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Special Edition - June 12th Select Board Newsletter

TIF Outreach Event, Town Clerk In-person Transactions Resume, SHP Parking Lot Reopens
Posted on: June 16, 2020 - 8:23am

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Dear Stratham Residents,
This special edition newsletter is intended to highlight a few important updates concerning Town business:

  • Select Board Hosting another “TIF” Open House Discussion on June 17th
  • Town Clerk’s Office Resumes In-person Transactions
  • Reminder About Absentee Ballots during Public Health Emergency
  • Stratham Hill Park Main Parking Lot and Parking Areas Reopened to All
  • Town Offices COVID Operations Plan

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

Select Board Holding another “TIF” Open House Discussion on June 17th
In preparation for the upcoming Town Meeting scheduled for July 11th, the Select Board is sponsoring another “open house” discussion on Wednesday June 17th.  The purpose of the event is to renew discussions about the proposed Route 108 Tax Increment Finance District (Articles 14 and 15).  The TIF District Proposal is a tool by which the Town will better be enabled to realize its vision called for in Gateway Zoning and 108 Corridor redevelopment already adopted by the Town. 

This open house discussion follows the model of previous small group interactions on the topic facilitated by the Select Board as part of the public outreach activities leading up to the original Town meeting date.  The discussion is scheduled for June 17th at 7:00 p.m.  While an in person meeting will be held in Room A, residents are encouraged to participate by viewing the broadcast via Facebook Live accessbile via the Town's Facebook Page.  Viewers will be encouraged to submit e-mailed questions before or during the event to dmoore@strathamnh.gov or the Facebook Live forum.  The event format is informal and intended to encourage dialogue and discussion and attendees are encouraged to ask questions.

Here are some links to more information about the purpose of the proposal:

For the TIF Plan, and other information, please visit the Town’s Gateway Implementation Page

Reminder in Brief: What is the Strategy behind the Route 108 TIF District Proposal?
In order to further long-held strategies and decisions recently reaffirmed in the 2019 Master Plan, the Select Board is recommending the Town pursue water and sewer infrastructure in the 108 corridor in order to encourage higher quality and more valuable development in the future.  New value through residential development is slowing, that means without new value the same number of households will be left funding increased tax burden in the future.  

The remaining developable area in Town, which can add value to the tax base is in the Route 108 Corridor.  There are many environmental, social and other quality of life benefits to attracting quality development in addition to the tax benefits.  Our Town’s plans, strategies, zoning decisions and the like have affirmed and reaffirmed this location for redevelopment to better serve the Town.

Town Clerk’s Office Resumes In-person Transactions
The Town Clerks’ Office is now open for in-person transactions at their counter in the Town Offices.  In accordance with the Town’s Operations plan for this public health emergency, all members of the public are required to wear masks, sanitize their hands upon entry, and follow circulation and other signage for a new one-way circulation pattern.  Upon arrival, members of the public are asked to call the number posted on the doorway, where your name will be taken in the order it was received and a member of the Town Clerk’s Office will meet you at the front  entry door.  If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.  A new glass partition between the Clerk’s Office and the lobby has been installed as an additional safety measure.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of the public and our staff.

Town Offices and COVID Operations Plan
As discussed in last week’s newsletter, the Town has been preparing an Operations Plan for the Town Offices for use during this public health emergency.  The goal of the Plan is to begin resumption of face-to-face interactions in the Town Offices (in addition to the Town Clerk’s Office) while ensuring safety for residents and employees of the Town through compliance with social distancing protocols and other strategies.  We will resume more and more face-to-face interactions in the coming days and weeks in accordance with issued guidance and further announcements at the state level.  Meanwhile, residents and other members of the public are still able – and encouraged – to transact business with the Town through electronic means including mail, telephone, or our website.  If you have questions about any Town services or how we have modified our ways of doing business as this time please contact us. 

Reminder: Information about How to Register to Vote by Mail and Vote Absentee
The NH Secretary of State and Attorney General's office have issued guidance for absentee balloting in light of the public health emergency.  NH residents can register to vote by mail, apply for absentee ballots by mail, and vote absentee by mail.  Please see detailed information from the Secretary of State on our website.  Please visit the relevant downloadable forms at the bottom of the Town Clerk's Voting and Elections website.

Reopening of Stratham Hill Park Main Parking Lot and Parking Areas
As of Friday June 12th at 3:00 p.m., the main parking lot at Stratham Hill Park and associated parking areas will reopen and residency restrictions will be lifted.  This development is in keeping with the various announcements of changes to state-wide guidance for a variety of industries and services of recent days from the State of New Hampshire, including the announced expiration of the "stay at home order" on Monday.  The public is reminded of the continued importance of social distancing and handwashing as well as adherence to other guidance and protocols from the State of NH as may be announced.  The Select Board thanks all members of the public for their cooperation during this period of time as well as the work of Town staff across various departments who have worked to ensure public safety on public property and throughout Town.  Bathroom facilities will also be opened.  For facilities within the Park, please refer to posted signage.