to support local charities and community projects. She highlights the club's diverse initiatives, including providing milk and egg coupons for food pantry users, supplying shoes and boots to students in need, creating mittens for the unhoused, and sponsoring scholarships. The club meets twice monthly at 121 Broadway and seeks new members from all backgrounds, dispelling outdated perceptions about membership requirements.

Parker then speaks with Brian Early and Erin Bassegio about July's City Council and Planning Board activities. Early reports on council approvals for groundwater monitoring contracts, additional funding for the Fifth and Grove reconstruction project, and budget adjustments, including rescinding authorization for the sports complex design and Fire Rescue South station projects. He also mentions the council receiving a housing needs report and a donation from Mr. Handyman of Dover for trail improvements.

Bassegio covers Planning Board approvals for lot line adjustments, conditional use permits, and a 16-unit housing development at Dover Point Road. She also updates listeners on Energy Commission discussions about solar projects and Arts Commission achievements, including a new mural at Park Street Park and sculpture installation at Central Avenue.

From Sewer to Scenic: The Cochecho River's Remarkable Recovery Jul 22, 2025

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Mayor George Maglaras, owner of George's Marina, about the dramatic transformation of the Cochecho River from one of the most polluted waterways in America to the recreational resource Dover residents enjoy today.

Maglaras shares the history of river pollution that began after Dover's Black Day flood in 1896 and intensified through the mid-20th century. Before the Clean Water Act of 1972, the Cochecho River served as an open sewer for all domestic waste, industrial chemicals from tanneries and chrome plating plants, and medical waste from hospitals. The pollution was so severe that Cornell University ranked it among the top 10 most polluted rivers in the United States in the early 1960s. The river would literally foam with detergent suds, boil from chemical reactions, and kill thousands of migrating fish annually.

Maglaras credits his father and Uncle John, also a former Dover mayor, with leading the decades-long fight to clean up the river, despite significant community resistance. Their efforts culminated in Dover's first wastewater treatment plant in 1960, though only half the city was initially connected. The complete cleanup required separating storm drains from sewer systems throughout the city, a process that took over 20 years.

Through vivid personal anecdotes, including falling into toxic mudflats as a child, Maglaras illustrates just how contaminated the river once was. He emphasizes that without the environmental vision and persistence of earlier generations, none of today's waterfront development would have been possible.

Building Partnerships: How Dover Makes Public-Private Partnerships Work Jul 15, 2025

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Eric Chinburg and Chad Kageleiry about Dover's use of public-private partnerships (PPPs) as an economic development tool. Both developers have extensive experience working with the city on various projects over the past decade.

Eric Chinburg, who owns and operates several historic mill properties, including the Washington Street Mills and Cocheco Mills, discusses the former Strafford County Courthouse redevelopment project. Using New Hampshire's RSA 79E statute, the city provided tax relief incentives to make the historic preservation economically viable, while Chinburg contributed 20% affordable housing units and helped establish a Community Trail easement.

Chad Kageleiry, a Dover native who operates Summit Land Development, explains his work on the Stonewall Drive Industrial Park project. Rather than the city taking on upfront costs and risks to develop industrial land, Kageleiry built the necessary infrastructure and was reimbursed by the city. The project also included recreational components, creating multi-use athletic fields.

Both developers emphasize that Dover's collaborative approach makes these partnerships successful. The city's "open for business" mentality, combined with trusted relationships and creative problem-solving, allows projects to move forward that might otherwise be economically unfeasible. Parker notes that successful PPPs require mutual trust and shared goals, with the city, developer, and public all benefiting from the arrangement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover firefighters' 1911 response to a wildfire threatening York Beach, Maine, when they loaded their steamer and hose wagon onto a special train to help battle the blaze alongside sailors from USS Montana and Tennessee.

From Demolition to Renovation: An Update on the Transformation of Dover's Library Jul 08, 2025

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Eric Sanderson, the city's project manager, and Library Director Denise LaFrance about the ongoing renovation of Dover's historic library. The project, which began six months ago, is nearing the completion of demolition work and has started putting new elements back in place. Key structural work includes steel installation in the basement and relocating the fire stairway to improve access between the children's room and the new "Book Maze."

The renovation is a comprehensive "down to the bones" project aimed at creating a safer, more ADA-accessible building. Major changes include expanding the children's room into the basement of the historic 1905 building section, relocating the main circulation desk, adding more meeting rooms, and creating a new central entrance with an elevator and bathrooms on each floor. The project has faced some delays due to lead time issues with electrical equipment and window restoration challenges, pushing the anticipated reopening from January to February 2026.

While operating temporarily at the McConnell Center since December 2024, the library has discovered new community partnership opportunities, including expanded outreach programs, homebound delivery services, and collaboration with local organizations and schools. These innovative approaches will continue after the library returns to its renovated space. The library is currently in its busy summer reading season, offering programs for all ages both at the temporary location and through increased off-site programming.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about former Mayor Jack Buckley's 1979 decision to resign from office to become executive director of the Dover Housing Authority, where he served for 34 years and transformed affordable housing in the city, including overseeing the Cocheco Park development and converting the historic Saint John's Methodist Episcopal Church into elderly housing.

Cochecho Arts Festival's 39th Year: New Energy, New Features, Same Great Community Spirit Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

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 39th annual Cochecho Arts Festival. The festival features a diverse lineup of Friday night headliners from July 11 through Aug. 15, including The Coastals, Moon Boot Lover, New Norde and Donaher, Harsh, Toby McAllister and the Sierra Sounds, and Wheel of Awesome.

The festival maintains its tradition of free admission to all events, funded through generous sponsors, including the Orpheum Co-Work apartments as the main underwriter and the Rotary Club of Dover sponsoring the Friday night series. New features this year include a redesigned logo, $10 buttons offering free water and restaurant discounts, plus entry into a kayak raffle, built-in rain dates (Aug. 22 and 29), and family activities like lawn games and a t-shirt slingshot during intermissions.

The children's series runs Tuesday mornings starting July 8, featuring performers like BJ Hickman, Wildlife Encounters, and magician Wayne Moulton. Additional programming includes a Saturday afternoon creative arts showcase in Henry Law Park and weekly artist booths at Friday night shows. The festival emphasizes supporting local talent while paying all performers fairly, embodying Dover's commitment to accessible community arts programming.

Parker then speaks with Erin Bassegio and Brian Early for their monthly recap of June activities. Brian covers the City Council's approval of $18 million in bonding for the Dover High School athletic complex project, additional waterfront development funding, and the renaming of the Washington Street Bridge to honor fallen Marine Capt. Jack Casey. Erin reviews Planning Board activities, including approval of a major residential-commercial overlay district off Littleworth Road and various subdivision and site plan approvals.

A Calling to Serve: Superintendent Bill Harbron's Eight-Year Journey in Dover Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with outgoing Dover School Superintendent Dr. William Harbron about his eight-year tenure and upcoming retirement. Harbron reflects on what drew him to Dover from Ohio, particularly the quality and supportiveness of the Board of Education and the community's commitment to education. He discusses his role in "healing the district," as former board member Paula Glen advised him upon arrival, and how he focused on building collaborative relationships and investing in professional development.

Harbron highlights key accomplishments including the development of a streamlined one-page strategic plan, the expansion of the teaching and learning department from one to four staff members, and the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Professional Learning Communities. He emphasizes the importance of systematic thinking and collaboration, praising colleagues like CFO Michael Limanni and MTSS Director Travis Bickford for their innovative approaches.

Looking toward retirement, Harbron discusses his transition to executive coaching, drawing on his experience conducting monthly one-on-one conversations with principals. He stresses that education is a "calling" rather than just a job, sharing stories about the importance of teachers connecting with students. Harbron also reflects on improving city-school relationships, crediting City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. for fostering collaboration between the municipal and school sides of Dover's government. He emphasizes his philosophy of stewardship, believing leaders should recognize when their skill set has served its purpose and it's time for new leadership.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's 1990s exploration of creating its own municipal electric utility to escape high rates from Public Service of New Hampshire, a controversial effort that ultimately failed, but led to today's Community Power program launched in 2023.

Updating the Land Use Chapter of the Master Plan Jun 17, 2025

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In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department about Dover's 2025 Land Use Chapter update to the Master Plan. Bassegio explains that this critical chapter, one of two required by the state, hasn't been updated since 2014 and encompasses much more than just land use, including demographics, economic development, housing, and community character.

The city is working with Resilience Planning and Design, the same consultant from the previous update, who has completed an existing conditions summary showing that Dover's growth has been consistent and sustainable, matching earlier projections well. The steering committee includes diverse representation from the Planning Board, City Council, public members, Open Lands Committee, Industrial and Business Development Authority, and Community Housing Needs Committee.

Parker and Bassegio discuss Dover's approach of updating Master Plan chapters in "bite-sized chunks" rather than comprehensive overhauls, which allows for focused expertise and community engagement. They note the connectivity between the recently updated Vision Chapter and this Land Use Chapter, with the vision serving as "pillars" and land use as the "foundation."

The project is currently in the outreach phase, with the existing conditions report available on the city website. Public engagement will intensify over the summer through surveys and educational opportunities. A draft chapter is expected in fall 2025, with Planning Board review scheduled for October-November. Bassegio emphasizes the importance of educated public participation in this strategic planning process. More on the Land Use chapter can be found here: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/master-plan/land-use-analysis-/

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's 1927 Flag Day celebration hosted by the local Elks Lodge, featuring patriotic ceremonies, music, and speeches that drew a full house to commemorate American unity and citizenship.

Waterfront District Mid-Year Update: Buildings Rise, Park Takes Shape Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rob Simmons, director of development for Cathartes, and Jamie Stevens, the city's project manager for the Waterfront Project, to discuss the mid-year progress on Dover's waterfront development.

Rob Simmons provides an update on the private development portion, highlighting that the mixed-use buildings are fully framed with roofs installed, allowing interior work to begin. The project includes two main buildings (C and D) with ground-floor commercial spaces and residential units above, plus 23 townhouses in building E. Building C will house a 5,000-square-foot co-work facility and Evan Hennessey's Topolino restaurant, while building D features additional commercial space and a rooftop deck with river views. Simmons notes strong market interest, with plans to potentially start building F (condominiums) later this year and buildings A and B within 18-20 months.

Jamie Stevens discusses the public improvements, including significant progress on the park infrastructure with sidewalk installation around the Riverwalk area and granite curbing work beginning on Main Street. He explains the dramatic eight-to-ten-foot elevation change between the roadway and park level, designed for flood resilience. The park will feature an overlook between the main buildings, a pavilion, lawn areas, and pathways that transition from urban concrete to more natural stone dust surfaces. Stevens also addresses construction challenges, including unexpected discoveries like corroded sheet piles that required design modifications to install a granite wall system.

Both expect completion by Memorial Day 2026, with the apartment buildings opening 5-6 months earlier.

Building Dover's Future: A Look at Upcoming Construction and Infrastructure Projects Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

From Stigma to Support: Dover's Commitment to Mental Health Awareness May 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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