November 20th Select Board Newsletter
November 20, 2020
Dear Stratham Residents,
Please read below for news and notes from the Town of Stratham. In this edition:
- NH Face Covering Requirement- Governor's Executive Order #72
- Lights 4 Lives Fundraiser
- Update on Planning Board Preparations for 2021 Town Meeting
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Flood Maps
- Drought Conditions
Please remind your neighbors about this resource for keeping on top of information from the Town. To sign-up for these updates and other notifications, please visit: https://www.strathamnh.gov/subscribe.
The Select Board
Michael Houghton, Chairman Joe Lovejoy, Vice Chair Allison Knab
NH Face Covering Requirement- Governor's Executive Order #72
On November 20th, the Governor's executive order pertaining to wearing masks in public spaces (indoors and outdoors) where six foot distancing cannot be achieved took affect. For purposes of this Order, the term "public spaces" includes any part of private or public property that is generally open or accessible to members of the general public. Public spaces include, but are not limited to, lobbies, waiting areas, outside plazas or patios, restaurants, retail businesses, streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, elevators, restrooms, stairways, parking garages, etc. To read more about the order, please see here.
The Lights 4 Lives fundraiser has begun! This year's proceeds will benefit two worthy causes: families in need and local businesses.
For more information and to find out how you can participate, please visit www.strathamlights4lives.org or follow this link: www.strathamnh.gov/home/files/l4l-2020-announcement Stay tuned for information on the holiday parade being held December 19!
PLANNING BOARD PREPARES ZONING CHANGES FOR 2021 TOWN MEETING
Following the 2020 Town Meeting vote to not support the advancement of a TIF District as a tool to spur development (facilitated by water and sewer services infrastructure), the Planning Board has worked to address zoning changes in in the Gateway and Town Center Zoning Districts. The current zoning regulations are largely focused on the premise of public infrastructure availability thereby making Planning Board processing of applications very difficult as projects essentially cannot comply with the regulations as written. Understanding that some uses, densities, and amenities called for in the current zoning language are unable, or at least unlikely, to be introduced into the Gateway given the lack of water and sewer infrastructure, this proposed amendment effort is designed to better pair the vision of the 2019 Master Plan and the Zoning Regulations to allow the Board to more effectively process applications.
In addition, the Planning Board is also preparing zoning amendments that will encourage adaptive re-use and preservation strategies for historic properties along the Route 33/Portsmouth Avenue corridor between Town Center and the Greenland town line. This work is based on the work of the Rt. 33 Legacy Highway Ad-Hoc Committee. To read more about their work, please visit the Ad Hoc committee’s web page.
The Board plans further discussion on these item at their December 2nd meeting as well as December public hearing. Please be on the lookout for more information, including in Stratham Magazine in December.
BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS
The Recreation Commission is seeking a member to fill a vacated position. This is a three year term. Interested applicants should fill out this application and submit it to krichard@strathamnh.gov.
FEMA - NEW FLOOD MAPS
FEMA has announced that updated flood maps will go into effect on January 29, 2021. For more information and to compare current and pending maps, please visit: https://www.nh.gov/osi/planning/programs/fmp/coastal-mapping-project/
DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Reminder: Drought conditions persist according to the latest November 19 update for indoor water saving tips and outdoor water use restrictions.
Important: If you are experiencing well shortage issues you may qualify for the Low-Income Residential Drought Assistance Program.