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The Exeter Select Board's proposed one-year paid-parking pilot sparks heated debate as residents call for exemptions and businesses weigh in on customer turnover.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #PublicInput #ExeterParking #TransportationReform #CommunityEngagement
Exeter hears strong public pushback and support in third hearing on paid-parking pilot
At three public hearings the Select Board heard hours of testimony on a proposed one-year paid-parking pilot covering roughly 445 stalls; residents urged resident exemptions and stronger enforcement of current two‑hour rules, while some business owners said paid parking would increase customer turnover.
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October 27, 2026 at 8:29 PM
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The Exeter Train Station Committee is taking a bold step to change New Hampshire laws and pave the way for state-supported passenger rail, aiming to enhance community safety and accessibility.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #LegislativeAction
Exeter station committee votes to pursue changing New Hampshire law to let state support passenger rail
The Exeter Train Station Committee voted unanimously to pursue legislative changes to state statutes that members said constrain New Hampshire support for passenger rail, directing staff to gather exact RSA language and follow up with legislators and the executive council.
citizenportal.ai
October 22, 2026 at 6:21 AM
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Exeter's proposed paid-parking pilot has ignited a fierce debate among residents and business owners, raising concerns about equity, accessibility, and the potential impact on the local economy.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EconomicImpact #PublicInput
Residents, business owners spar over Exeter paid-parking pilot at packed public hearing
A lengthy public hearing on a proposed downtown paid-parking pilot drew a packed Novak Room and divided speakers: small-business owners and residents expressed concerns about costs and seniors' access, while others urged better enforcement of existing two-hour limits and targeted pilot designs.
citizenportal.ai
October 19, 2026 at 10:45 PM
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Exeter is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth future revaluation, proposing a warrant article to save $90,000 a year amid a statewide assessor shortage.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #PropertyRevaluation #ExeterAssessors #BudgetPlanning #CivicAccountability
Town plans warrant article to fund future revaluation amid assessor staffing gaps
After the town's assessor retired and outside vendor capacity was limited, staff proposed a three-year warrant-article funding schedule to set aside $90,000 per year to prepare for an estimated $250,000 revaluation, and to avoid litigation or state enforcement down the road.
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October 20, 2026 at 12:06 PM
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The Exeter Select Board has put the brakes on a proposed sewer route for a new subdivision after community concerns about wetland impacts and maintenance obligations took center stage.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #WetlandProtection #PublicInvolvement
Select Board delays decision on Exeter Country Club sewer route after abutters and Conservation Commission raise wetlands, maintenance and easement questions
Developers asked to use town-owned Lot 8 for a gravity sewer main to serve a 14-lot subdivision; the Conservation Commission and abutters asked for more information about wetland impacts, alternatives (pump station), easement terms and maintenance, and the board scheduled a joint review with ConCom and DPW on Nov. 9.
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October 20, 2026 at 12:24 AM
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As Exeter residents grapple with the future of the Exeter Reservoir dam, echoes of past concerns about safety and water quality loom large.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #WaterQuality #ExeterResidents #PublicSafety #CommunityEngagement
Town advances study of Exeter Reservoir dam as residents weigh options
Town presenters said studies are underway for the Exeter Reservoir dam off Portsmouth Avenue, noting residents face similar questions about impacts, safety, and water supply that arose with the Great Dam and Pickpocket projects.
citizenportal.ai
October 3, 2026 at 9:27 AM
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New Hampshire's heavy reliance on property taxes for school funding raises urgent questions about equity and workforce development in our communities.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation #EducationFunding #ExeterEducation #LocalTaxation
Exeter discussion highlights heavy reliance on property taxes for schools
At a Rotary meeting, the town manager and members discussed that roughly 70% of public-school costs are covered by property taxes in some communities; Cohen said the New Hampshire Municipal Association lobbies on education funding and that legal challenges may be needed to change state funding formulas.
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October 3, 2026 at 4:51 PM
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Exeter is moving forward with plans to remove the Pickpocket Dam, targeting restoration work for summer and fall 2028—are you ready to see how community input is reshaping our waterways?

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EngineeringInnovation
Exeter advances Pickpocket Dam removal to final design, targets summer–fall 2028 work
The town reported the Pickpocket Dam reached 60% design in August and will enter final design and permitting in 2027, with removal and restoration planned for summer and fall 2028.
citizenportal.ai
October 3, 2026 at 8:33 AM
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Exeter's groundbreaking feasibility study is setting a national standard for towns grappling with dam removal, proving that public involvement can turn skeptics into supporters!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSustainability #ExeterCommunity
Exeter’s feasibility study becomes a model for other towns considering dam removal
Speakers said Exeter's feasibility study and public engagement process have been used by other communities, with acknowledgments to Mimi Becker, Deb Lazell of New Hampshire DES and NOAA staff for outreach and study design.
citizenportal.ai
October 2, 2026 at 3:33 AM
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Exeter's bold move to remove the Great Dam has sparked a stunning resurgence of river herring, with counts skyrocketing from under 100 to an estimated 330,000 in just a decade!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EcologicalRecovery #ExeterEcology #RiverRestoration
Ten years after Great Dam removal, Exeter sees large herring rebound and river recovery
A decade after the Great Dam was removed, town presenters and officials cite monitoring data showing river herring counts rising from under 100 in the early 2000s to over 167,000 in 2021 and an estimated 330,000 in 2026, and describe broad ecological improvements.
citizenportal.ai
October 2, 2026 at 2:11 AM
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High home prices in the Seacoast are driven by soaring construction costs and market pressures, but multifamily housing could provide a surprising fiscal boost for local communities.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #WorkforceHousing #ExeterHousing #FiscalResilience
Exeter manager says workforce housing is difficult to build, multifamily can help town finances
Paul Cohen told Rotary members that high demand in the Seacoast and market pressures make workforce housing difficult to build; he said multifamily development can be fiscally positive once tax revenue and student impacts are evaluated.
citizenportal.ai
October 1, 2026 at 8:52 PM
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Exeter's Select Board has taken a crucial step by approving a $10,000 study on the Park Street Bridge, aiming to clarify ownership and explore alternatives like pedestrian access.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Exeter awards $10,000 study to Wright‑Pierce for Park Street Bridge alternatives
The Select Board voted unanimously to hire Wright‑Pierce for a desktop alternatives analysis up to $10,000 to clarify options for the Park Street Bridge, while residents urged the town to resolve ownership questions and consider pedestrian-only or grade‑crossing alternatives.
citizenportal.ai
September 15, 2026 at 5:46 AM
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From a tragic loss, a powerful movement began in Exeter aimed at transforming mental health education in schools across the state.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #ExeterSchools #CommunitySupport #EducationAccess #MentalHealthAwareness
Connor's Climb grew from a family's loss; foundation funds free school education
The foundation started after a 2011 student death in Exeter; founder Tara sought to provide free suicide-prevention education to Exeter High School and expanded the effort statewide, organizers said.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 9:45 PM
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In New Hampshire, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24, but a community 5K aims to change that by raising funds and awareness for crucial prevention education.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #ExeterYouth
Organizers stress youth suicide risk, urge community to join prevention effort
Speakers highlighted that suicide is the second leading cause of death for New Hampshire youth ages 10–24 and said the foundation's education and community 5K aim to reduce stigma and get trusted adults talking.
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September 10, 2026 at 4:56 PM
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Join us in Exeter on September 20 for the Connor's Climb 5K, where every step helps fund vital suicide-prevention education programs!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #ExeterSuicidePrevention #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #MentalHealthAwareness
Connor's Climb 5K set for Sept. 20 in Exeter to fund suicide-prevention education
The Connor's Climb Foundation will hold its annual 5K on Sunday, Sept. 20 in Exeter to raise money for suicide-prevention education delivered to trusted adults in schools statewide; registration opens around 8–8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 4:05 PM
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Exciting updates from Exeter's Public Works: CSO barrel cleaning is in progress, a crucial clarifier replacement might need extra funding, and a new groundwater well is set to make waves early next year!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal
Public Works outlines CSO cleaning, clarifier contingency and new Drinkwater Road well
Public Works told the Water & Sewer Advisory Committee that CSO barrel cleaning proposals are pending, a clarifier replacement may need an additional ~$5,000 for manufacturer QC, and the Drinkwater Road groundwater well is expected to be online by early next year.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 1:59 PM
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The Pear Pointe Park advisory committee just kicked off its design journey, raising over $41,000 to turn community dreams into reality!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #ExeterParks #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #StakeholderEngagement #PublicFunding
Pear Pointe Park advisory committee approves minutes, opens design kickoff
Chair Steven Jones opened the Pear Pointe Park stakeholders advisory committee kickoff; members approved the draft minutes, thanked volunteers for a publicity video and heard from KZLA about next steps for design, schedule and grant work.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2026 at 1:05 AM
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Exeter's water system is nearing its limit on peak days, prompting officials to recommend caution on new connections until vital upgrades are completed.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #SustainablePlanning #WaterResourceManagement #InfrastructureDevelopment
Exeter officials warn limited water capacity will force case‑by‑case review of new connections
Public Works Director Steve Cronin told the Select Board that Exeter’s current water system has limited margin on peak days and that pending infrastructure projects (Drinkwater Road well; Larry Lane replacement; surface water plant replacement) are needed before the town should commit major new demand. The board heard the presentation but took no formal vote.
citizenportal.ai
August 26, 2026 at 12:44 AM
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The Train Station Committee is championing Rail Safety Awareness Week with innovative, community-driven activities that promise to make our railways safer for everyone.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety #PublicSafety #CommunityAwareness
Committee backs Rail Safety Awareness Week push, plans Operation Lifesaver outreach
The Train Station Committee approved a slate of low‑cost, community‑focused activities for Rail Safety Awareness Week (Sept. 21–27), including public pledges, school outreach, volunteer training with Operation Lifesaver and a platform presence coordinated with Amtrak police and rail carriers.
citizenportal.ai
August 21, 2026 at 8:27 AM
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Exeter commissioners are standing firm against proposed changes to the federal Section 106 process that could silence tribal and public voices in preserving historic landmarks.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicInput #ExeterHistoricPreservation
Exeter commissioners vote to send brief letter opposing proposed Section 106 changes
After reviewing proposed changes to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the commission voted to draft and send a brief letter to the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance opposing the changes; the motion passed with one abstention.
citizenportal.ai
August 20, 2026 at 10:17 AM
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Big changes are coming to Exeter as town planners push the master-plan update to 2027 and unveil an ambitious $16.1 million grant proposal for safer streets!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #InfrastructureImprovement #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #ExeterPlanning
Board reviews master-plan update, train-station placeholder and SS4A corridor grant opportunity
Planning staff moved the master-plan update from 2028 to 2027 ($90,000), flagged a placeholder for train-station design in 2028, and reviewed a competitive Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant proposal totaling about $16.1 million (80% grant, 20% local match ≈ $3.2M).
citizenportal.ai
August 14, 2026 at 1:38 AM
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Exeter is making strides in water safety with a comprehensive lead service-line inventory and ambitious plans for a new groundwater source set to flow by 2027—are you ready to dive into the details?

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #ExeterWaterQuality
Town outlines lead-service inventory, new groundwater well and water-treatment planning
Staff reported completion of an initial lead service-line inventory and presented a staggered 10-year plan to identify roughly 2,200 unknown services; they described a Drinkwater Road groundwater source (estimated 400 gpm) expected online by June 2027 and previewed a surface-water treatment project estimated between $30 million and $50 million.
citizenportal.ai
August 14, 2026 at 1:37 AM
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Exeter is set to receive a substantial highway block grant of $325,564.99, paving the way for crucial road maintenance and upgrades in 2027!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CommunityBudgeting #CitizenPortal #ExeterHighwayFunding #InfrastructureDevelopment #TransportationFunding
NHDOT estimates Exeter's 2027 highway block grant at $325,564.99
Town staff reported an estimated 2027 Highway Block Grant allocation of $325,564.99 to Exeter, comprised of $289,246.57 in regular aid and $36,318 from Senate Bill 367; payments are expected in four installments and subject to state revenue audit adjustments.
citizenportal.ai
August 12, 2026 at 7:04 PM
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An engineering study is set to evaluate the future of the Park Street Bridge, with residents advocating for solutions that could preserve its role as a vital pedestrian and emergency access route.

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicSafety
Engineering study planned for Park Street Bridge; residents ask whether shoring for pedestrians or emergency access is viable
Town staff say Wright‑Pierce will document conditions and evaluate alternatives for the Park Street Bridge. Neighbors asked engineers to analyze options to shore up the bridge for pedestrian use or limited emergency access rather than full replacement; town staff will meet with NHDOT and SHPO as next steps.
citizenportal.ai
August 12, 2026 at 6:19 PM
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Exeter is on the brink of a housing revolution, with experts advocating for smart zoning changes that could unlock more affordable living options for all!

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#ExeterRockinghamCounty #NH #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #ExeterHousing #CommunityDevelopment #AffordableHousing
Housing advisors urge modest zoning changes and ADU flexibility to add smaller units
Housing presenters recommended modest zoning tweaks to allow manufactured housing in rural zones, permit duplexes/triplexes in R2/R3, extend single-family conversion allowances and relax detached ADU size limits to produce more small, affordable units.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 8:30 PM