Center Strafford
Center Strafford, NH · Events
Foster's Daily Democrat
Dover residents raise warming center safety fears. City responds.
DOVER — The Veterans Hall building at 156 Back River Road will serve as a temporary emergency cold-weather warming center for unhoused people starting Nov. 15. Many neighboring residents are raising security and safety concerns. The temporary location is needed due to construction delays for the new Strafford County warming center being built on County Farm Road. The new center won't be ready for the start of the 2026-2027 season, which runs from mid-November to mid-April. The shelter opens on extremely cold nights or in severe winter storms, as directed by Dover, Rochester and Somersworth leaders. Dec. 15 is the new estimated open date for the new facility, according to city officials and Strafford County Commission Chairman George Maglaras. Until then, if needed, the Veterans Hall building will be used, Dover city officials announced last week. This is a change after city officials had initially announced the McConnell Center cafeteria would be used as the temporary site. Concerns raised by residents around the Veterans Hall include drug use and improper disposal of needles, according to those who reached out to Foster's Daily Democrat and posted in social media. Neighbors also claimed the building isn't adequate for the use and raised
Foster's Daily Democrat
Demolition in Dover to make way for 173 housing units, restaurant
DOVER — Demolition of the existing building at 47 Chestnut St. is moving forward, with plans for a mixed-use development on the parcel that will bring more than 170 residential units, plus a restaurant and commercial space. The project was originally approved by the city Planning Board in 2022, and an extension was approved in March 2025. The property was previously home to Family Dollar, a NH State Liquor Store and Iron Empire Gym, but has appeared vacant for years. The project received a demolition permit in early November. This movement follows a delay attributed to financing the project, Francis Bruton of the Bruton & Berube law firm wrote in a request for a project extension filed with the city in the spring of 2025. Details of Dover 47 Chestnut St. project An aerial view of a site plan filed with the city depicts the building to include a restaurant with outdoor seating, a club room, fitness, co-working space and a courtyard closest to the Cochecho River. The application states the mixed-use development will bring 173 residential units, and a restaurant and commercial space on the first floor. The four upper floors would house a mix of studios, one-bedroom and
laconiadailysun.com
Foster's Daily Democrat
everafterinthewoods.com
9 New Hampshire Meat Markets Where Quality Cuts Don’t Come With Premium Prices
A machine that tumbles steak tips like a tiny clothes dryer? That’s not something you see behind every butcher counter. And one New Hampshire meat market uses exactly that trick to get its marinades deep into the meat. And that’s just one of the details that caught my attention....
capeandislands.org
NH family court judge under investigation over handling of guardianship case
A New Hampshire circuit court judge is facing a slate of ethics charges over his handling of a guardianship case in Milford, including an allegation that he performed his own investigation into a party in the case outside of the courtroom. The New Hampshire Judicial Conduct Committee is accusing Judge...
Portsmouth Herald
Exeter Park Street Bridge deemed unfixable; replacement could cost millions
EXETER — Wright-Pierce — the engineering firm hired to evaluate options for the Park Street Bridge — told officials that rehabilitation isn’t feasible, and that any alternative could carry a steep price for the 134‑year‑old span that has long linked Exeter neighborhoods. The Select Board heard from the firm at its Nov. 9 meeting as it weighs options on what to do with the bridge that freight rail company CSX hopes to remove. Residents first petitioned the board four months ago to save the bridge, arguing the crossing is essential for neighborhood connectivity, especially for emergency response and faster access to Exeter Hospital. Without it, they fear response times in critical situations could double. The bridge was closed in February 2025 after part of its wooden deck failed, and subsequent inspections uncovered additional structural steel issues. CSX has cited safety concerns in its push to remove the bridge, but residents continue urging the town to repair and reopen it. Most recently, residents — with town support — successfully advocated to put the bridge on the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance’s Seven to Save list. The nonprofit is dedicated to bringing attention and resources to “threatened” and “endangered” historic properties. Why isn’t
Foster's Daily Democrat
Dover mayor tells veterans 'our gratitude is more than just words'
DOVER — Dover Mayor Dennis Shanahan spoke directly to those who served the military in attendance at the city's Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 11, and all veterans. "On behalf of our city, we thank you," he said. "Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice and thank you for the burden that you accepted on the behalf of others, on behalf of us. Our obligation today is to recognize the people who have served our country and to make sure our gratitude is more than just words." The ceremony opened with colors presented by the Dover High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, and a performance of the national anthem by the DHS band. An opening prayer was led by the Rev. Alan Tremblay of Parish of the Assumption in Dover. Shanahan said Dover in 2023 celebrated the 400th anniversary of European settlement, 2026 is the 250th year of the nation's independence, and in September this year the city recognized the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "A common thread runs throughout these. That common thread is the commitment and sacrifice of our country's veterans," said Shanahan. "Without those that took up arms to establish
Only In Your State
Portsmouth Herald
Exeter says no to downtown paid parking: ‘Not ready for prime time’
EXETER — After hearing strong opposition from residents across three public hearings, the Select Board said the proposed downtown paid‑parking pilot program was “not ready for prime time.” The board said Nov. 9 it would shift its attention to enforcing the current ordinance and improving signage, and send the proposal back to town staff to address community concerns — particularly around downtown resident parking and the potential effects on local businesses and their employees. The one‑year paid‑parking pilot, recommended in a 2024 downtown traffic, parking and pedestrian study by consultant Stantec, would have applied to both on‑street spaces and municipal lots across town. The draft ordinance called for tiered rates for on‑street parking to encourage turnover in front of businesses, and a flat rate for off‑street parking. The first 15 minutes would be free in all parking zones, and drivers would pay by text, call or app. Enforcement would be handled by four part‑time employees. More: Exeter's Park Street Bridge lands on Seven to Save list amid fight over its future Why did the Select Board reject the proposal? Select Board member Dan Chartrand said that based on the input the board received from residents across the public hearings, the
tnhdigital.com
Curating Change: How Molly Flagg is rewriting the rules of sustainable thrift
DURHAM, N.H. — Molly Flagg softly twisted the doorknob, allowing the door to swing open to a room filled with vintage apparel and artifacts. Coach, Harley-Davidson, Carhartt – Bratz even – lined the walls of the store. “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and grateful...
theridernews.com
Men’s basketball falls to 0-3 after America East-Metro Challenge
Rider men’s basketball faced the America East-Metro Challenge, where they fell to the University of New Hampshire, 66-55, and Binghamton University, 75-63, opening their season with an 0-3 record. Struggles in the gap. To stop the Wildcats’ early lead on Nov. 5, sophomore forward Rich Brisco made a crucial...