Presidential Primary Unofficial Election Results for Durham, NH

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 9:45 PM  From Oyster River High School Polling Location

A photograph of Democratic Presidential candidate Vermin Supreme taken this past Saturday in Manchester, NH.  Courtesy Susan Roman Dear Members of the Community, The unofficial First in the Nation NH Presidential Primary results for Durham, NH are in.  The polls opened in Durham at 7 AM and closed at 7 PM at the Oyster River High School.  In total 1,097 Republican and 676 Democratic ballots were cast for a total of 1,773 votes. This turnout is equivalent to a moderately high turnout in a town/school board election for Durham. Election results are as follows: REPUBLICAN PARTY Joe Story – 0 Linden Swift – 0 James A. Vestermark – 0 Vern Wuensche – 0 Michele Bachmann – 1 Bear Betzler – 0 Timothy Brewer – 0 Herman Cain – 1 Mark Callahan – 0 Hugh Cort – 0 Randy Crow – 0 L. John Davis, Jr. – 0 Keith Drummond – 0 Newt Gingrich – 62 Stewart J. Greenleaf – 0 Christopher Hill – 0 Jon Huntsman – 296 Gary Johnson – 3 Fred Karger – 0 Jeff Lawman – 0 Benjamin Linn – 1 Andy Martin – 0 Michael J. Meehan – 0 Ron Paul – 219 Rick Perry – 1 Joe Robinson – 0 Buddy Roemer – 10 Mitt Romney – 437 Kevin Rubash – 1 Rick Santorum – 56 Miscellaneous Write-ins – 3 Blank Ballots - 3 DEMOCRATIC PARTY Randall Terry - 0 Aldous C. Tyler – 0 John Wolfe, Jr. – 0 Ed Cowan – 2 Bob Ely – 3 Craig “Tax Freeze” Freis – 2 Bob Greene – 2 John D. Haywood – 2 Robert B. Jordan – 1 Barack Obama – 632 Cornelius Edward O’Connor – 0 Edward T. O’Donnell, Jr. – 2 Darcy G. Richardson – 3 Vermin Supreme – 6 Miscellaneous Write-ins - 16 Blank Ballots - 3 A thank you is extended to all of the election officials who worked hard preparing for and officiating a smooth election day in Durham today.  A thank you is also extended to the Oyster River Cooperative School District for the use of the High School gymnasium all day, as well as to the Durham Department of Public Works for setting up the polling place for citizens of the community. Please have a good evening.

Todd Todd I. Selig, Administrator Town of Durham, New Hampshire

Congress Considers Proposals that would be Detrimental to Amtrak Downeaster Rail Service in Durham, Dover, and Exeter

There are currently proposals before the U.S. Congress that would substantially reduce funding for Amtrak generally and eliminate all funding for state-supported Amtrak service, including the Downeaster.

Since the return of passenger rail service to Durham in 2001, the Amtrak Downeaster has provided an important service to Durham by allowing its citizens to use the train as an alternative means of transportation in place of the private automobile, as well as bringing visitors to the community and thereby enhancing our efforts toward economic development and sustainability.

Since 2001, a total of 406,328 riders have used the train from Durham/UNH.  Dover station ridership to date equals 394,642.  Exeter station ridership totals 652,949.  Approximately 55,000 riders per year are now utilizing the Durham/UNH station.

On November 7, 2011, the Durham Town Council unanimously passed a resolution seeking support from the State of New Hampshire Congressional Delegation and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch in preserving Durham and each of the NH stations as stops on the Downeaster route. To view the resolution, click HERE.

Additional information may be obtained from Trainriders Northeast at http://www.trainridersne.org/.   

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

Hurricane Irene Update - Town of Durham - Monday, 8/29/11, 6:00 PM

Dear Members of the Community, ​It will be at least several days before power is restored to all Public Service of New Hampshire customers across all of New Hampshire that lost power on Sunday. As of 11:30 a.m., PSNH reported about 90,000 customers were without power due to the impact of Hurricane Irene. PSNH line crews are currently working to restore power across the 159 impacted New Hampshire communities. There remain a number of areas in Durham with roadways closed, and to our knowledge approximately 1,300 PSNH customers in Durham without power.  On a positive note, PSNH reports that as of 4:30 PM there were two powers crews in Durham and a number of tree crews were headed toward the community.  We have received a report that a section of Packers Falls Road has had power restored.   PSNH is working to restore power to the Sprucewood assisted living facility on on Mill Road as a priority location at this time.  PSNH reports that Packers Falls Road has been a challenge for them.   Residents are asked to let the PSNH crews go about their business when they are signted in town.  A PSNH supervisor has contacted the Town to indicate that if we want the crews to go about resoring power, they cannot spend time in the field answering questions from residents.  Please be considerate of this challenge on the part of PSNH employees. Two PSNH trucks are also addressing power challenges in downtown Newmarket.   In speaking with colleagues and others over the course of the day today, it appears that Durham has more PSNH restoration activity this afternoon than any other community within the Epping workcenter area.  PSNH is simply strapped for manpower as power crews that would typically assist NH are allocated elsewhere addressing power loss in CT, MA, VT, and Canada as a result of Hurricane Irene.   DURHAM CLOSED ROADWAYS The Durham listing of closed roadways associated with PSNH power lines is as follows to the best of our knowledge given the fact that PSNH crews are now operational in town: Longmarsh Road at Route 108 Bagdad Road at Sophie Lane Packers Falls Road 100 yards from Newmarket town line Packers Falls Road near Jenkins Road in Lee Durham Point Road at #360 Adams Point Road In addition, two citizen calls have come in this morning with power line concerns: 19 Garden Lane reports a large cluster of branches on lines that they fear will pull the lines down with a strong wind. 74 Mill Road reports a large maple tree on the wires. All of this information has been called in to PSNH.  Town has been in touch with PSNH over the course of the day and will continue to do so until power is restored.  If residents have specific concerns about road closures, please contact the Durham Department of Public Works at (603) 868-5578.  The Public Works Department is not able to remove downed trees that involve power lines hence the reliance on PSNH.  DO NOT ASSUME PSNH KNOWS YOU HAVE NO POWER Residents without power should not assume the power company knows that they have no power even if the outage was previously called in.  At times, the utility company will address the problem believed to be causing the power outage and after doing so will “clear” the circuit with the assumption that all power service has been restored within that circuit even though it may not be fully restored.  If you do not let the power company know you still do not have power, the company will not know.  If your neighborhood does not have power, don’t hesitate to let the Public Works Department know at (603) 868-5578 so that we can continue to advocate for power restoration in your neighborhood.  WHAT WAS PSNH DOING TODAY IN DURHAM'S REGION? The PSNH Epping Work Center which services Durham was earlier today centering its efforts on restoring a main transmission line along Route 4 which should restore power to areas of Madbury, Lee, Barrington, and Strafford.  Unfortunately, a Hydro-Quebec Power reinforcement caravan routed to the Epping Work Center was recalled to Canada in the early hours of the morning to address Hurricane Irene damage in Canada.  These additional crews from Hydro-Quebec were scheduled to arrive this morning as reinforcement for local work center crews.  WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire should contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage. For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432. For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645. DOWNED POWER LINES SAFETY TIPS Residents are encouraged to be aware of hazards associated with downed power lines. Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time. Stay at least 10 feet away from the wire. Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire. Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire. Never use any object to move a downed wire. If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle: Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized. Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help. If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time.  DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time. If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911. UNH HAS OPENED THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER UP TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location.   The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH and is open at this time.  WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324.  Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911. TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE As has been the case in the past, the Town has endeavored to issue public service alerts as needed to keep the community informed of emergency situations in town.  Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” broadcast system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us.  JOINT DURHAM-UNH OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED FOR STORM EVENT To ensure limited personnel were optimally deployed on Saturday, at 6 AM a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces.  This approach proved extremely successful in Leaning up our emergency response.  Where two to three vehicles from various agencies were required in the past to confirm a problem and then direct the appropriate equipment to address it, now one vehicle was frequently able to handle the issue freeing up other staff to address myriad other challenges over the course of the day yesterday.  Compliments are extended to the Durham Fire Department and Chief Corey Landry for this Kaizen suggestion. FIRE DEPARTMENT WENT DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD  On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events.  If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance.  FIRE LAST THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD There was a serious structure fire this past Thursday morning at 256 Mast Road.  This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel.  Occupants of the structure were not injured.  Two cats perished.  Three dogs were saved.  One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved.  Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire.  After an evaluation, the firefighter was released.  We appreciate everyone’s patience as the Public Works Department and PSNH work to open roadways and restore power to residents. Todd Todd I. Selig, Administrator Town of Durham, NH T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572 tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Hurricane Irene Update - Durham, NH - Monday, 8/29/11, 12:30 PM

Dear Members of the Community,

There remain a number of areas in Durham with roadways closed, and approximately 1,315 PSNH customers in Durham without power. 

The Durham listing of closed roadways associated with PSNH power lines is as follows:

• Longmarsh Road at Route 108
• Bagdad Road at Sophie Lane
• Packers Falls Road 100 yards from Newmarket town line
• Packers Falls Road near Jenkins Road in Lee
• Durham Point Road at #360
• Adams Point Road

In addition, two citizen calls have come in this morning with power line concerns:

• 19 Garden Lane reports a large cluster of branches on lines that they fear will pull the lines down with a strong wind.
• 74 Mill Road reports a large maple tree on the wires.

All of this information has been called in to PSNH. 

Town has been in touch with PSNH over the course of the day and will continue to do so until power is restored. 

If residents have specific concerns about road closures, please contact the Durham Department of Public Works at (603) 868-5578.  The Public Works Department is not able to remove downed trees that involve power lines hence the reliance on PSNH. 

DO NOT ASSUME PSNH KNOWS YOU HAVE NO POWER

Residents without power should not assume the power company knows that they have no power even if the outage was previously called in. 

At times, the utility company will address the problem believed to be causing the power outage and after doing so will “clear” the circuit with the assumption that all power service has been restored within that circuit even though it may not be fully restored.  If you do not let the power company know you still do not have power, the company will not know. 

If your neighborhood does not have power, don’t hesitate to let the Public Works Department know at (603) 868-5578 so that we can continue to advocate for power restoration in your neighborhood. 

THE LATEST FROM PSNH

The PSNH Epping Work Center which services Durham is at this time centering its efforts on restoring a main transmission line along Route 4 which will restore power to areas of Madbury, Lee, Barrington, and Strafford. 

Unfortunately, a Hydro-Quebec Power reinforcement caravan routed to the Epping Work Center was recalled to Canada in the early hours of the morning to address Hurricane Irene damage in Canada.  These additional crews from Hydro-Quebec were scheduled to arrive this morning as reinforcement for local work center crews. 

WHO TO CALL TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE

During a power outage, residents who obtain power from Public Service of New Hampshire should contact PSNH directly at 1-800-662-7764 to report their outage.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC), the phone number to report outages is 1-800-343-6432.

For a limited number of Durham households who obtain electricity from Unitil, the phone number to report outages is 1-866-761-6645.

DOWNED POWER LINES SAFETY TIPS

Residents are encouraged to be aware of hazards associated with downed power lines.

• Consider all wires ENERGIZED and dangerous. Even lines that are de-energized may become energized at any time.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from the wire.
• Electricity can travel through the ground. Therefore, a live wire touching the ground can harm you even if you don't touch the wire.
• Electricity can also travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.
• Never use any object to move a downed wire.
• If a broken power line should fall on your vehicle:
• Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives, as your car may be energized.
• Warn others not to touch the vehicle and have them call for help.
• If you must leave the vehicle, jump as far away as possible with both feet landing on the ground at the same time.  DO NOT touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time.
• If someone makes contact with a downed power line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Call 911.

UNH HAS OPENED THE HAMEL RECREATION CENTER UP TO RESIDENTS AND STUDENTS FOR SHOWERS AND FOR USE AS A RESPITE AREA IF NEEDED

The University of New Hampshire has graciously opened its Hamel Recreation Center up to residents and UNH students for showers and as a respite location.   The facility is located at 128 Main Street, Durham, NH and is open at this time. 

WHO TO CALL IN DURHAM FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE

If residents need general assistance, they may contact either the Durham Fire Department at 868-5531 or the Durham Police Department at 868-2324. 

Residents with an emergency are urged to call 911.

TUNE IN TO THE TOWN’S LIST SERVER FOR EMERGENCY INFORMATION AS WELL AS THE TOWN’S WEB SITE

As has been the case in the past, the Town has endeavored to issue public service alerts as needed to keep the community informed of emergency situations in town.  Please encourage people who may not regularly subscribe to the weekly “Friday Updates” to sign up to receive public service broadcasts via the “Friday Updates” broadcast system via a portal on the Town’s home page at www.ci.durham.nh.us. 

JOINT DURHAM-UNH OPERATIONAL COMMAND CENTER ACTIVATED FOR STORM EVENT

To ensure limited personnel were optimally deployed on Saturday, at 6 AM a Joint Operation Command Center was activated at the Durham Fire Department for police, fire, UNH, and public works forces. 

This approach proved extremely successful in Leaning up our emergency response.  Where two to three vehicles from various agencies were required in the past to confirm a problem and then direct the appropriate equipment to address it, now one vehicle was frequently able to handle the issue freeing up other staff to address myriad other challenges over the course of the day yesterday. 

Compliments are extended to the Durham Fire Department and Chief Corey Landry for this Kaizen suggestion.

FIRE DEPARTMENT WENT DOOR TO DOOR IN BENNETT ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD 

On Thursday afternoon, 8/25/11, firefighters went door to door within the Bennett Road/Cold Springs Road neighborhood encouraging residents to take appropriate precautions given the propensity of that area to flood and be cut off during heavy rain events.  If the neighborhood does become isolated due to flooding, the Fire Department will again endeavor to post a crew within the isolated area to provide assistance. 

FIRE LAST THURSDAY ON MAST ROAD

There was a serious structure fire this past Thursday morning at 256 Mast Road.  This is a UNH property occupied by maintenance personnel.  Occupants of the structure were not injured.  Two cats perished.  Three dogs were saved.  One dog was provided CPR by fire personnel and was miraculously saved.  Unfortunately, one Durham firefighter had to be transported to the hospital following the fire.  After an evaluation, the firefighter was released. 

We appreciate everyone’s patience as the Public Works Department and PSNH work to open roadways and restore power to residents.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T. 603.868.5571 || F. 603.868.5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us || www.ci.durham.nh.us

Durham Market Analysis Focuses on Opportunities Associated with the University of New Hampshire

TOWN-WIDE MARKET ANALYSIS OF DURHAM

 

On Monday evening, April 11, 2011, the Durham Economic Development Committee received a long-awaited presentation from Mr. Ian Colgan of Development Concepts, Inc. regarding the recently completed Town-Wide Market Analysis for Durham.  The report was written by Mr. Colgan, Dr. Ross Gittell from the University of New Hampshire, and Dr. Charles Colgan from the University of Southern Maine.  The purpose of the report is to help the community better understand the economic market in which we exist with the long-range goal of capitalizing on available opportunities to enhance the vibrancy of Durham and broaden the local tax base in a desirable manner.  While the full report may be viewed on line at http://ci.durham.nh.us/generalpdfs/town%20wide%20market%20survey.pdf  (please ignore the “draft” stamp across the front – we await a non-PDF version from the consultant), highlights from the report follow:

 

DURHAM DEMOGRAPHICS

 

• The Town of Durham’s population is 14,638 according to the 2010 Census.

 

• Approximately 58-60% of the Town’s total population is made up of UNH students. 

 

• Utilizing 2010 Decennial Census data the consultant estimates a UNH student population of 8,323 and a full time Durham resident population of 6,527.

 

• Durham residents are highly educated - more than 40% have professional or graduate degrees. 74% of the Town’s population has a bachelor degree or higher.  The population average of all other geographies in Southern New Hampshire is between 20-30%.

THE DURHAM HOUSING MARKET

 

• Median Durham family income is significantly higher than surrounding areas - at $114,757. This number reflects the non-student population only.

 

• Durham’s housing market, which the consultant deems affordable for current residents, may act as a barrier to new residents wanting to relocate from other parts of the Region.

 

• Even with a national recession affecting housing cost, the median annual sales price of single family homes in Durham have increased 15% over the last two years, with the median annual price of all for-sale product increasing by 11%. Regional trends and the pressure on the local market will influence the local housing market, maintaining a relatively high housing cost.

 

• Amenities and availability of land have significant influence on the cost of housing  --more than Durham’s relatively high tax rates.

 

• Housing is not affordable for low to average wage workers in Durham, who would need to average $48 per hour ($100,000 in annual salary) in order to meet average housing cost.

 

• The Town’s highly rated school system and the location of the University of New Hampshire within proximity to downtown Durham provides ample amenities that attract residents.

 

• The Oyster River Coop School District is ranked 10th in the State of New Hampshire for all school districts with 1,000 or more students (ranking is based on test scores.)  The strength of the district is an asset to the community which helps to bolster housing prices.

 

DURHAM'S STUDENT HOUSING MARKET

 

• University of New Hampshire students exert the most pressure on the housing market. The lack of on- and off-campus housing opportunities for students has forced many to seek alternative housing options within residential neighborhoods and in surrounding communities.

 

• It is estimated that approximately 2,600 UNH students live in off-campus housing within the Town of Durham, while 4,300 UNH students live outside of the community.

 

• It is estimated that as many as 30% of all UNH students live outside of Durham. Given the appropriate circumstances, there may be an opportunity to broaden the tax base by attracting some of these students back into town via new and/or updated housing offerings.

 

DURHAM'S RETAIL MARKET

 

• The potential to expand Durham’s retail market exists, but on an incremental level. The Town should focus on “enhancement” over “expansion,” aiming to add an additional 25,000 – 35,000 square feet.

 

• Durham should focus the majority of its “enhancement” on retail targeted to the resident and employee populations.
 
• At the time of this Study, much of Downtown’s businesses were aimed at University students, marked by the high numbers of limited service restaurants, student services, and college themed stores. With the existing student housing demand unfulfilled, the potential to add student-focused retail should only be encouraged when the demand for student housing is met with additional units in the Downtown area.

 

• Downtown Durham is the best location for retail enhancement due to higher than average population densities and traffic counts.

 

• Currently a $30 million dollar retail gap exists for Durham residents and employees ($ spent outside of Durham which could realistically be spent here instead). Some of this leakage maybe recaptured by increasing the goods and services targeted towards these two population groups.

 

• There appears to be an opportunity to attract 25,000 - 35,000 sq. ft. of new retail, much of which will materialize as smaller scale “storefront” retail that draws upon residents, employees and residents of nearby towns like Newmarket and Lee.

DURHAM'S HOSPITALITY (HOTEL) MARKET

 

• Currently there are two hotels in Durham with a total of 91 rooms.

 

• The number of hotels located in communities surrounding Durham is evidence that there is a sufficient market to support additional hotel space in Durham.

 

• There is currently a high supply of conference / meeting space in Durham. However, with the New England Center vacating 12,000 square feet of space it is plausible additional space could be absorbed in the market.

DURHAM'S OFFICE & INDUSTRIAL MARKETS

 

• One of Durham’s best opportunities for non-university based employment growth is to focus on incrementally increasing job opportunities in the health care sector. If the market continues at a similar rate, Durham could expect to add 51 jobs in the health care sector alone.

 

• The largest hurdle to growth in the employment sector is Durham’s short supply of available office space.

 

• The lack of immediately developable land does little to help the deficit of available office space.

 

• While sites exist in Durham, very few exist that are development ready, and many lack utilities and other infrastructure needed for development.

 

• Durham should focus on a long term strategy to add office space on the land that is ready for development, such as the Durham Business Park, but the Town will require a corresponding economic development strategy to attract businesses due to the lack of speculative office / industrial market.

 

• The lack of available office space makes it difficult to gauge demand for this type of space in Durham. Demand may exist, particularly from University commercialization efforts, but without an inventory of available space, trends in the office or industrial market are difficult to predict.

 

• Existing vacant office space is currently the only option for growth opportunities for new businesses in Durham.

 

• One major reason for Durham’s lack of available space, is the lack of development ready land.

DURHAM'S UNIVERSITY RELATED OPPORTUNITIES

 

• The core of a university based commercialization strategy exists and Durham is likely to be a key player in the regional context.

 

• Start-ups and university-led commercialization initiatives will present a limited opportunity for the Town. But without the necessary space to compete for businesses, the start-ups will eventually out grow Durham and seek alternative communities for the 2nd and 3rd Phase growth.

 

• A strategy to increase space will allow Durham to be competitive in the regional market. This opportunity will most likely be centered on real estate development, and it is up to Durham to decide how aggressive an approach to take.

 

• UNH’s Research & Commercialization and InterOperability Laboratory are poised for upcoming growth.

 

• The IdeaGreenhouse and Innovation Commercialization Center (ICC) will likely be crucial first stage components of a University commercialization strategy.

 

• University R&D led development efforts surrounding UNH are too nascent to be able to predict specific real estate impacts and growth. Opportunities exist, but local efforts in engaging UNH will need to be proactive in order to capitalize on future commercialization growth and expansion should it happen, as well as prevent a significant percentage of that growth from moving to other communities.

 

Residents can also watch the April 11, 2011 EDC meeting on line at http://dcat.pegcentral.com.