Letter
The Epsom planning board recently sanctioned a zoning ordinance
regulating “Small Wind Energy Systems” for your approval. These are
wind-powered generators of up to 100 kilowatts that would be used to
supplement the owner’s own power needs. The ordinance is six pages of dense
regulation. It entails a 14-part application and specifies over fifteen
separate requirements that systems must meet to receive a building permit.
Permits are also required for temporary towers put up just to determine if
sufficient wind exists.
In my opinion, the adoption of this ordinance would significantly
discourage construction of these systems in Epsom. In some cases, the cost
of the permitting process would be as much as the cost of the generator
itself. If you feel that such systems are a nuisance and an eyesore, and if
you have no qualms about telling others how to run their own affairs, then I
suggest that you vote in favor of the ordinance.
This exercise brings up a larger point. People frequently tell me that
the planning board should promote commercial development. Unfortunately, we
are fundamentally a regulatory body. It is not possible to encourage
anything through regulation. The best we can do is to discourage commercial
development less than we discourage residential development. Even that is
difficult because the voters have approved many more regulations on business
than on anything else.
Those who wish to see more rapid commercial development in Epsom can do
several things. First, put zoning changes on the ballot that reduce the
regulation of business. Second, elect Planning Board members who would
reduce the site plan and subdivision regulations that are under the board’s
control. Finally, send like-minded folks to represent us in Concord.
Deregulation is the one way government can bolster the economy without
spending a dime.
Yours,
Dan McGuire
Chairman, Epsom Planning Board
Epsom Residents Oppose Proposed 42 Unit Housing Development
On Wednesday night Feb. 11 the Epsom Planning board met to continue
discussions on a 42 unit cluster housing development proposed for the town
by a Nashua developer.
The meeting was well attended by Epsom residents, and all were unanimous,
and vocal in their opposition to the project! Despite Technical drawings,
and Statistical assurances by the developer… it was apparent to all present
of the problems such a complex would create. The cost of services, road
improvements, and expansion of the Epsom school system, would cost the town
of Epsom FAR more than it would ever gain in Taxes!
It was pointed out too that the town of Chichester would be adversely
affected because of the projected 420 automobile trips added to already
overstressed Epsom and Chichester roads each day.
The Planning Board requested further analysis be done. It was resolved
that discussions should be conducted also with the Chichester Planning board
in order to consider the potential impact on their Main street, and to the
already dangerous and congested intersection of Depot Road, and Main Street
with Route 28.
Epsom residents pointed out that Goboro Road is narrow and curved, with
an irregular surface. Vehicle traffic already travels too fast on this road,
and poses a serious hazard to pedestrians, animals, and children at play.
At the other end on Depot road, turning onto Route 28 is generally
considered to be a “life threatening” experience, and during rush hour, an
impossibility! Such a development would be a sad thing for the town.
Discussions and study are to continue. Input and concern is encouraged.
The next Planning Board meeting on this matter is Wed. March 11 at 7 PM.
Roger Bennett
Epsom
Letter
In support of article #7, to resend the provisions of RSA 40:13 (known
as SB 2,) form of government, back to the old style Town Meeting, Selectman
Joann Randall said that the voters in Epsom “just can’t be bothered” to
attend the deliberative session to be educated and informed about the
proposed budget and warrant articles. “They don’t attend any of the budget
committee’s work sessions or ask us any questions.”
With SB2 you can’t vote on anything until March. This gives you a little
more time to check things out. With the Town Meeting form of government,
only the people who attend that day have a chance to amend and vote on the
town budget and the warrant articles, the candidates are voted on in March.
This year approximately 77 voters showed up for the deliberative session.
So, “why can’t you be bothered” to attend a meeting that gives you an
opportunity to hear and learn and participate in the democratic process?
More like 770 voters are needed to attend to make the town meeting work.
Voting for article # 7 and then not attending is sudden death for our town.
If you are not planning on attending the Town Meeting, please don’t vote
yes on article # 7. Don’t let 77 people decide how your tax dollars are
spent.
Thank you, Richard Frambach, Epsom
Epsom Public Library
The Concord-Merrimack County SPCA has issued a Wish List of needs, and
the Epsom Library is cooperating with them by collecting needed items in
lieu of fines due. Items especially needed include leashes for walks,
cat toys, rabbit or small animal chew toys, wet canned kitten food,
Advantage (for dogs and cats), Frontline (for dogs and cats), non-clumping
litter, premier dog collars, and washable beds. Cleaning items such as
liquid laundry detergent, bleach, mops, paper towels, and heavy duty trash
bags are also needed... In addition, the Association is looking for 35
inch fluorescent light bulbs and small six-inch paper plates.
Cash donations are welcome as well. The Library will collect items
through February.
The nature-inspired art of Nottingham’s Judy Doughty is currently on
display in the lobby of the library. Widely known for her paintings of loons
in their natural habitat the artist works in a variety of mediums to bring
us her view of the New Hampshire landscape in ways that are, at once, both
majestic and serene. The exhibit will run through March 14th. Additionally
the public is cordially invited to a special reception to meet the artist on
Saturday, February 28 from 1 to 3 p.m.
The Epsom Public Library is pleased to present a special exhibit of
miniature furniture hand-crafted by Ralph Van Horn of Pittsfield.
Representing a variety of 18th century styles, including Early American
Primitive, Hepplewhite, and Chippendale furniture is designed on a scale of
˝ inch to a foot. Crafted mostly of basswood, the pieces are stained
to reflect the types of wood used in full-scale furniture of the times.
Exquisitely detailed, down to each tiny drawer pull and hinge, the pieces
are further enhanced by Mr. Van Horn’s collection of limited-production
miniature Oriental rugs created by Pittsfield Weaving Company. This
delightful exhibit will be on display through March 14.
Movies At Epsom Public Library
Movies at the Epsom Public Library: During the week of February school
vacation the Epsom Public Library will be showing the new Disney movie
“Space Buddies” on Wednesday, February 25th at 1 p.m. and the new Dr. Seuss
classic “Horton Hears a Who” featuring the voices of Jim Carrey and Steve
Carell on Thursday, February 26th at 3 pm. (No Story time) Both movies are
rated G for general audiences and are great fun for the whole family. The
movies are free and popcorn and drinks will be provided. For more
information call Mrs. Benner at the library 736-9920.
Letter
Epsom’s Budget Committee has worked hard and long to provide us with a
budget that we can live with. Pick up your copy of the 2009 town budget and
see for yourself. It is only $247,964 more than the default budget, an
increase of only $.41 per $1000. It includes raises for our Fire and Police
departments, and money for road repair. Last year the town portion of the
tax rate was 15%, the school’s portion was 58.1%. and the combined state and
county was 26.9%. The default budget will increase from year to year because
of the contracted services like utilities, etc. The 2009 Town budget is not
unreasonable or loaded down with extras. Remember that the Federal Stimulus
Plan will put $500 to $1000 back in your pocket. Please support our town and
vote yes on article # 1.
Thank You,
Richard Frambach, Epsom
Letter To The Editor
To the Editor:
SB2 is perhaps the best, most significant innovation
to the Town Meeting system of government enacted in the past 30 years.
Under SB2, every citizen in Epsom has the opportunity to vote, in
secret, on the Town budget, the School budget, and every single Warrant
Article . . . and to do so, at their convenience, any time the polls are
open on voting day.
It just does not get any better than that.
The old style Town Meeting system of government can not even remotely
approach the level of meaningful participation and convenience afforded
Townspeople under SB2.
Talk that the Townspeople of Epsom are too “uniformed” to responsibly
vote under SB2 is just plain insulting.
Truth be known, those who seek to do away with SB2 do so because, in
their eyes, SB2 stands in the way of what they personally think the Town of
Epsom ought to be doing.
The opponents of SB2 seek to go back the old style of Town Meeting
because, bluntly put, they believe that they would have a better chance of
“ramming” through the programs and the spending amounts that they want under
the old Town Meeting system than they do now with SB2.
Under SB2 everyone can walk into the polls with smile and vote their
conscience.
Under the old Town Meeting system, with its show of hands and the groans
that accompanied almost every request for a secret ballot, dissent was
seldom welcomed and almost always resulted in someone leaving the meeting
with hard feelings.
The discontinuation of SB2 here in Epsom would be a terrible step
backwards.
Please vote to keep SB2 in place.
Sincerely,
Jack Kelleher
Epsom Police Notes
The following is a summary of calls made by the Epsom Police Department
for February 2-15, 2009. It is compiled from information provided by
the Department.
Assists Included: Agency With Service Of Paperwork, 2; Disabled
Motorist, 6; Fire Department, 3; Rescue Squad, 14; Agency With Arrest,
3; Other PD, 1; Agency With Investigations, 2.
Responses Included: Complaint Of Suspicious Activity, 1; Minor Accident,
1; Alarm Activation, 3; Accident, 1.
Checks Included: Suspicious Vehicles, 6; Abandoned 911 Calls, 3;
Suspicious Subject, 1.
Complaints Included: Motor Vehicles, 12; Loose
Dog, 1; Animal, 4; Juvenile, 1; Suspicious Activity, 1; Domestic
Situation, 1.
Reports Included: Theft of Coins, 1; Animal Mischief, 2; Theft of Rake,
1; Runaway Juvenile, 1.
There were four Arrests.
Obituaries
Muriel (Desrosiers) Rousseau
Epsom - Muriel (Desrosiers) Rousseau, 64, of Epsom,
formerly of Lowell and Dracut, Mass., died Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009, at the
Hospice House at Concord Hospital following a short illness.
She was surrounded by her loving family.
She was the beloved wife of Gerard H. “Jerry” Rousseau, with whom she
shared 47 years of marriage.
Born in Lowell, Mass., on April 18, 1944, she was a daughter of the late
William and Bernadette (Carbonneau) Desrosiers. She was educated in the
Dracut Schools.
Prior to her retirement, Muriel had been employed by the Epsom Central
School as a teachers aide for many years.
Her hobbies included gardening, crafts and yoga.
In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by two daughters,
Donna Rousseau of Concord and Jen Rowe and her husband, Marc, of Richmond,
Maine; one son, Jerry Rousseau of Chichester; four grandchildren, Sarah
Noel, Davis Sullivan, Avery Rowe and Nora Rowe; three brothers, Raymond
Desrosiers and William Desrosiers both of Dracut, Mass., and Armand
Desrosiers of New Hampshire. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.
She was the loving mother of the late Paul Rousseau, who died in 1969.
A funeral Mass was held Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at the Parish of St.
Rita, 158 Mammoth Road, Lowell, Mass.
Interment followed at St. Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford, Mass.
Donations may be made to the VNA, 260 Pleasant St. P.O. Box 1797, Concord
03302.