Dover NH Planning: planning

Showing posts with label planning. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

New Blog Post

We are shifting over to tumblr for the blog. Today's is on 6 elements of planning. Check it out at: http://dovernhplanning.tumblr.com/post/23542753063/basic-planning-building-blocks or just follow the blog itself at http://dovernhplanning.tumblr.com

Monday, May 21, 2012

April Recount

Below is the report that the Department submitted to the City Manager for April:

FY2012 CITY COUNCIL EXPECTATIONS OF CITY MANAGER

4. Continue to communicate with the community through hosting of periodic ward and neighborhood meetings such as quarterly Dover Discussions along with exploring new methods to increase interaction and participation by citizens in local governance and community forums.

The Department of Planning and Community Development continued to update its blog, face book page and twitter feed to communicate with the public. The Department of Planning and Community Development has 154 Facebook (City of Dover NH Planning) friends and 300 followers on Twitter @DoverNHPlanning).

During the month of April, four (4) Planning blog posts were drafted, one looking at the relationship between planning and home improvements, two reviewing the Director of Planning and Community Development’s recent trip to the National Planning Conference. The final covered the March report to the Manager. The blog had over 400 page views in the month of April, which brings the total page views to over 10,400 for the blog.

The Department of Planning and Community Development promoted the Dover Community Trail through the facebook fan page for the trail (with 311 fans), as well as a Sustainable Dover facebook fan page for the trail (with 136 fans).

The Director of Planning and Community Development filmed two promotional videos for Dover Download to air on Channel 22. The videos highlight the Dover2023 Community Visioning project, and upcoming Planning Board workshop topics.

The Director of Planning and Community Development and Assistant City Planner attended the thirteenth annual Dover Pride Clean Up Day, produced by Dover Main Street. The Director served as the City’s liaison with Main Street and its volunteers, and the Assistant City Planner worked alongside residents in cleaning up areas of Henry Law Park.

The Department of Planning and Community Development held three community input sessions in April as part of its Dover 2023 Community Vision project. The three were neighborhood meetings at the three elementary schools (April 10, 12 and 16). These meetings further refined and prioritized the visions elements that had been expressed at the March meetings. The information will be refined further at the May 1 and May 5^th communitywide meetings.

The Director of Planning and Community Development was a featured speaker at the Dover Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs meeting. At this meeting the Director spoke about Dover 2023, and about planned transportation projects in Dover.

8. Attend workshops and participate in other education opportunities to further continuing professional development.

In April, Planning and Community Development staff participated in one (1) seminar. The topic was developing leadership skills. The focus was on informing Baldridge based institutions on ways to review and improve systems.

The Director of Planning and Community Development continued to be part of the team developing conference topics and themes for this year’s New Hampshire Planner’s Association annual conference in May.

The Director of Planning and Community Development continued as one of the 35 participants in the Leadership Seacoast program. This program is 9 full days, spread out over 4 months, designed to challenge personal assumptions about critical issues while exploring diverse ideas, resources and practices. This is all done with a focus of the seacoast region. In April, the group visited Concord as part of Government Day.

The Director of Planning and Community Development attended the National Planning Conference, produced by the American Planning Association. This four day conference focused on rethinking planning initiatives and modernizing systems and techniques to communicate ideas to the public. The Director attended sessions on funding opportunities, using zoning maps to convey more than just zoning boundaries, climate change, innovative web page and tablet tools to communicate plans and planning to the public, and sessions on management strategies to bring efficiencies to plan review processes.

9. Develop a closer working relationship with the School Department and all other City Departments. Further explore and pursue opportunities where City and Schools can combine and/share services for the benefit of the community and report to the City Council.

10. Support local businesses to aid in the community’s economic growth by working in conjunction with local economic development groups and business organizations.

The Director of Planning and Community Development continued to work with the Economic Development Director to review the proposed infill development proposal and its revisions, as presented by River Valley Development. This included attending the City Council workshop reviewing the infill opportunities.

12. Complete the implementation of the ongoing energy efficiency improvements and provide periodic reports of energy savings.

Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) has completed the first quarter energy report for the City. JCI completed energy upgrades and improvements to City buildings and facilities as part of a guaranteed energy savings contract with Dover. The City is on track to save $319,463 in the first year of the contract with JCI which started in November through October, annually for a ten (10) year period. Fiscal year to date savings are $186,516. The report can be viewed at www.dover.nh.gov, under “Current City Reports.” The report is titled: Johnson Control M&V Report 1st Quarter Report

GENERAL DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

FOCUS/GOALS:

Planning and Community Development staff worked in April with staff at COAST to review locations for bus stops and ways to improve transit frequency. The review focused on handicap accessibility and installation of bus shelters at stops. These shelters will allow users to be protected from the elements while waiting for the bus.

Planning staff continued to work encouraging participation in May’s Bike/Walk to work week. The City has hosted a free breakfast to “green” commuters for the past two years and plans on promoting the event this year, as well.

Planning staff worked with Strafford Regional Planning Commission staff to complete an application for the designation of Route 108 from the Durham line to Portland Avenue as a scenic byway promoting the mills in Dover. This application will be forwarded to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for review and inclusion in this Federal program. Additionally, staff withed with the Commission on a Coastal Grant to review fluvial erosion concerns along the Cochecho River. Dover staff will assist the Commission with in-kind matching efforts for a grant the Commission received. Finally, Planning staff worked to educate the Commission staff regarding Dover’s Park and Ride facilities. This work included background, grants applied to fund the projects, user statistics and operations overviews.

Planning staff worked on the Community Trail, to assist in its completion. This work included working to develop bids for the construction of the connector under the Spaulding Turnpike and Whittier Falls Way. Work also included reviewing drainage and vandalism concerns along the Fisher Street to Folsom Street portion and reviewing sign needs along the whole length of the trail. Finally, staff updated trail maps online and in promotional material.

Planning staff worked with residents of the Atkinson, Belknap, Cushing and Lexington neighborhood as part of the traffic calming project contained within the CIP. This project is investigating options for traffic calming that will work best for the neighborhood. Jeffery Taylor and Associates has been retained to assist the neighborhood and staff in this project. The project is intended to be completed this summer.

In addition to the day to day activities in the Planning Department, staff facilitated the following applications before Boards and Commissions:

Planning Board

· Continued a public hearing on renovating a former shoe factory/warehouse into 42 units of housing located at 1 Dover Street.

· A site walk was held April 3, 2012 for the Dover Street project.

Zoning Board

· Tabled a variance request for Salmon Falls Holdings for 46/48 Arch Street from Section 170-12 and 170-40 of the Zoning Ordinance.

o This will allow for the erection of a 3 unit dwelling, where single family are allowed by right.

· Granted a variance request for McQuade realty at 2 Sumner Drive from Section 170-12.A of the Zoning Ordinance.

o This allows a Commercial Recreation facility in the Rural Industrial District.

Conservation Commission

· A request for a NHDES Permit by Notification for John Gesek located at 127 Spur Road.

o This allows a the owner to conduct work adjacent to the Bellamy River in a tidal wetland to replace six existing creosote timber pilings on a fixed pier with new pressure treated pilings in the same locations.

Transportation Advisory Commission

· Endorsed a group of residents who wish to install walkability signs to improve pedestrian mobility in Dover.

o This pilot project will be done in conjunction with City staff.

· Approved a request to add a stop sign on Dover Street at Park Street.

· Approved a request to add two stop signs on Ham Street at Park Street.

· Approved a request to remove a one way restriction on the Woodman Park School access road.

· Approved a request to remove a prohibition of parking on Central Avenue, southbound, near Tuttle Square (Silver Street).

Energy Commission

· Held an organizational meeting, approving rules, identifying when meetings will occur and discussing the election of officers.

Ensure timely preparation and presentation of the FY13 – 18 Capital Improvements Program.

The Capital Improvement’s Program was approved by the City Council on December 14.

Coordinate update of Land Use and Transportation chapters of the Master Plan, through development and implementation of Speak Out Dover and associated survey programs.

Work continued on the Dover 2023 visioning sessions. Three were held at the elementary schools in April, on the 10, 12, and 16^th. These sessions sought to prioritize the results from the March meetings and to refine the direction that vision elements might direct the City to take. These elements will be further refined in May.

Review, and update as needed, the Community Development Block Grant program to ensure compatibility with Best Management Practices.

The Director of Planning and Community Development and the Community Block Grant Coordinator met with representatives from HUD to discuss changes that might be put in place, which will refine the process, while still meeting federal guidelines. These include the presentation of data and the solicitation and collection of application information.

Promote streamlining plan review through use of electronic means amongst internal staff (smart board at TRC etc).

Pricing of the installation of a smart board in the Second Floor conference room in City Hall has placed this project on hold.

Analyze the City Code to ensure that City regulations encourage sustainable practices in city operations and encourage green practices by residents and business owners.

The Planning Board has undertaken a review of the final 5 land use amendments suggested by the EPA Building Blocks report. These amendments act to promote alternative energy sources, reduce the City’s carbon footprint and encouraging use of sustainability through resource allocation. The Planning Board reviewed these on April 24^th, and is continuing to support 4 of the 5 amendments.

Develop educational opportunities for staff and board/commission members that are low resource cost, whether through staff presentations to boards/commissions, or web based education.

The Director of Planning and Community Development worked with the Planning Board Chair to develop an educational program for the 2012 workshops that occur the second Tuesday of the month for Planning Board members. The April topic is land use board orientation and sidewalks vs shoulders for roadways. The May topic will be issues facing Great Bay and the Capital Improvements Program.

Increase outreach and education to business and residents on benefits of infill development and transit oriented development as means to develop and redevelop in Dover’s urban core.

The Assistant City Planner and the Economic Development Director continue to develop outreach materials for businesses on Dover’s sign regulations.

The Director of Planning and Community Development is developing an invitation to business owners. The invitation will be to meet with Planning staff and discuss the relation between developing a quality of life Dover residents would like, while being supportive of economic development.

Coordinate discussions and implementation of improved pedestrian and vehicular way finding signs in downtown Dover.

Planning staff met with residents who wish to work on this project. The project will be a pilot project, which the residents are fundraising to support.

DEPARTMENTAL COLLABORATION & ENHANCEMENTS

The Director of Planning and Community Development was selected to moderate a session on using Arts and Culture in revitalizing a community as part of this year’s New Hampshire Planner’s Association annual conference in May. The session will be the closing session.

Planning and Community Development staff assisted the Community Services and Inspection staff with a review of outstanding issues on several projects, and took the lead on reaching out to the developers. The plans/projects are as follows:

· Gladiola Way

· Willand Pond

· Silver Street reconstruction request for proposals.

· Nelson Street reconstruction request for proposals.

· Centennial Drive

· Property at the intersection of Ham and Park Streets

· 99 Columbus Avenue

· Olive Meadow Lane

Planning staff worked with land owners of property at the following locations on development or redevelopment opportunities:

NH Coffee on Sumner Drive
Spruce Lane
544 Tolend Road
37 Dover Point Road
28 Dover Point Road
Thornwood Commons project
6 Dover Point Road
Temple Israel
44 Arch Street
1 Washington Street
23 Horne Street
Various properties owned by Robbins Auto Parts Realty
Properties at the intersection of Oak Street and Central Avenue.
The Herbal Path
Property on Dover Neck Road
Property on lower Central Avenue
Dover Community Garden
Dover Fields project on Durham Road.

DEPARTMENTAL ACKNOLWEDGEMENTS

Monday, April 16, 2012

LA Impressions Part II

Today was day four in LA. I decided to skip the conference lunch and explore my surroundings on foot. The LA Convention Center is in Downtown LA, which like many downtown areas in spread out cities, is almost a misnomer. I get the impression that LA is a city of neighborhoods, and not a City, in the more traditional sense.

I wanted to see what the downtown area was like, so I used Google Places to find a restaurant that was 2 miles away and plotted a not so direct route to walk there. On the way I passed through quite a few districts or areas, and saw some really great architecture. This conflicted with my initial impressions of LA having the sort've anywhere USA building styles.

As with many cities, the turn of the century to pre WWII buildings have incredible character and are really ornate and interesting to walk by and experience. I really enjoyed the walk and the round about way, while annoying Google Navigation, on my phone, was really a great opportunity to see a consistent and reinforced urban feel.

If you are ever here, I suggest Pershing Square. This park, near the central library, is very different than the normal park or square you experience in say a New York. It is an event center as well as a recreational spot. It is a good mixture of hard scape and land scape and it includes an underground parking facility as well as public transit hubs and while I couldn't do it justice with photos there is a very unique public bathroom here, too. In a way it reminds me of the sculpture garden in Seattle.

I had to laugh quite a few times about signage. Some makes so much sense, I wonder why it isn't more prevalent in other cities. As you move down a street, mid block there are signs to give you a heads up about the cross street you are coming to. This is so simple and an obvious benefit for visitors to your community. The reverse of this is the ever present wall sign. I am not talking the simple business name on the wall, but whole sides of tall buildings, including my hotel. I'll upload a photo when I get back, but for now, check out this image (older but still similar). Walking along today, I saw two crews on different buildings painting these signs.

I can only imagine the sign review process for these signs.

Tomorrow I am finishing the conference with four sessions in the morning, and then a mobile workshop in Orange County. It will be interesting to get out of the City and check it out. I am sure, like everywhere else I have visited here, it will be a unique place with a look and feel all its own.

A comment from yesterday (thanks John), asked if I saw the Cyclivia event on Sunday. This event was amazing and if I hadn't been interested in seeing it, I couldn't have missed it. Basically, it was a seven mile block party promoting safe, car free spaces for people to flow around the city. It was really well done and from a basic premise really worked well to promote streets for all forms of travel.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

LA State of Mind

I am at the 2012 national conference for the American Planning Association. The conference, this year, is in Los Angeles. It is my first trip to LA. So far, I can see the appeals of the City, but also understand the draw backs.

For someone coming from New Hampshire, it is nice to see mountains and different environments around me. I had expected more of a homogenous environment, and while there is a dull brown color to everything, there are a lot of different climates here and environments.

What is off putting though is the amount of time you need to spend in a car to get to those different environments. It is not a shock really. We always hear about of Californian's, not just Angelenos, love their cars. This is to a whole different level. Not only are the roads clogged (it took 40 minutes to go 20 miles on Saturday - on the highway), people don't seem to walk anywhere. They get in their cars to go 2 blocks.

I have heard numerous times from people that certain roads need pedestrian safety islands, because crossing the streets is too dangerous, on certain streets in Dover. Here it feels like every crosswalk crosses 6 lanes of traffic. One thing that is very odd, for an East coaster, is that people don't jaywalk. If the pedestrian light isn't green, they don't go. It doesn't seem to matter if their are cars coming or not, people wait their turn. This just doesn't feel right to me.

What I can say about LA is that while there isn't an overall beauty or sense of place, like their is in Boston or New York, there are pockets of extreme beauty and scenery. The Santa Monica Pier is stunning, the Hollywood sign is cool, Malibu Canyon, breathtaking. Get off those paths though and it is any city USA. I am staying in Downtown LA. There are buildings here that are your typical tall glass steel skyscrapers. They don't have a feel or look to them. On the other hand I spent part of today on a tour of architecture along the famous Wilshire Boulevard. There are some stunning examples of Art Deco buildings here and they should be tops on peoples lists of things to check out.

One real eye opener: the prevalence of unhealthy food. I had this myth of Californians eating healthy and vegetarian, and being fit and trim. Well if Angelenos are fit and trim it is thanks to exercise. In New England cities, there is a Dunkin Donuts on every corner. Here there is a Winchells Donuts on every corner, and then a local mom and pop place mid block. If you want something a bit more substantial, there are hamburger places and hot dog stands evenly spread between the donut shops. I get that there is a car culture and that burgers epitomize that, but wow. For my waist line, it is a good thing I can't eat donuts. I'd come home 10 pounds heavier.

So those are my first impressions of the City.

Those and the fact that for a place that sees over 350 days of sunlight, the first day I was here, Friday, it poured, which was odd. That and the fact that I packed only shorts, and it hasn't been much warmer than 60s, has thrown me off. I was expecting heat and more heat. This is the Southwest, right?

This blog entry is a bit short, but I'll write more over the next few days with other thoughts and impressions.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Planning = Remodeling

Ms. Dover Planner and I have been trying to figure out how to make our kitchen more functional and useful for us. This weekend we did some investigation - looking at cabinets and light fixtures, thinking about flooring, marveling at costs. In the end I realized that community planning and home remodeling are very similar activities.

How you ask? Well, for one thing with planning you are working with an environment you most likely didn't create. Dover has had many planners before me. I certainly wasn't here in 1623 (birth), 1855 (adolescence), 1973 (post college), nor will I be here in middle age (2123)? That said, others were here and did what they thought was good planning for the community. They reacted to the world around them, trends, ideas, functions, and they made changes to Dover as they saw fit.

My house was born in 1928. It has been lived in ever since, and has grown and evolved beyond the depression era it was constructed. The kitchen has changed somewhat (apparently a lot in the 80s - according to the style of cabinets we have), as flooring styles have come and gone (we have hard wood covered by linoleum, covered by plywood, covered again by linoleum). By pealing back the levels of flooring, paint and wall paper, my wife and I are learning about our house.

This effort of learning about our house is similar to the work I do with the City. I love to peal back the layers and learn about why traffic flows where it does. Why setbacks were developed the way they were and why lot sizes are what they are. These things are like learning about my house. The roadways locations are analogous to where the stairways and halls are in my house. Home improvement show's always talk about the way rooms flow together. The same thing happens in planning discussions. The utilities are obviously the utilities in my house. The setbacks and clearances are analogous to safety requirements in a house. Certainly both home projects and community planning projects have plans.

Just as we need to make changes in Dover from time to time, so do we need to make changes in our homes from time to time. Who hasn't wanted to see the garden in their back yard move or put a workshop in their garage or basement. This is the same as promoting agriculture and industry in the community. We learn from what the previous owner of our house did, just as we learn from the previous stewards of planning have accomplished.

We even have public participation in our home remodeling efforts. Who hasn't talk with friends and family about changes to their house? We run ideas by them, and we seek advice. We ask our children how they want to grow in the house. This is similar to how we seek input from the community in our Master Planning.

We seek experts in both realms as well. I am by no means an expert on economic analysis or traffic generation. So, from time to time I need to contact a consultant to get advice at work. Same thing at home. I understand plumbing, but for many reasons, I'll hire a plumber to relocate pipes. I'll ask an electrician to help with a new ceiling fan. We need these experts to help us make the right improvements to the house (did some say there might be another analogy between home remodeling and the capital improvement's program?).

It was a fun moment to come up with this analogy, because I find that 90 percent of the time people can't relate to city planning as a function. Most people can relate or appreciate what a police function is or what a public works function is, but planning? That seems weird. I like this home remodeling analogy because it helps make planning tangible.

Interactive time: does this analogy make sense to you? If not what's a better analogy? Also, first person to ID the significance, for the City of Dover, of the three years I mentioned above wins a prize.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

February Goings On

Wondering what we did in February, in the Planning Department? Wonder no more, just read on...

The Department of Planning and Community Development continued to update its blog, face book page and twitter feed to communicate with the public. The Department of Planning and Community Development has 145 Facebook (City of Dover NH Planning) friends and 294 followers on Twitter @DoverNHPlanning).

During the month of February, four (4) Planning blog posts were drafted, including one on explaining zoning amendments the Council adopted, one reviewing the EPA Nitrogen Loading requirements currently under review, one discussing the Dover 2023 Community Visioning process. Finally, the January report to the Manager was included. The blog had over 370 page views in the month of January.

The Department of Planning and Community Development promoted the Dover Community Trail through the facebook fan page for the trail (with 295 fans), as well as a Sustainable Dover facebook fan page for the trail (with 126 fans).

The Director of Planning and Community Development filmed a promotional video for Dover Download and to air on Channel 22. This video highlights the Dover2023 Community Visioning project.

The Director of Planning and Community Development was a guest on WTSN’s Open Mike on February 27, 2012. The topic was the upcoming Community Visioning project.

The Director of Planning and Community Development attended the EPA public hearing on the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, The Director spoke as part of the City’s presentation on the implications a 3% nitrogen load might have on smart growth and other planning initiatives the City has undertaken.

The Director of Planning and Community Development attended the ward 1/3/6 Citizen Speak Out session on February 23, 2012 at Langdon Place.

Finally, this month the Department of Planning and Community Development sent out 28 letters to new homeowners congratulating them on their purchase, as well as informing them of the current zoning for their property and alerting them to the various methods the department uses to inform and update the public.

8. Attend workshops and participate in other education opportunities to further continuing professional development.

In February, Planning and Community Development staff participated in one (1) webinar. The topic was regulating sand and gravel mining.

In February, Planning and Community Development staff participated in four (4) tele-seminars. The topics all related to creating healthy communities and how planning activities can work to develop healthy lifestyles for residents.

The Director of Planning and Community Development continued as one of the 35 participants in the Leadership Seacoast program. This program is 9 full days, spread out over 4 months, designed to challenge personal assumptions about critical issues while exploring diverse ideas, resources and practices. This is all done with a focus of the seacoast region. In February, the group visited Spaulding High School, in Rochester, as part of Education Day.

The Planning Department followed up with the School Department on the projects that had been included in the Capital Improvement’s Program. The follow up was both to understand the projects that may begin as part of the FY 2013 authorization, but also included a review of potential projects for FY14 – 19.

10. Support local businesses to aid in the community’s economic growth by working in conjunction with local economic development groups and business organizations.

Planning and Community Development staff worked with the Economic Development Director to identify potential business stakeholders who might participate in the Dover 2023 project.

GENERAL DEPARTMENT UPDATES:

FOCUS/GOALS:

Planning and Community Development staff conducted an A-Frame sign sweep, the week of 20^th through 24^th of February. This sweep was developed to review potential illegal A-Frame signs that might exist in the City. As a result Planning staff will work with business and property owners to better understand the City’s sign regulations.

The Planning Department continued to work towards completion of the Community Trail. In February work on the trail included working towards an easement agreement with two abutters to the trail, as well as coordinating two separate grants to secure funds for extensions of the trail toward the south of Fisher Street.

Additionally, the Director of Planning and Community Development worked with Timberland, Inc on developing a scope for a work day that will be held in Dover to celebrate Earth Day. This scope included reviewing sections of the trail to have volunteers work on and potential projects along the canoe launch installed in 2011.

In addition to the day to day activities in the Planning Department, staff facilitated the following applications before Boards and Commissions:

Planning Board

· Granted a Conditional Use Permit to allow Seacoast Kettlebell to relocate from their existing Central Avenue location into an industrial space located at 23 Horne Street.

· Held a public hearing on applications submitted by public service organizations to the City for an allocation of funds granted to Dover by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

o 14 applications have been submitted for public service and public facilities funding.

· A Conditional Use Permit was granted for Michael and Shelby Brewer located on Fourth Street

o This will allow encroachment into the wetlands buffer for a house and driveway.

· Granted a one year extension for a major subdivision approved in 2006.

o This is a four lot subdivision off Tolend Road on a private road.

· Granted approval for Graystone Builders (owners Lionel and Kristina Paradis) to subdivide land on Tolend Road.

o This subdivision will create 4 lots, along the existing roadway.

§ No new road will be created.

Zoning Board

· Granted a variance for STF Development Corp. at 39 Dover Point Road from Section 170-12.A of the Zoning Ordinance.

o This will allow construction of 8 townhouse residences, with shared access to the adjacent parcel

· Granted a variance for South Dover Investment Group at 37 Dover Point Road from Section 170-12.A of the Zoning Ordinance.

o This amended a prior variance approval to allow for 32 units, and removed the requirement for congregate care, to provide that the units on the first floor be occupied by residents age 55 or older, to remove the age restrictions for the second and third floors, and to remove the requirement that food service be provided.

· Granted a variance for The Housing Partnership (Owner Sydney Robbins Trust). at 1 Dover Street from Sections 170-12A and 170-12B of the Zoning Ordinance.

o This will allow construction of 42 apartment residences within an existing warehouse.

o This will allow a reduction in the amount of passive open space required on site from 4300 square feet to 2600 square feet.

o This will allow the structure to exceed the height restrictions in the district by 12 feet (currently the building exceeds the height by 10 feet).

Conservation Commission

· A Conditional Use Permit was endorsed for Michael and Shelby Brewer located on Fourth Street

o This will allow encroachment into the wetlands buffer for a house and driveway.

Transportation Advisory Commission

· Continued to review a request from a resident to install a yield sign at the intersection of Spruce Lane and Garrison Road (in favor of Garrison Road).

· Received an update regarding traffic hazards on Portland Avenue.

· Discussed regarding school transportation issues

Ensure timely preparation and presentation of the FY13 – 18 Capital Improvements Program.

The Capital Improvement’s Program was approved by the City Council on December 14.

Coordinate update of Land Use and Transportation chapters of the Master Plan, through development and implementation of Speak Out Dover and associated survey programs.

The Master Plan Steering Committee held meetings on Tuesday, February 7, and February 28. The Committee worked on the survey that will be used to gather input. The work included reviewing questions asked during the 2006 Speak Out sessions as well as the UNH Telephone Survey that was conducted. Additionally, the community conversation, which will be held March 10, 2012, was discussed and prepared for.

The Conservation and Open Space Steering Committee recently completed a year long effort to update the Conservation and Open Space chapter of the Dover Master Plan. The committee was comprised of members from the Conservation Commission, Open Lands Committee and other interested members of the public. On February 16, 2012, the Committee members voted to endorse the final draft of the chapter and forward it onto the Planning Board for their review. The Chair of the committee, Lee Skinner, will be presenting the revised chapter to the Planning Board at a workshop on March 13, 2012 . It is expected that the Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the chapter on March 27, 2012.

Review, and update as needed, the Community Development Block Grant program to ensure compatibility with Best Management Practices.

Department of Planning and Community Development staff continued to review how neighboring communities administer their Community Development Block Grant programs. This review is part of the overall review staff is completing on our program, as well as part of the application process, which began in January and will be completed in March.

Promote streamlining plan review through use of electronic means amongst internal staff (smart board at TRC etc).

Pricing of the installation of a smart board in the Second Floor conference room in City Hall has placed this project on hold.

Analyze the City Code to ensure that City regulations encourage sustainable practices in city operations and encourage green practices by residents and business owners.

The Planning Board has undertaken a review of the final 5 land use amendments suggested by the EPA Building Blocks report. These amendments act to promote alternative energy sources, reduce the City’s carbon footprint and encouraging use of sustainability through resource allocation. Planning staff will be completing most of the amendments and presenting them to the Planning Board on March 13, 2012.

The first 10 amendments that were approved by the Planning Board are before the City Council for its review and adoption. The City Council forwarded the amendments to a public hearing on February 8, 2012. After the public hearing the Council held a workshop and then approved the amendments, with a minor addition, on February 22, 2012.

Develop educational opportunities for staff and board/commission members that are low resource cost, whether through staff presentations to boards/commissions, or web based education.

The Director of Planning and Community Development worked with the Planning Board Chair to develop an educational program for the 2012 workshops that occur the second Tuesday of the month for Planning Board members. There are 9 workshops scheduled with topics ranging from legislative updates, to low impact development.

Increase outreach and education to business and residents on benefits of infill development and transit oriented development as means to develop and redevelop in Dover’s urban core.

The Assistant City Planner and the Economic Development Director are working on education and outreach material to reach out to businesses regarding Dover’s sign regulations.

The Director of Planning and Community Development is conducting a review of the Department’s web site and the information contained within it and other similar sites to ensure that data is current and valuable.