The activity in the Town is now back to near normal as we settle in after elections. In spite of what a recent anonymous (and there is more than one person using that tag) commenter said, this blog does not whine, nor is it a whoa [sic] is me site. It is a site where Exeter residents can go to learn what is going on behind the scenes that may or may not hit the newspapers. It is doubtful, as this anonymous commenter poses, that the low voter turnout was because upwards of 79% of voters are happy with the manner in which the town is being run and their tax dollars are being spent and their property tax continues to be the highest in the Seacoast area. And, again contrary to this commenter, there are folks leaving town because of the high property tax, including those who have had their property taken for being in arrears in their property tax payments. All this without even mentioning the increases we will see in our water and sewer bills as millions of dollars are spent to gain compliance with the EPA.
Future postings are going to be less frequent than in the past few weeks, but consistent with what is taking place in Town government. Every effort will be made to keep readers up to date. Again, if you find this blog interesting and useful, pass the word. Comments are welcome, well thought out, factual opinions are more valued. Rants are a waste of readers' time.
Initially we will be focusing on the Planning Board and Historic District Commission activities as it is widely believed that these two bodies have taken positions and actions that are not in keeping with the "Exeter is open for business" mantra Town officials seem to think is true. It is suspected you will come to the conclusion that this is a bit off the mark to say the least.
Thank you Publius for spending your time researching, analyzing and reporting. I do not always have the time to dive as deep as you but I am keenly interested in your publication. I also do not have the sources of information that you have developed over the years. Understanding what is happening in Exeter is extremely important to me and my family. Your facilitation in this priority is deeply appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is gratifying to know this blog is helpful. It does take time and effort to dig out the facts. These posts are vetted as carefully as possible to ensure they are accurate. We have enough misinformation and outright lies being passed out making it difficult to know where to go for the truth.
ReplyDeleteThe Planning Board has NO authority to try to "entice" a residential project proponent to change their proposed design. One would think that the Planning Board and Planning Dept has enough to do without trying to be architects The Board needs to stick to what the regulations give them authority to do. Good for Don Clement for questioning those on the Board who were trying to re-design Al's development.
ReplyDeleteThe Planning Board does have authority to question design on a large project. But these are just suggestions and nothing more. To push an architect to do just a little bit better - is that a problem. The landscape of our quintessential New England town is important to us and how people view us as they drive downtown. The Planning Board in 15 years has approved every project that has come in front of it except for one. How does that constitute being obstructionists. The board has to work within the guidelines that the town has set down for it and they are doing just that while remaining as flexible as they can.
ReplyDeleteThe Planning Board has the authority to question design on a COMMERCIAL project. Just because a project is large, doesn't make it a COMMERCIAL project. Al's proposal is for a RESIDENTIAL project, so the Planning Board does not have the authority to question the design. Sure, it seems innocent enough to "question" or "suggest" but the Board members and Planner have the power to approve, disapprove or add conditions to an approval. That makes every "suggestion" and implicit requirement.
DeleteAbout the 21%. The town does a really poor job of publicizing the deliberative sessions and election day. This is probably something that all currently voting residents would like to see improved.
ReplyDeleteE.W.
Where do you live under a rock?
Deletewhy would all currently voting residents like to see it. Obviously if they voted they knew when the deliberative session and election day was.
DeleteEW makes the assertion above that it is the responsibility of the Nanny State to remind the voter of their accountability to the democratic processes in Exeter. I would like to hear more about this proposed new system of government.
ReplyDelete