[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]








                                                                                                    95.3.8


                                  TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WORK PRODUCTS
                                         N.H. COASTAL PROGRAM -- FY-1996


                                 STRATHAM MASTER PLAN ASSISTANCE







                                1.       Natural Resources, Conservation and Preservation
                                                 Chapter -- Final Draft

                                2.       Recreation Chapter -- Final Draft

                                3.       Transportation Chapter -- Final Draft

                                4.       Housing Chapter -- Final Draft

                                5.       Existing Land Use -- GIS Map

                                6.       Master Plan Committee Support - Documentation







                                                      Assistance Provided by the
                                                  Rockingham Planning Commission
                                                            121 Water Street
                                                            Exeter NH 03833


                                                    October 1995 - September 1996



                These report, related products and technical assistance were lunled in part by a grant 1,om he 011ice ol State
                      Planning, New Hampshire Coastal Program as authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                         Administration (NOAA), Grant Award Number NA570ZO320








                   NU Coastal Prog                                                                                Of


STRATHAM MASTER PLAN

1.  NATURAL RESOURCES, CONSERVATION AND
	PRESERVATION CHAPTER

US Department of Commerce
NOAA Coastal Services Center Library
2234 South Hobson Avenue
Charleston, SC  29405-2413

























































                                         US Department of Commerce
                                    NOAA Cowital Services Center Library
                                          D@34 South Hobson Avcnne












                NATURAL RESOURCES, CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION SECTION
                                      (Revision Date: August 28, 1996


                                               Chapter Outline


                Introduction


         2.     Natural Resources Inventory
                2.1    geology
                2.2    topography/slope
                2.3    soils
                2.4    water resources
                             surface water
                             wetlands
                             floodways
                             groundwater
                2.5    wildlife and plant habitat
                2.6    agricultural lands
                2.7    forests
                2.8    sand and gravel resources (construction materials)


         3.     Water Resources Protection
                3.1    water withdrawls and discharges
                3.2    existing water systems
                3.3    potential pollution threats
                3.4    existing and projected demand
                3.5    existing policies for water resources protection


         4.     Open Space and Land Conservation
                4.1    protected open-space and conservation land
                4.2    needs for additional open-space and conservation land
                4.3    methods for land protection
                4.4    land conservation actions in Stratham


         5.     Historic Preservation
                5.1    a short history
                5.2    historic structures and sites









               5.3  archeological sites
               5.4  methods for historic preservation
               5.5  historic preservation actions in Stratharn


         6.    Recommendations
               6.1  water resources
               6.2  sand and gravel resources
               6.3  open space and land conservation
               6.4  historic preservation


         MAPS


         RCP-1      Topographic Map
         RCP-2      Soil Potential for Development
         RCP-3      Watersheds and Surface Waters
         RCP-4      Wetlands Soils
         RCP-5      Stratified Drift Aquifers (with Public Wells)
         RCP-6      Farn-dand Soils and Active Farms
         RCP-7      Construction Materials
         RCP-8      Potential Contamination Sites/Wellhead Protection Zones
         RCP-9      Protected Open Space and Conservation Lands
         RCP-10     Rural Character Corridor Map
         RCP@- I I  Mstorical Map and Index















             1.0      INTRODUCFION



             Stratham's natural environment is characterized by a rich legacy of forests, agricultural lands, rivers and streams,
             undeveloped shorelands and wetlands. Historically, these resources have provided Stratharn with a high quality
             envirotunent and contiibute importantly to the high quality of life in the community. Although Stratham's natural
             features still exist in abundance, past development has inevitably resulted in the loss of some resources, especially open
             spaces and active agricultural lands. Careful attention must be given to ftiture development so that further losses to both
             the natural and cultural environment are minimized and that the essential qualities that make Stratharn the commumity
             it is remain intact.


             This major section of the Master Plan will inventory the existing natural and built features of Stratharn and examine
             existing conditions and future needs for protecting the Town's land, water and historic resources. In part, it will do so
             by integrating and updating information from several important planning documents prepared by the Town over the past
             decade, including the 1985 Stratham Master Plan, the Open Space and Recreation Plan (1989), the Water Resources
             Management and Protection PI (1993), the Wellhead Protection Program Report (1993) and the Stratham Communi
             Stewardship E[QiW report (1996). The chapter concludes with general and specific recommendations regarding steps
             the community should take to protect and conserve the essential resources of the Town.




             2.0      NATURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY



             In order to determine the existing conditions and future needs of the town's resources, it is necessary to review the
             extensive inventory information that exists. The inventory will review information about the Town's geology,
             topography, soils, water resources, wildlife, agriculture lands, and forest lands. For the purpose of compliance with
             RSA 674:2 VIH-a, an inventory of potential construction materials (sand and gravel resources) is also included. Later
             sections of this chapter will include inventories of open space and conservation lands and of historic and archeological
             sites.




             2.1      Geology


                      Bedrock Geology
                      The bedrock in Stratham, as 'in all of southeastern New Hampshire, was formed from layers of sea bottom
                      sediments deposited and compacted over millions of years into formations of sedimentary rock. These
                      formations were transformed through uplifting, folding, and tremendous heat and pressure into metamorphic
                      rock. According to the "Geological Map of New Hampshire", prepared by the US Geological Survey and the
                      NH State Geologist in 1986, there are two major bedrock types in Stratham: the Eliot formation running in
                      a north/south direction through the central part of town and the Kitteryformation ninning in bands along the


                                                                          I










                       westerly and easterly boundaries. Two small inclusions of the Exeterformation, also metamorphic, are located
                       east of Guinea Rd. and east of Hillcrest Drive. In addition to these metamorphic formations, small traces of
                       an igneous formation are found on the Greenland border near where the Winniconic Brook leaves the Town.
                       All of the types of bedrock found in Stratham. have excellent bearing capacities and pose few, if any
                       development constraints. A map included in the 1993 Stratham Water Resources and Management Plan (Map
                       4) shows the location of these formations within the Town.


                       Surficial Geology
                       The upper layers of geologic materials above the bedrock formations are known as surficial deposits, and
                       largely determine the shape topography of the Town. In southeastern New Hampshire, these geologic materials
                       were deposited by a glacier more than 10,000 years ago. Within SLraLharn, there are four types of surficial
                       materials: till, contact deposits, marine deposits and outwash/shore deposits . These materials are described
                       in more detail below.


                       Till-- As the mile thick glacier advanced from the northwest, it deposited layers of debris made of sand, silt,
                       clay, and gravel, which is collectively known as till. Stratham's till areas, which make up roughly one-third of
                       the Town's area, are found primarily on the hills and ridges of the central portion of Town. Till usually
                       provides adequate loading capacity for building foundations, thus indicating that till areas are suited for general
                       development purposes. However, if hardpan (an ainpermeable layer) is located within 18 to 24 inches below
                       the surface, conditions may not be adequate for the placement of on-site septic systems.


                       Contact Deposits--- As the glacier melted and retreated, sediments were released forming layers of sand and
                       gravel called ice contact deposits. These deposits have good drainage and permeability characteristics with a
                       high water bearing capacity. These deposits, which include the Town's stratified drift aquifers, usually contain
                       large quantities of grourtdwater, thus making them potentially suitable sources for public water supplies. A band
                       of contact deposits crosses central Strathain firorn north to south, comprising about twenty percent of the town's
                       total land area. These areas are also easily excavated and have historically been the location of sand and gravel
                       pits.


                       Marine Silt and Clay Deposits -- These deposits resulted from marine deposition during the period when the
                       ocean inundated most of southeastern New Hampshire. Marine deposits were formed along the bottom of the
                       ancient sea as well as its bays and estuaries. As the sea level retreated to its present position, the marine
                       deposits were left in what are now upland areas. Marine silt and clay deposits are the dominant feature
                       Stradiam' surficial geology, covering over sixty percent of the land area. These areas are found in the Town's
                       low-lying areas along the Squarnscott River and the drainage ways of Jewett Hill Brook, Mill Brook and
                       Winniconic Brook. Generally, these materials are unsuitable or marginally suitable for development because
                       of a high water table with poor drainage and unstable conditions. In some areas these limitations can be
                       overcome with the provision of adequate drainage facilities and special engineering and design considerations.


                       Outwash and Shore Deposits -- The glacial melt waters carried away sands and fine gravels and deposited
                       materials along the shorelines of ancient seas. A scattering of these deposits (10 per cent) is located along
                       Route 108. Due to their good bearing capacity and moderate permeability, these materials are very suitable for
                       development.

                                                                           2












            2.2      Topography and Slope


                     Stratham's terrain is predorminately rolling with gentle slopes of 0-8 percent. The topography rises and falls
                     from a low of slightly above mean sea level at the Squamscott River's edge to a high of 290 feet at Jewett Hill.


                     Map RCP-1 Topography depicts the topography through elevation contour lines. Five hills above 200 feet
                     elevation are located *in Stratham, adding some variety to the landscape. Among these hills is the publicly
                     owned Stratharn Hill (noted for its scenic vistas of Great Bay) as well as Long Hill and Jewett Hill. Barker's
                     Hill is also in this area. Bunker Hill and Rollins Hill form a crescent shaped nidge to the south. The summit
                     of nearby Pine Hill is on the North Hampton border.


                     The valleys between the uplands consist of pockets of wetlands and small ponds and brooks on the eastern part
                     of Town. To the west, the lowlands stretching to the river's edge are characterized by alluvial plains and tidal
                     marshes. Due to the predominantly gentle terrain, there are relatively few areas in Stratharn where steep slopes
                     preclude development. Based on the NRCS (formerly SCS) Soil Survey conducted in 1979, the distribution
                     of land area by slope class in Stratham is as follows:


                                            Slope Class               Total Acres               % of Total

                                         Gradual -- 0-8%                  8476                     92.4%

                                           Steep   8-15%                  439                       5.0%

                                          Steep   15-25%                   128                      1.4%

                                          Severe -- 25+/o                  113                      1.2%

                                                Total                     9155                    100.0%             1

                     The vast majority of Stratharn falls within the gradual slope class. Most of these areas are suitable in slope for
                     aU types of development@ however, within the 0-3% areas (near the river and streams) some very flat areas are
                     susceptible to flooding and/or are poorly drained -- both conditions indicating poor development suitability.
                     A small portion (2.6%) of the total land area of Straffim has slopes of 15% or greater. These extremely steep
                     areas, including sections of Jewett, Long and Rollins and Bunker Hill pose severe development constraints and
                     should be avoided.




            2.3      Soils


                     Soil information is critical in making sound land use decisions, particularly in Stratham where sewage disposal
                     depends exclusively on the use of on-site septic systems. Knowledge regarding soil suitability can be used to
                     direct development activity away from poorly suited areas and toward those with the capability to sustain it.
                     For example, residential development should be located away from areas with unstable soil conditions, high


                                                                         3

















                                                                                                                          MAP RCP- I
                                                            ........................
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                                                                                                                     TOPOGRAPHIC MAP









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                      topographic maps


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                                                                                                                               Map not to scale










                      water tables, and slow percolation rates due to constraints for building foundations and septic system placement.
                      Other soils are better suited for agricultural uses because of level topography, good drainage and lack of
                      stoniness.


                      As indicated above, a soil survey for the Town of Stratham was conducted by the Natural Resources
                      Conservation Service, USDA (formerly SCS) in 1979. A report was also prepared which describes Stratham's
                      soils and their limitations for various uses including dwellings, septic systems, agriculture, forestry mining and
                      road construction. This report was updated *in 1994. The current Soil Survey map for Rockingham County,
                      which displays the soil type and slope classes for all mapped soil units *in Stratharn is available at the NRCS
                      and Rockingham County Conservation District offices and is incorporated by reference to the Master Plan.
                      Soil data is very useftd as a planmg guide for making generalized land use determinations, however, they are
                      not suitable for site-specific evaluations due to limitations 'in scale and accuracy. Since the mid 1980s, the
                      Town has been using High Intensity -Soil mapping (HIS) whenever site specific information is required for
                      zoning  enforcement purposes.


                      Soil Potentialfor Development

                      Since the latter 197  O's when soil limitation data became more widely used in planning, refinements in the
                      technical interpretation of soil suitability have yielded an updated approach to soils rating. A new system,
                      described in Soil Potentials for Development (RCCD_ 1987) replaces "soil limitation" ratings with "soil
                      potential ratings". The rating system classifies soils on the basi's of the relative ease or difficulty of placing a
                      septic system (particularly the absorption field) on a given soil/slope complex. The key difference between the
                      two approaches is that soil potential takes into account commo n engineering design and construction techniques
                      typically used to, overcome soil limitations. Soil.potential ratings are not recommendations for soil use;
                      however, they do provide a more realistic approach in determining land use potential. The concept is
                      recommended over previous approaches. It is particularly usefid as a land use planning tool.

                      Table RCP-, 2 illustrates the distribution of soils in Stratharn by development potential. Less than 20% of the
                      Town's land has a rating of either high or very high. Land rated medium accounts for 29. 1% of the area and
                      land rated low and very low accounts for 16.3% and 28.4% respectively.


                      In Stratham, where all properties except for those in the Industrial Zone are reliant on on-site wastewater
                      disposal, a map based on soil potential ratings serves as an excellent general indicator of development
                      suitability. Map RCP-2 Soil Potentialfor Development provides a "first-cut" indication of the areas-in
                      Stratbarn where additional development can be best accommodated, assuming continued reliance on on-site
                      septic systems.



            2.4       Water Resources


                      This section of the Master Plan summarizes information contained in the 1993 report Water Resource
                      Manap-ement and Protection Plan. Town of Stratharn which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.


                                                                          5




                                                                                                                                                                                                              Stratham, N.H.
                                                                                                                                                                  Soils Potential for Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Map 2





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                      That Plan addresses the requirements established by the New Hampshire Office of State Plannmig under the
                      authority of RSA 4-C:20,1, for the preparation of local water resource management and protection plans. It Is
                      summarized here for continuity of the Master Plan and to update pertinent information.


                      SUR FACE WATERS


                      Surface water systems are any type of water resource located above ground on the earth's surface. Examples
                      of surface water systems include: streams, rivers, marshes, ponds, bogs, lakes, wetlands, etc. Surface water
                      systems are more dynanuic than groundwater, in that they are influenced by the effects of wind, rain, and
                      temperature. They are also subject to varying rates of flow, such as the difference between the flow rate of a
                      river as opposed to that of a pond.

                      Surface water resources ftinction as holding areas for flood waters and seasonal high waters. In addition, they
                      serve as recharge areas and discharge points for groundwater resources. The point of discharge is where the
                      surface water and groundwater are hydrologically connected. Most commonly, surface water resources will act
                      as a discharge point for groundwater. However, during the spring months surface waters help to recharge
                      groundwater resources, which in turn replenish shallow domestic water wells. It should be noted that prolonged
                      dry periods can result in an overall lowering of the water table.


                      2.4.1   Watersheds Within Stratham


                              The watershed is the principal focus in describing a surface water system. It is the land area within a
                              series of connecting higher ridges that dram surface water to the lowest point, which is where a stream
                              or river flows out of the watershed. The netw ork formed by rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds is known
                              as the drainage system of the watershed.


                              Stratham forms a portion of three regional watersheds: the Great Bay, the tidal Squamscott River, and
                              the Coastal Watershed. The first two watersheds are part of the larger Piscataqua River Basin, while
                              the Coastal Watershed is part of the larger Coastal River Basin. The accompanying Map RCP-3
                              Watersheds and Surface Waters, indicates the watershed divides located in Stratham.


                              In an effort to isolate meaningful drainage patterns in Stratham, two sub-watersheds were delineated.
                              The first is the Dearborn Brook Sub-Watershed which forms a portion of the Squamscou River
                              Watershed. The second is the Winnicut River Sub-Watershed which forms a portion of the Great Bay
                              Watershed. The Watersheds and Surface Waters map (RCP-3) depicts the watershed divides within
                              Stratham (both regional and sub-watersheds),           plus the Town's perennial waterbodies and
                              watercourses. For additional description of the watershed and sub-watersheds in Stratham, please refer
                              to the Water Resources Management and Protection Plan.


                      2.4.2   Waterbodies     in Stratharn


                              There are eight significant waterbodies within Stratham: Mill Pond, the Winnicut Mill Pond, and six
                              ponds which do not have names. The unnamed ponds are depicted on Map 2 as Ponds #I through 96.

                                                                         7






                    Watersheds and                                                                          MAP RCP-3
               Perennial Water Bodies
                         Map B


                     Watershed Bottriclary


                     Class "A" Watershed


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                        In addition, there are a number of tiny ponds (one acre or less) scattered throughout Town. The vital statistics
                       of Stratham's significant waterbodles (including surface area, elevation, watershed location, and whether
                       freeflowing or impounded) are presented in Table RCP-3 below.


                                                    TABLE RCP - 3 - STRATHAM WATERBODIES



                      Waterbody                Surface Area            Elevation          Watershed             Impounded or Freeflowing
                                                   Imiles)               (feet)            Location

                Mill Pond                                   3.0                 30     Squarnscott River                 Impounded

                Winnicut Mill                               3.0                 40         Great Bay                     Impounded

                Unnamed Pond #1                             3.0                 75         Great Bay                     Impounded

                Unnamed Pond #2                             2.0                 40         Great Bay                     Freeflowing

                Peat Pond (label                            12.0                150    Squarnscott River                 Freeflowing
                unknown pond #3)

                Unnamed Pond #4                             6.0                 150    Squamscott River                  Freeflowing
                Unnamed Pond #5            1                3.0                 150    Squamscott River                  Freeflowing
                Unnamed Pond #6            1                2.0                 45     Squarnscott River                 Freeflowing

                Sources:           United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, Water Resource Division (WRD) dam
                                  records, and RPC analysis.



                                 In terms of perennial streams, Stratham contains 14 named streams and I I unnamed streams for a total
                                 of 25 watercourses. The Towns watercourses are shown on Map 2. The unnamed streams are shown
                                 on the map as Umarned Streams A through K The vital statistics of the Town's perennial streams are
                                 presented in Table RCP-4 below.


                                                   TABLE RCP - 4 - STRATHAM WATERCOURSES



                    Watercourse                  Length             Elevation          Watershed Location                Impounded or
                                                 (miles)             (feet)                                                 Freeflowing
               -Squamscott River                        5.2                     10       Squarnscott River                  Freeflowing
                Winnicut River                          1.0                     70        Winnicut River                    Impounded

                Foss Brook                              0.2                     70           Great Bay                      Freef lowing

                Jewell Hill Brook                       2.2                     150      Squamscott River                   Freeflowing

                Wheelwright Creek                       0.1                     10       Squamscott River                   Freeflowing

                Mill Brook                              3.6                     130      Squamscott River                   Impounded
              LParkman Brook                            2.2                     90       Squarnscott River                  Freeflowing


                                                                                9












                   Watercourse                 Length             Elevation        Watershed Location                Impounded or
                                               (miles)             (f eet)                                             Freeflowing

               Dearborn Brook                         0.5                   90         Dearborn Brook                  Impounded

               Winding Brook                          0.9                   80       Squarnscott River                 Impounded

               Thompson Brook                         0.6                  160         Winnicut River                  Freeflowing

               Willow Brook                           0.7                   90         Winnicut River                  Freeflowing

               Winniconic Brook                       0.4                   35         Winnicut River                  Freeflowing

               Marsh Brook                            0.8                   60         Winnicut River                  Freeflowing

               Brackett Brook                         0.1                   90           Great Bay                     Freeflowing

               Stream A                               0.3                   50       Squamscott River                  Freeflowing

               Stream B                               0.9                   60       Squarnscott River                 Freef lowing

               Stream C                               0.9                   40       Squamscott River                  Freeflowing

               Stream D                               0.5                   40       Squamscott River                  Freeflowing

               Stream E                               1.0                   70       Squarnscott River                 Freef lowing

               Stream F                               0.5                   20       Squarnscott River                 Freef lowing

               Stream G                               0.5                   40       Squamscott River                  Freeflowing

               Stream H                               1.1                  150       Squarnscott River                 Freeflowing

               Stream 1                               0.8                   75         Winnicut River                  Freef lowing

               Stream J                               0.7                   55         Winnicut River                  Freeflowing

               Stream K                               0.6                   70         Winnicut River                  Freeflowing

               Sources: USGS topographic maps, WRD dam records, and RPC analysis.



                      2.4.3    Surface Water Quality


                               In New Hampshire, each surface waterbody and watercourse has been given a legislative water quality
                               classification of A, B, or C, as identified in RSA 149:3. The classifications are defined below.


                                         Class A Waters - Of the highest quality and potentially acceptable as public water supply
                                         sources after disinfection. No sewage or wastes shall be discharged into these waters.

                                         Class B Waters - Of the second highest quality and no objectionable physical characteristics.
                                         No sewage or waste shall be discharged into these waters unless they have been adequately
                                         treated. Acceptable for bathing and other recreational purposes and, after treatment, for use
                                         as public water supplies.



                                                                           10









                                        Class C Waters - Acceptable for boating, fishing, or for industrial water supply, either with
                                        or without treatment. These waters cannot be used as a public water supply source.


                               Currently, all of Stratham's surface water resources have received Class B status from the New
                               Hampshire State legislature. The only exception is the Dearborn Brook Sub-Watershed which is
                               considered a Class A water source due to the use of the Exeter Reservoir as a municipal water supply
                               source for Exeter. It should be noted dig legislative classification does not mean that the water always
                               meets this established standard.


                               Although Stratharn does not actively monitor the quality of its surface waters, there are several
                               organizations involved in momitoring the Squamscott River and its tributaries. These organizations
                               and their efforts are described below.


                               I .      Municipal Monitoring: The Exeter Public Works Department conducts daily water quality
                                        monitoring efforts at the municipal wastewater treatment planes point of discharge along the
                                        Squamscott River. The Department also conducts toxicity tests on a quarterly basis. As
                                        mentioned previously, the river is a tributary to the Great Bay. All of the bay's tributaries are
                                        currently closed to shell-fish harvesting because of the problems associated with improperly
                                        treated sewage. Exeter has recently upgraded its sewer system and treatment plant to separate
                                        stormwater from wastewater. Prior to the projeces completion, storm events would often
                                        overflow the Town's sewage lagoons, thus resulting in untreated sewage being discharged into
                                        the river. It is expected that the stormwater separation project will eventually enhance the
                                        river's water quality as well as the bay's.

                               2.       305(b) Water Quality KQ=: A comprehensive source of regional water quality information
                                        can be found in the 1992 publication NH Water Quality Report to Congess 395-(b), prepared
                                        by the Water Supply and Pollution Control Division of the NH Department of Environmental
                                        Services. The report describes broad water quality parameters for the major river basins in
                                        the State, including the Piscataqua and Coastal basins. The report identifies surface waters
                                        which do not meet the standards for their legislative classification.


                                        Within Stratham, only the Squamscott River was designated as "not supporting" its Class B
                                        rating; the reason being high bacteria counts. Water quality sampling conducted in the Exeter
                                        and Squarnscott Rivers 'in 1995 have revealed high levels of Fecal and E. coli bacteria which
                                        exceed Class B standards. The Squamacott River closest to Stratharn -- at the mouth of
                                        Cobby Brook in Newfields-- showed the mean E. coli level over five samples to be 255
                                        cts/100ml - about twice the Class B state limit of 126 cts/I 00ml (Source: NH Office ofState
                                        Planning, NH Coastal Program, 1995). According to an agreement between the NH
                                        Department of Environmental Services and the Division of Public Health Services, the
                                        Squamscott River will not be deemed as supporting its Class B designation until all of the
                                        shellfish beds are open to harvesting on a regular basis. Currently, only a few of the beds
                                        within the Great Bay proper are open to the taking of shellfish. It is hoped that the recent
                                        upgrade of Exeter's treatment plant and an increase in water sampling by the State will result









                                         in re-opening Great Bay to shellfish harvesting.


                                3.       Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: The entirety of the Squamscott River falls
                                         within the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve which was designated by the
                                         United States Congress 'in 1989 as the nation's -1 8th National Estuarine Research Reserve
                                         under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). The CZMA created a federal-state
                                         partnership for the protection and- management of coastal areas. New Hampshire's Coastal
                                         Program is administered by the NH Office of State Planning. -                                           I
                                         The Great Bay Reserve includes over 4,400 acres of tidal water areas representing the range
                                         of different environments around the --estuary (saltmarsh areas; bluffs, rocky shores,
                                         woodlands, open fields, etc.). While the-highest priority of the Reserve is to preserve the bay
                                         through an aggressive land acquisition program, there is also a strong emphasis on using the
                                         reserve for long-term research and education.


                                4.       Great Bay HAwlogic Uni-: This is a project sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture,
                                         and involves the following organizations: The Rockingham and Strafford County
                                         Conservation Districts, the Rockingham and Strafford County branches of the Soil
                                         Conservation Service (SCS), the Agricultural Conservation and Stabilization Services
                                         (ASCS), the UNH Cooperative Extension Service and the US Geological Survey. The project
                                         provides non-point pollution source education to the public for the watershed area covering
                                         the Great Bay. The education effort is geared towards providing best management education
                                         materials for potentially hazardous land uses.


                      2.4.4     Wetlands


                                Stratham!s Zoning Ordinance defines the Town's Wetlands Conservation District as follows: "Those
                                areas of the Town that contain marshes, ponds, bogs, lakes, as well as soils that are defined as poorly
                                or very poorly drained as definedIby the National Cooperative Soil Survey conducted by the USDA Soil
                                Conservation Service." The district also includes "the borders of tidal marshes of the Squamscott River
                                and Great Bay. Said borders are hereby defined as those areas adjacent to the Squamscou River and
                                Great Bay with elevations of eight (8) feet or less above mean sea level."


                                The Town's Subdivision Regulations and Site Plan Review Regulations ftirther refine the district to
                                include those areas consisting of poorly drained and-very poorly drained soils as delineated through
                                High Intensity Soil Surveys (HISS) prepared by a licensed soil scientist. In most cases, new
                                development proposals must include HISS data as part of the application for regulatory review.

                                The Town's Wetland Map is included in this document as Map RCP-4. The map is taken from the
                                GRANIT soils data coverage and is based on adigitized version of the Soil Surygy of Rockingham
                                County. New Hampshire, (NRCS).


                                Table RCP-5 below shows the number of acres of wetland soils within the three regional watersheds.

                                                                          12




                                                                                                                                                    Stratham, N.H.
                                                                                                                                                                Wetlands
                                                                                                                                                                        Map 4


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                          The table indicates that Stratham contains roughly 3,342 acres of wetlands. This accounts for roughly 36%
                         of the Town's total land area.


                                                      TABLE RCP-5 -- STRATHAM WETLAND SOILS



                         Watershed                 Very Poorly Drained          Poorly Drained           Total Wetland         Percent of Total
                                                       Soils (acres)             Soils (acres)            Soils (acres)           ]Land Area

                  Great Bay Watershed                                   299                       893                  1,192                12.8%

                  Squamscott River Watershed                            485                     1,615                  2,100                22.6%

                  Coastal Watershed                                        0                      50                      50                <1.0%


                  Total Weiland Acres                                   794                     2,558                  3,342                35.9%
                  (determined by soil type)

                  Source: Soil Sunyy for Rockiag_ham Coun(y, New Ham,2shire as prepared by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Of
                           the US Department ofAgriculture. (Areas computed by RPC personnel using manual planimeter.)



                         2.4.5     Floodplains


                                   A Flood Hazard Boundary Map was prepared for Stratham by the Federal Insurance Admin                     istration
                                   in 1975, and a more detailed Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) was prepared by the Federal
                                   Finergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1989. The preparation of these maps, plus the adoption
                                   of a special ordinance dealing with floodplain development, enables a town to participate in the
                                   National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP allows residents living in flood hazard areas to
                                   purchase flood insurance at low cost; however, insurance is only made available to communities which
                                   participate in the program. Stratharn officially entered the NFIP program in 1989 when the Town
                                   adopted its Floodplain Management District. As of 1996, Stratharn is a member of good standing in
                                   the NFIP.


                                   Table RCP-6 on the following page indicates the acres of flood hazard areas within Stratham, broken
                                   down by regional watersheds. The flood hazard areas within the two sub-watersheds are included as
                                   part of the regional watershed flood hazard area totals.














                                                                                 14












                                                        TABLE RCP-6 -- FLOOD HAZARD AREAS



                                             Watershed                        Total Wetland Soils          Percent of Total Land
                                                                                      (acres)                       Area

                             Great Bay Watershed                                                    115                         1.3%

                             Squamscoft River Watershed                                             394                         4.2%

                             Coastal Watershed                                                         0                          0%


                             Total Flood Hazard Acres                                               509                        5.5%

                             Source: Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for the Town of Stratham, New Hampshire, as
                                      prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEAM) in 1989. (Areas
                                      computed by RPC personnel using manual planimeter.)



                        2.4.6    Potential Surface Water Supplies


                                 With two exceptions, all of the Town's surface water resources currently maintain a Class B water
                                 quality status as defined by the State Legislature. The first exception is the Class A Dearborn Brook
                                 Sub-Watershed- As mentioned previously, Dearborn Brook is used to augment the Exeter municipal
                                 water system. The second exception is the tidal Squarnscott River, which, as previously cited does not
                                 support its Class B rating due to high bacteria counts.


                                 Stratharn does not use any portion of its su     rface water resources to meet water supply demands, and
                                 there are no plans to utilize these resources in the foreseeable ftiture. The only surface water resource
                                 in town which has the requisite water delivery capability is the Squarnscott River. However, this is an
                                 unlikely source due to the brackish nature of the river and its existing water quality problems. The
                                 remaining streams and rivers within Stratham have relatively small flows and it would probably be
                                 uneconomic to develop as water supplies.


                                 Stratham's water supply demands are currently met by the Town's groundwater resources. In the
                                 future, if a need is demonstrated for a municipal water supply or additional public water supplies, the
                                 Town's groundwater resources would, in all probability, be the preferred option. These resources are
                                 described in the next section.


                        GROUNDWATER RESOURCES


                        Groundwater is a concentration of subsurface water, occurring in saturated soils and geological formations.
                        It is resupplied through precipitation and surface water discharge. The water infiltrates the ground through an
                        aerated zone where impurities are filtered out. The water then moves to a saturated zone where the pore spaces
                        between soil particles arc filled by the water. It is very important that the earth's surface be able to transmit
                        water so that a certain percentage can be stored underground as "groundwater". If excessive compaction or
                        extensive covering of the earth's surface occurs, the amount of water that can reach the saturated zone and


                                                                               15









                        become groundwater is reduced.


                        Aquifers are found where land surfaces are permeable and the storage and transmission of water can take place.
                        Aquifers having medium to high potential to yield groundwater occur in the New Hampshire seacoast area as
                        alluvial deposits of sand and gravel (unconsolidated deposits) or in bedrock fractures (consolidated deposits).
                        The major source of aquifer recharge in the seacoast region is through precipitation directly onto the aqwifer's
                        surface.


                        The unconsolidated deposits, also called stratified drift deposits, contain sorted layers of gravel, sand, silt and
                        clay. They are found primarily along valley bottoms. These materials have abundant pore space to store water.
                        Consequently, these stratified drift deposits of sand and gravel have become good sources of medium to high
                        volume aquifers.

                        Bedrock fractures normally do not yield the same quantity of groundwater that stratified drift deposits do;
                        however, they should not be overlooked in terms of contributing to a community's water supply needs. Bedrock
                        fractures are more productive when they have a layer of sand and gravel over them. This allows recharge to
                        occur directly from above. Bedrock fractures are usually adequate for low density domestic wells. In contrast,
                        till aquifers usually have a lower yield, and therefore, are seldom used for water supplies. This is due to the
                        compact nature of the deposit which is typically composed of a mixture of clay, silt, gravel and boulders. The
                        transmission and storage of water is greatly reduced in this type of aquifer.


                        2.4.7   Stratified Drift Aquifers in Stratham


                        -       -The groundwater resources of southeastern New Hampshire have been investigated extensively through
                                a number of major studies from the mid 1970s to the present. The most recent and most important was
                                conducted in the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the NH Water Resources Division of
                                NHDES in 1991 and resulted in publication of detailed aquifer delineation maps which today form the
                                most accurate basis of stratified drift groundwater information in Stratham. The various investigatory
                                efforts are described in chronological order below.


                                I .      US Geological Sun&y (USGSI: In 1977, the USGS identified several medium yield and low
                                         yield aquifers underlying the Town's major rivers and wetland areas. (Source: Availabili
                                         of Groundwater in the Lower Merrimack River Basin- Southern New Haml2shire, USGS,
                                         1977).


                                2.       US AM CoEps of Engineers (USACE): In 1980, the USACE identified the existence of an
                                         aquifer in Strathmn!s southeast comer, at the end of Bunker Hill Road. The aquifer lies wholly
                                         within Stratharn and receives recharge from precipitation only. The study describes the
                                         aquifer as "a Kame plain surrounded by Marine deposits." Although the study noted large
                                         amounts of clay in the northwestern portion of the aquifer, it was estimated that the aquifer
                                         could deliver roughly 153,000 gallonsper day. (Source: Groundwater Assessment Study fo
                                         50 Communities in Southeastern New Hampshire, USACE; September, 1980).



                                                                           16









                               3.       US Am1y Coa2s of Engineers (IISACE): In 1982, the USACE made an assessment of the
                                        aquifer identified in the 1980 study cited above. The 1982 study estimated that 70% of
                                        Stratham's population would be served by a municipal water system by the year 2030. The
                                        estimate of the aquifer's water delivery capability was upgraded to 360,000 gallons per day,
                                        which was deemed sufficient for a municipal water system. (Source: Southern New
                                        Hampshire Water Resource S@&, USACE; August, 1982).



                               4.       US Geological Surygy (LISGS): In 1990, the USGS published the most thorough and accurate
                                        study of the region's groundwater conditions to date. These reports, entitled Gohydrology
                                        and Water Quality of Stratified Drift AQuifers in the Exeter, LampLgy and Qyster Rive
                                        Basins- Southeastern New Hampshire and GgghyskQlogic Groundwater Oualilx- and
                                        Streamflow Data for the Stratified Drift Aquifers in the Lower Menimack and Coastal River
                                        Basins. Southeastern New Harnl2shi , identified five aquifers within Stratham. These studies
                                        form the basis for the Town's existing aquifer protection ordinance, as well as the Towres
                                        Wellhead Protection Program which is currently underway.


                               A brief description of the aquifers identified by these studies is presented below. The aquifers are
                               labeled on Map RCP-5 Stratified B@ift Aquifers and Wells as the Strathan; Hill Aquifer, the Bunker
                               HillAquifer, the Winnicut River Aquifer, the Skinner Springs Aquifer, and the Guinea RoadAquifer.
                               The various characteristics of the aquifers, as detailed in the above referenced studies, are provided in
                               the accompanying Table 5.


                                                            The Stratham Hill Aquifer
                               This is one of Stratharn!s two primary aquifers. It is located in the northeastern end of Town, with only
                               a small portion ffling within Greenland. The aquifer has a distinct "S" shape, hence its identification
                               as the Stratharn Aquifer. It begins along Stratharn Lane and extends as far south as Winnicut Road.
                               The aquifer is approximately 743 acres in size and lies mostly within Stratharn, except for ten acres
                               extending into Greenland. The aquifer's only sources of recharge are the wetlands which lie above its
                               surface, and precipitation.


                               The aquifer's saturated thickness contours range from a high of twenty (20) feet within the aquifer's
                               center, to as little as a few feet along the outer edges. The aquifer's groundwater contours range from
                               a high of 140 feet in the aquifer's center, to a low of 110 feet along the outer edges. Within the aquifer,
                               groundwater flows in a southwesterly direction. The aquifer in its entirety has a transtnissivity rate
                               of less than 500 feet' per day.





               "transmissivity" refers to the rate at which water is transmitted through a unit width of aquifer under a unit hydraulic
             gradient@ and is expressed in units of feet squared per day. Ile transmissivity (T) of an aquifer is equal to the horizontal
             hydraulic conductivity (K) of the aquifer multiplied by its saturated thickness (b); thus, T=Kb

                                                                           17





                                              Town of Stratham - Aquifers

                                                MAP RCP-5




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                                    N,                         63


                                        Legend          N,                   wo   .0
                               Primary Route


                               Secondary Route
                                                                                                                 K7@

                               Road or Street                                      N,

                         no    Public Water Systems                                          N,

                         no    Individual Water Wells                                                  N,

                         E]    Transmissivity < 500     ft.                                                                                                      2250 ft.
                               squared per day                                                                                                             Scale 1:27000
                               Transmissivity 0   - 1000 ft.
                               squared per day                                                                                             F--
                                                                         S...... U.S.G.S. G-od,ot., I ... 1990 ..d 1992.                  10 feet          2250            4500            16750
                               Transmissivity 1000 - 2000      ft.                      f      -                          -'.,y of Volt
                                                                                                  to for th  - of Str      213/93.
                                                                                   C11*1,       "I". .to, a
                               squared per day                                              .po,t 0.                                                              Prepared by Me
                                                                                   St;to .1 Mo. H-pOk. Tola Upply E.9i .... irg br-. Wot,,
                               Transmissivity 2000 - 4000       ft.                So ply & Polluti*A C..I,.l Division, D.pt. of EW, ... ootol        Rockingham Planning Commission
                               squared per    day                                  S ... i ... : "POlk Vol., sy4t... I .... t.,I*; 1992.               June  1,  1993                       DRA










                                                             The Bunker Hill Aquifer
                               This is Stratham's other primary aquifer and is located wholly within Stratham. The aquifer spans the
                               entire length of Bunker Hill Avenue. It begins along Patliot's Road, crosses Portsmouth Avenue, and
                               extends as far south as Rollins Farm Road. The aquifer is approximately 873 acres in size. The
                               aquifer's only sources of recharge are the wetlands which lie above its surface, and precipitation.

                               The aquifer's saturated thickness contours range from a high of twenty (20) feet within the aquifer's
                               center, to as little as a few feet along the outer edges. The entire aquifer has a transmissivity rate of
                               less than 500 feet per day, except for a small strip within the aquifer's southern end which has a
                               transmissivity rate of 1,000 - 2,000 feet' per day.


                                                           The Winnicut River Aquifer
                               This is a strip-shaped aquifer which begins in Stratham and extends south into Greenland and North
                               Hampton. The majority of the aquifer falls within North Hampton, with only small portions extending
                               into Stratham and Greenland. The aquifer's total size is roughly 397 acres, with Stratham's portion
                               consisting of 50 acres. The aquifer receives recharge from three sources: the wetlands above its
                               surface, the Winnicut River, and precipitation. There are three water wells owned by the Hampton
                               Water Works Company located above North Hampton's portion of the aquifer. These wells deliver
                               roughly 1.42 million gallons of water per day. The majority of the aquifer has a transn@iissivity rate
                               of 0 - 1,000 fbee per day, however, there are two places in Stratham where the rate is between 2000 -
                               4,000 feet? per day -- the highest rating.


                                                          The Skinner Springs Aquifer
                               This is a small aquifer (less than 40 acres in size) that Stratharn shares with Exeter. The majority of
                               the aquifer falls within Stratham, however, at least ten acres are located in Exeter. The aquifer is
                               located between Portsmouth Avenue (Route 108), Stratharn Heights Road and Guinea Road. The
                               aquifer is so small that the USGS did not identify any saturated thickness contours, water table
                               contours or the groundwater's flow direction. The aquifer has a transmissivity rate of less than 500
                               feet' per day.


                                                            The Guinea Road Aquifer
                               This is a small aquifer Oess than 40 acres in size) which Stratharn shares with Exeter. It is located less
                               than 2,000 feet southeast of the Skinner Springs Aquifer and just southeast of Guinea Road. The
                               aquifer's mass is fairly evenly split between Stratharn and Exeter. The aquifer is so small that the
                               USGS did not identify any saturated thickness contours, water table contours or the groundwater's flow
                               direction. The aquifer has a transmissivity rate of less than 500 feet' per day.









                                                                          19












                                                 TABLE RCP-7 -- AQUIFER CHARACTERISTICS



               Aquifer              Size (acres)        Transmissivity      Saturated           Water Table          Direction of
                                                                            Thickness           Elevation (msl)      Flow

               Stratharn Hill       743                 0-500  ft2          0-20 ft.            140-110              southwest

               Bunker Hill          873                 0-2000 ft2          0-20 ft.            110-70               varies

               Winnicut River       397                 0-4000 ft2          ---                 50                   varies

               Skinner Springs      35                  > 500 ft2                               ---

               Guinea Road.         35                  > 500 ft2                               ---                  ---

               Source:           Geobydrology and Water Quafio@ ofStratified Drift Aguifers in the Exeter, Lamprey and Qyster River
                                 Basins, Southeastern New Hampshire USGS, 1989 and Geolo-aic and Groundwater Ouafio@ Data for
                                 Stratified Drift Aguifers in the Exeter, Lamprey, and Qgster River Basins, Southeastern New HaWLhire._




              2.5      Wildlife and Plant Habitat


                       All wildlife have three basic survival requirements: food, cover, and water. Fish, amphibians, and waterfowl
                       require the presence of water for spawning and egg laying. Vegetation provides necessary cover to serve as
                       nursery habitat. Water also serves as spawning grounds for insects which are a source of food for a variety of
                       fish and ammals. Fur-bearers such as muskrat, otter, and beaver utilize wetlands as habitat. Coastal and inland
                       marshes serve not only as breeding grounds for waterfowl, but also as critical resting and feeding areas during
                       spring and fall rmigration.


                       The value of an area as habitat depends on a number of factors including size, contiguity with similar areas, and
                       the amount of edge. Edge is the transitional area between habitat types. It consists of understory plants and
                       early successional types of vegetation which provide both forage and cover for numerous species of birds and
                       marnmals. Edge can be created by utility transmission fights-of-way, crop and pasture lands, regrown old fields,
                       and similar types of clearings. The habitat value and edge effect of an area may be significantly reduced if
                       adjacent land uses and encroachments create barriers or threaten the area's integrity.


                       It should be noted that Stradiam's portion of the tidal Squamscott River is hydrologically connected to the Great
                       Bay which is a federally designated National Estuarine Research Reserve. On the State level, the estuary is
                       managed by the NH Coastal Program which is responsible for managing New Hampshire's coastal resources.
                       The estuary provides prime habitat for many wildlife species. More than 90,000 birds reside in the estuary
                       (source: Inventoty of the Natural Resources of the Great Bay Estuarine System; NH Fish and Game
                       Departrnent@ 198 1). Thousands of Canada geese and black ducks rest and feed within the area during autumn
                       months. Osprey are common during the spring and fall migration cycles. There are three rare and endangered
                       species which live in the estuary: the bald eagle, common tem, and common loon.



                                                                          20









                      Terrestrial marnmals which utilize the bay include raccoons, whitetail deer, red fox, woodchuck, muskrats,
                      cl@iipmunks, grey squu*Tels, cottontail rabbits, mink, otter, and beaver. A complete inventory of all animals (and
                      plants) which reside in the Great Bay can be found in the NH Fish and Game inventory cited above, as well as
                      in the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Management Plan (prepared by the NH Office of State
                      Planning in 1989).


                      In addition to excellent coastal habitat, Stratham also has important inland habitat areas including wetlands,
                      river and stream corridors, forests (coniferous, hardwood, and mixed woodlands), and open lands (meadows
                      and fields). These habitat types support a wide range of animals including game species such as deer, coyotes,
                      raccoons, rabbits, and turkeys, Stratharn's prime wildlife habitat areas 'include: the wetland areas located in
                      the south western area of Town, the corridors of the Squamscott River, Winnicut River, Mill River, and the
                      forest lands, located in the central area and Stratharn Park areas of Town. There is also quite a variety of
                      wildlife and plant types located in wetland areas along the North Hampton border.


                      The Towifs major watercourses are also the sites of fish stocking efforts by the NH Fish and Game Department.
                      The Winnicut River is stocked with brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, The Squamscott River is
                      stocked with herring, smelts, bluebacks, and American shad.


                      Natural plant communities in Stratharn are typical of coastal New Hampshire, with vegetative patterns reflecting
                      soil and moisture conditions. However, according to the NH Natural Heritage Inventory (NHNHI), there are
                      five (5) rare and endangered plant species and one (1) rare and endangered bird specie located in Town. Rare
                      and endangered plant species in Stratham include the slender blue flag, climbing hempweed, robust knotweed,
                      water-plantain spearwort, and stout bulnish. All of these plant species, with the exception of the water-plantain
                      spearwort, are considered by the NHNHI as "imperilled in New Hampshire because of rarity". The water-
                      plantain spearwort is considered "critically imperilled in state because of extreme rarity." The only rare and
                      endangered animal species is the common moorhen. The common moorhen is also considered by the NHNHI
                      to be "critically imperilled in the state because of extreme rarity."



             2.6      Agricultural Lands


             Soil information is not only usefid as an indicator of wetlands and general development suitability, but also of important
             agricultural land. Important agricultural soils include "prime farmland" and "farmland of statewide importance". As
             defined by the US Sod Conservation Service (SCS), "prime farmland" has the soil quality and moisture       content needed
             to produce sustained high yields when managed according to modem farming methods. Prime farmland can be farmed
             continuously or nearly continuously without degradation of the environment; produces the highest yield for the least
             amount of energy used; requires the least investment to remain productive; and is not susceptible to leaching from
             fertilizers or pesticides (Source: Soils of New Hampshire, Sid Pilgrim and N. Peterson, University of New Hampshire
             and the SCS, 1979). "Farmland of statewide importance" has many of the same attributes of "prime farmland" but is
             generally of lesser quality. In the New England context, these lands are viable and important for use as agricultural
             land. Map RCP-6 FarndandSoils andActive Farnn found in the 1993 Open Space and Recreation Plan indicates
             that nearly 60% of the soils in Stratham are suitable for agriculture. These areas are located along the banks of the
             Squarnscott River, along both sides of Route 108, within the northwest comer of Town, and a large patch located in

                                                                         21




                                                                                                                                                 Stratharn, N.H.
                                                                                                         Farmland Soils and Active Forms
                                                                                                                                                                   Map 6





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4116
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Primary Rout's
                                                                                                                                                                                                               1h
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Secondary Routes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Roads at Streets


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Private Roads
                                                                                                                                     Vill,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               lown Boundary
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                        let.  C=                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Soils of State
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                        dat                                   make rm                                    the .1idity                                                                                            Y
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                                                              Or o",
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                        at 1:2G.DDO c.l,. 5. -it b-              W                                       de a, ;1%10,111,11
                        bmmddriet i, the Geld ,in of aNoy, e,ilc;d,                                      11.
                        th,i diff
                        term drIt.                            a.4 ... t- Ido-ufll
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Orchards
                        C=d1e,mSts,items Research, Center, UWH: Fe"o, 1990. Sail, Mmr@li..
                                                              d                                          y
                                         pg -f;dDb&1h, Usls..[ co                                        ...... lia@
                        ..Pfiderl i.  1985                      s.bj@ t                                  1. cb..g,.                                                                                                                             G'.Ilerncm,s@nnisc.
                        Vrd, 4.1. 1,..   DGT GPS data 01,0i..                                            at t:21.01). a, ld.t,
                        10 Ne --1 1J_SX.,5jLG                 I "" da"                                   -hi.tw f- ..dl
                        e,rd 60mq GRANIT                      ft INH Dep.,I-                             toti- 094'"
                        1_3 . ..... 1 '11116 1, the Rockingham Cou,ty                                                                                I                                                                                          Christmas 1,ees
                        C                1991,                                                                                                       Sca      :2730

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Unkno.n use

                                                                                                         "A," 1,4,d                011-          st.t,
                                                                                                         !.".I k, .W ".. lt,,@ .          10                                                                                                                                                             b
                                                                                                                        '-d jb,...k,, lg,57,           11











            center of Stratham.


            Aside from its obvious importance for growing food, agricultural land has value as a scenic resource, as wildlife habitat,
            and as a groundwater recharge area. Farming also provides economic benefits, especially to the local and regional
            economy. The loss of farmland has a direct impact on the landscape as well as an indirect impact on the local tax rate.
            The indirect economic benefit of fanning relates to the real estate value of the farmland itself compared to the cost of
            providing public services to residents once the land is converted to residences. As demonstrated in the Cost o
            Community Services study conducted by the UNH Cooperative Extension Service in 1995, residential subdivisions
            cost the town more in terms of providing municipal services than is received in increased property tax revenue, whereas
            farmland and other open land produce more in revenues than they consume 'in services -- even when enrolled 'in the
            Current Use program.


            %ile Stratham has lost a number of farms to residential development, it still retains a number of prominent working
            farms such as the Stuart Farm, Scammon Farm, Barker Farm, and others. There are approximately twelve working
            farms still remaining in Stratham. This figure is well above the number of active farms still in operation in adjacent
            communities. Although far fewer in number than in the past, these remaining farms have a very significant impact on
            the scenic and rural qualities of the community. The locations of these farms are indicated by symbol on the Farmland
            Soils and Active Farms Map.


                                    TABLE RCP-8 -- PRINCIPAL COMMERCIAL FARMS IN STRATHAM


                     FARM NAME                            MAP ID#         ]IRE                                ACREAG
                     Scammon Farm                         1               Dairy                               210
                     Stuart Farm                          2               Dairy                               270
                     Gifford Farm                         3               Forested wetlands; hay              129
                     Mill Valley Farm (in land trust)     4               Hay, vegetable                      100+
                     Barker Farm                          5               Vegetable, misc.                    100+
                     Conterton Farm                       6               Horse                               30
                     French/Rausch Farm                   7               Gentleman's/misc.                   100
                     Berry Hill Farm                      8
                     Salt Box Farm                        9               Vegetables, misc.                   130+
                     Bunker Hill Orchards                 10              Orchard
                     Unnamed                                              Christmas trees


                     Source: Rockingham County Cooperative Extension Office of the University ofNew Hampshire; and Town tax records,


            2.7      Forest Resources


                     Forest land is a major renewable resource, providing both conimodities (e.g., wood products and maple syrup),
                     and non-commodity benefits (e.g., water resource protection, air quality maintenance, energy conservation,
                     wildlife habitat, recreation and scenic quality).

                     According to an inventory maintained by the Rockingham County branch of the UNH Cooperative Extension
                     Service, there are five "tree farms" within Stratharn. The term "tree farm" refers to the National Tree Farm


                                                                         23









                       Program sponsored by the American Forestry Association (AFA). In order for a woodland to receive tree farm
                       certification, the owner must prepare a long-range forest management plan approved by a professional forester,
                       and submit the plan to the AFA.


                       It should also be noted that Stratharn has a number of very big or "champion" trees which are part of the
                       AFA's Big Tree Program. Initiated 'in 1940, this program was designed to promote protection of the nation's
                       oldest and tallest trees. The AFA publishes the National Register of Big Trees every four years, listing the vital
                       statistics of all trees 'in the program. In New Hampshire, the Registry of Big Trees is administered by the UNH
                       Cooperative Extension Service and the NH Division of Forests and Lands. Please contact these organizations
                       for more information on how to nominate a tree. Stratham's champion trees include:



                       Stratham's active tree farms and champion trees are depicted on Map 10 (Open Space Values) of the 1993
                       Open Space and Recreation Plan. This map also depicts the tax parcels within the "Current Use" program.
                       Many of these parcels contain prime forest and farmland. The State-sponsored Current Use Assessment
                       Program, as authorized by RSA 79-A, is a property tax abatement program which provides reduced property
                       assessments of field, farm, and forest lands of ten acres or more in size. The current use program plays an
                       important role in maintaining open space *in the Town.





              2.8      Sand and Gravel Resources


              Beginning in 1989, state law has mandated that local mastcr plans include a section which addresses construction
              materials. The amended statute, RSA 674:2 VIII-a, requires the following:


                       "A construction materials section which summarizes known sources of construction materials which
                       are available for future construction materials needs, including, at a minimum, the location and
                       estimated extent of excavations which have been granted permits under RSA 155-E, as well as reports
                       filed pursuant to RSA 155-13:2, I(d) with respect to non-permitted excavations."


              Responding to this requirement, the intent of this chapter is to (1) identify the general location of construction materials
              relevant to potential future construction needs of the community, (2) identify the status of existing gravel pit and other
              excavation sites, both active and abandoned, in the Town, and (3) describe local regulatory framework for mining and
              excavation operations.


              2.8.1    Identification of Construction Materials


              Soils Based Inventoty


              The Rockingham County Soil Survey conducted by the NRCS identifies roadfill, sand, gravel, and topsoil. as potential
              construction materials. The NRCS rates the performance of each soil type based on its physical characteristics and test
              data conducted during the soil survey. For each intended use of the soil, a soil suitability rating is provided. The

                                                                           24









            ratings of "good", "moderate", "fair", and "poor" are used for roadfill and topsoil. For sand and gravel, the soils are
            rated as "probable" or "improbable" as to the possibility of sand or gravel being present.

            The construction material suitability ratings for sod types that are likely to contain any of the four construction materials
            and are found in Stratham are shown on Map RCP-7 Potential Construction Materials' and listed in Table RCP-9.
            In the table, each soil number and name is provided, as well as the number of acres of that type of soil found in
            Stratham. Calculations of the number of acres for each soil type are based on the digitized soil map. For roadfill, if
            a soil has a rating of "good", it was included. For sand and gravel, only the "probable" rating is listed. In the case of
            topsoil, there were no soils which had a "good" rating so the only soil with a "moderate" rating was listed. Except for
            this case, if a sod had a rating less than good or probable it was left blank to make the table easier to read. Only the soils
            that had a good or probable rating in any category were included in the table.


                              TABLE RCP-9 - SOIL POTENTIAL RATINGS FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS






                                                                                             .... ......
                    26A         Windsor          loamy sand, 0-3% slopes            Good        Prob.
                                                                                                       ------------------------
                    26B         Windsor          loamy sand, 3-8% slopes            Good        Prob.       -          -
                    ----------------------                                                             ------------------------
                    26C         Windsor          loamy sand, 8-15-@ slopes          Good        Prob.       -          -
                                                                                                       ------------------------
                    30A____ - Unadilla           very fine sand loam                Good        Prob.       Prob.      Moderate---
                    42B         Canton           gravelly, fine sandy loam, 3-      Good
                                                 8% slopes
                    ---------------------                     .........................................................
                    42C         Canton           gravelly, fine sandy loam, 8-      Good
                                                 15% slopes
               - ----------------------                         -------------------------------------------------------
                    43C         Canton           gravelly, fine sandy loam, 8-      Good
                                                 15% slopes
                    ---------------------
                    62B         Charlton         fine sandy loam, 3-8% slopes       Good
                    ----------------------                                                   --------------------------------
                    63B         Charlton         fine sandy loam, very stony        Good
                                                 3-8% slopes
                    63C         Charlton         fine sandy loam, very stony        Good
                                                 8-15% slopes

                    66B         Paxton           fine sandy loam, 3-8% slopes       Good
                                                                                             --------------------------------
                    66C ____ -Paxton   ------    fine sandy loam, 8-15%             Good
                    ----------------------     I il Inn --------------------        --------   L--------   L--------  L----------   J



            2        The source for the soil information is the SCS soil map as digitized by Complex Systems of the University of
                     New Hampshire and provided to the Rockingham Planning Commission in digital format. Soil maps are
                     intended for general townwide land use planning. Due to the mapping techniques used, there may be different
                     sod types within a mapped area of another soil type. Because of these limitations, the soil maps should not be
                     used for site specific land use planning. The information is not designed or intended to be used for definitive
                     identification of construction materials.


                                                                          25






                                                   MlemwIMIMI                                      . . . . . . . . ..
                                  Paxton           fine sandy loam, very stony        Good
                                                   3-8% slopes

                      67C         Paxton           fine sandy loam, very stony,       Good
                                                   8-15% slopes

                      115         Scarboro         muck                                          Prob.
                                            ------       -------------------------------------------------------------
                      125         Scarboro         muck, very stony                              Prob.
                                                                            ----------------------------------------------
                      305         Lim-                                                           Prob.
                                  Pootatuck
                      ---------              ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                      313A        Deerfield        fine sandy loam, 0-3% slopes       -          Prob.
                                                                                                        ------------------------
                      313B        Deerf ield       fine sandy loam, 3-8% slopes       -          Prob.
                                                                                                        ------------------------
                      314A        Pipestone        0-5% slopes                        -          Prob.

                      395         Chocorua         mucky peat                                    Prob
                      -----------------------                    -------------------------------------------------------
                      497         Pawcatuc.k       mucky peat                                    Prob.
                     --------------------                                    ----------------------------------------------
                      51 OA       Hoosic           gravelly fine sandy loam 0-        Good       Prob.      Prob.
                                                   3% slopes

                      51 OB       Hoosic           gravelly fine sandy loam 3-        Good       Prob.      Prob.
                                                   8% slopes
                     --------------------                     ---------------------------------------------------------
                      51 OC       Hoosic           gravelly fine sandy loam 8-        Good       Prob.      Prob.
                                                   15% slopes
                           ------------------                     -------------------------------------------------------
                      51 OD       Hoosic           gravelly fine sandy loam 15-                  Prob.      Prob.
                                                   35% slopes
                      531 B       Scio             very fine sandy loam 0-5%                     Prob.      Prob.
                                                   slopes
                      546A        Walpole          very fine sandy loam 0-5%                     Prob.      Prob.
                                                   slopes

                      547A        Walpole          very fine sandy loam,very                     Prob.      Prob.
                                                   stony, 0-3% slopes

                      547B        Walpole          very fine sandy loam, very                    Prob.      Prob.
                                                   Istony, 3-8% slopes



              Total acreages for construction materials of the various types based on soil suitability data are as follows:

                       Roadfill: Table RCP-9 shows that nineteen soils in Stratham are rated as good for use as roadfill. These
                       nineteen soils total up to 2,743.5 acres. The largest single soil type that is good for roadfill is the 5 10 A-D,
                       Hoosic, which has 1,582.3 acres in Stratham.


                       Sand Sand is a very valuable material used in many kinds of construction. There are twenty soil types in
                       Stratham that the SCS have given a probable rating for the presence of sand. The total size of the potential sand
                       producing soils is 3288.6 acres. Since only one of the soils is part of a complex soil, this number is fairly

                                                                            26




                                                    SIratharn,                                             N. He                                                                                                                         Good for Road, Probable for Sand
                         C o n s t r u c t i o n                                            Materials, Map                                                                                                                               Go d for Road. Probable for Sand
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Proob   able     for Gravel, Moderate                 for' Topsoil
                                                                     MAP RCP-7                                                                                                                                                           Good for Road

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Probable         for Sand
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              EJ

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Good for         Road, Probable for Sand,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Probable         for Gravel

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Probable         for Sand, Probable for Gravel



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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Secondary Routes
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                         "Read, data Onsill @01` CPS d1l. cifliction Otiet. at 1: 4,000i.11                    11 ,,rd.,
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                                                                                                                                                                                                 I in. = 2166 ft.
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                        accurate. Once again, the 5 10 A-D, Hoosic is the largest single soil type in this category, making up almost
                       half of the total.


                       Gravel: Gravel is a most sought after construction material for many types of industries. Due to the geology
                       of Stratham and much of the coastal region, gravel-deposits are not very plentiful. In Stratham, there are only
                       nine soil types where finding gravel is rated as probable. This area covers a total of 2070.5, which is over 76%
                       of the probable gravel soils are from one soil type - the 5 10 A-D, Hoosic.


                       Topsoil: Topsoil deposits are the smallest of t he four construction materials found in Stratharn. None of the
                       sods were rated good for topsoil and only one, the 30 A, -Unadilla, was rated as moderate. Only 12.7 acres of
                       the Unadilla soil are found in Stratham. A review of Table RCP-9 reveals that Unadilla is the only soil to be
                       rated for all four types of construction materials. One soil, 5 10 A-C, Hoosic, are rated for each construction
                       material except for topsoil.


              Identification of Stratified Drift Aquifers


              As described in section 2.4.7 above and shown on Map RCP-5, there are a number of important stratified drift aquifers
              located in Stratham. Since these aquifers consist mainly of stratified sand and gravel deposits, they are also a potential
              source of sand and gravel construction material. As expected the aquifers match up fairly closely with the sand and
              gravel soils identified from the NRCS soils map. When sand and gravel deposits are saturated with water, they forms
              an aquifer. There are, however, many instances where glaciers deposited large amounts of sand and gravel on the top
              of hills or on hillsides; these are referred to as eskers or drumlins. These areas would not contain large amounts of
              groundwater and would not show up on the U.S.G.S. maps.

              Although stratified drift aquifers will always contain sand and gravel deposits, they are not necessarily suited for
              excavation to recover construction materials. Excavation that occurs below or too close to the water table will expose
              the groundwater to potential contamination and also increase evaporation of the water supply. For these reasons,
              excavation in or near such aquifers which have a realistic potential use as future water supply sources should be
              discouraged.


              2.8.2    Existing Excavations


              At present, there is one permitted-excavation and several others which are neither permitted or considered abandoned
              or grariffathered under RSA 155E. Table RCP 10 - Existing Sand and Gravel Excavations in Stratham contains
              information regarding these sites and their current status.. A small backyard gravel pit on Bunker Hill
              Road is the only excavation that is shown on the most recent U.S.G.S. map and is the only pit that local
              officials recently permitted. The gravel pit is behind an existing house and only 5,000 cubic yards are slated
              to be removed from the site.








                                                                          28












                              TABLE RCP 10 -- EXISTING SAND AND GRAVEL EXCAVATIONS IN STRATHAM



                     Excavation                  Location           Approx.        Active                    155-E Status
                                                                      Size

               Bell & Flynn                Bunker Hill Ave.         76 acres     No            'Abandoned"; Reclamation plan filed
                                           Map 10/1-ot 25-1         (20 open)    (Court        5/96
                                           Map 3/1-ot 3                          Injunction)

               Bell & Flynn                Bunker Hill Ave.         12 acres     Yes           'Abandoned'; no report filed per RSA
                                           Map 4/Lot 10             (5 open)                   155-E

               Sewall                      Bunker Hill Ave.;        10 acres     Yes           Permitted 8/96
                                           Map 4 Lot 20           1

               Source: Straham Code Enforcement Officer and RPC Planner


             2.8.3 Excavation Regulations


             In 1988, the Strathani Planning Board adopted new Excavation Regulations that were based on a model developed by
             the Rocldnghani Planning Commission. These regulations incorporated all of the required provisions from RSA 155-E.
             Excavations are permitted in Stratham if the Planning Board issues an excavation permit after obtaining the required
             excavation and restoration plans and holding a public hearing. Given the scarcity of large amounts of construction
             materials in Stratham, the existing regulations are adequate protection to ensure safe excavations in the future.



























                                                                          29,











               3.0     WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION


               Stratharn does not have a municipal water system at this time and has no plans to develop one 'in the foreseeable future.
               Nonetheless, the protection of both surface and groundwater is a critical issue for the future. With the exception of
               numerous "public"water systems (defined as water systems with 15 or more service connection or used by 25 persons
               or more) scattered throughout the community, all of the Town's existing development relies on *individual on-site wells.
               In a community with a municipal water system the municipality must, at a minimum, be concerned about the water
               quality of a limited munber of production wells or surface water supplies. In Stratham essentially all of the groundwater
               must be protected since it is the universal supply of potable water.

               As identified in Section 2.4 of this chapter, Strathatri contains all or portions of three large stratified drift aquifers and
               two smaller ones. Together, these aquifers underlie over 2000 acres or nearly a quarter of the land area of the Town.
               While this apparent abundance of groundwater means there is adequate potential supply for the future, the Town must
               continue to protect these sources from contamination and over exploitation.


               This chapter, which in part incorporates information contained in the 1993 Stratharn Water Resources Management and
               Protection Plan (WRMPP), presents information about existing water withdrawls and discharges, public water systems,
               existing and projects demands for water and potential threats to the Town's water supplies.


               3.1     Water Withdrawls and Discharges


               Information regarding withdrawal and discharge rates for maJor groundwater users is required to be filed writh. the Water
               R=urce Division (WRD) of the NH Department of Environmental Services in accordance with the provisions of the
               NH Code of Administrative Rules Wr 700. Major groundwater users are defined as those operations which use more
               than 20,000 gallons of water per day (gpd). For major groundwater users who are discharging to an aquifer, a
               Groundwater Discharge Permit must be obtained from the State. According to a recent review of WRD records, there
               is one major withdrawal taking place above the Town's stratified drift aquifers, and there are no holders of a
               Groundwater Discharge Permit above these resources. According to the 1993 Water Resources Management Plan,
               however, there are a nurnber of additional major withdrawls and discharges not included in the NHDES records. These
               originate primarily from common wells and septic systems of residential cluster developments. In addition, a new major
               public water supply production well is currently under development by a private utility.


               The current major withdrawls are described as follows:


               Exeter Municipal Water System: The Exeter municipal water system maintains several wells along the Stratham-
               Exeter border which withdraw water from the Skinner Springs Aquifer. These wells are used to augment Exeter's
               municipal water system@ which receives the majority of its water from the Exeter River. Currently, these wells contribute
               an average of roughly 80,000 gpd to the municipal water system.


               Thornhill Residential Development: consists of 70 two-bedroom, single family homes. The development is located
               in the southern end of Town, off of Rollins Farm Road. Using the septic system design standards of the Water Supply
               and Pollution Control Division (WSPCD), it is estimated this development withdraws roughly 21,000 gpd from the
               southern end of the Bunker Hill Aquifer.

                                                                            30









            Salt River Condominiums: located off Brookside Drive, consists of 78 single family units , withdrawing and
            discharging approximately 23,400 gpd from the groundwater.

            Glen Gary Condominiums: located off Depot Road, consists of 114 single family units, withdrawing and discharging
            roughly 25,650 gpd from the groundwater.


            In addition to these current "major" withdrawals, the Hampton Water Works Co., concurrent with the preparation the
            master plan, had installed a test well for a public water supply production well in the Winnicut River Aquifer off
            Winnicut Road near the No. Hampton town line. If perrmitted by the Town, the PUC and the NHDES, the Company's
            intent is to withdraw up to 430,000 gpd to augment its water supply to serve its franchise area in Hampton, No
            Hampton and Jennes Beach (Rye). Information filed to support this proposal alleges that the well will draw water from
            an aquifer that is not hydrogeologically connected with the remainder of the Winnicut River Aquifer. Stratharn disputes
            this conclusion. If this production well is permitted it is possible that there will be impacts upon the wetlands and nearby
            Winnicut River. Additionally, Hampton Water Works concedes that the operation of the well will render this aquifer
            unable to support any other withdrawal. It should be noted that the Winnicut Aquifer has the highest transmissivity
            (roughly related to yield) of all the aquifers identified in Stratham. It appears that the NHDES intends to grant approval
            of this withdrawal conditioned on the satisfactory outcome of a 6 month monitoring of associated impacts.


            Regarding surface waters, there are no major discharges or withdrawls taking place in Stratham. However, there are
            three discharges taking place outside of Stratham which impact on the Town's surface waters. These discharges include:
            the Exeter and Newfields municipal wastewater treatment plants which discharge to the Squamscott River, and the
            Newmarket wastewater treatment plant which discharges to the Lamprey River. Although the Lamprey River is not
            located within Stratham, it is part of the Great Bay estuarine system. Tidal waters from this system flow into Stratham,
            during periods of high fide. The previously cited 1992 WSPCD 305(b) Water Quality Report identified the Squamscott
            Rivei as "not supporting" its class B legislative classification due to high bacteria counts. Stratham should work with
            the other communities along the Squamscott River and the Great Bay to develop a coordinated and effective water
            quality enhancement strategy fore these surface waters.


            3.2      Existing Public Water Supplies

            As mentioned previously, Stratharn residents receive their water entirely from on-site water wells, and public water
            systems as defiried by RSA 485: 1. According to the RSA, there are three types of public water systems: community
            water systems, non-community water systems, and non-community, transient water systems. These systems are defined
            as follows:


                     Community Water System: A public water system which serves at least 15 service connections used by year-
                     round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents. Community water systems are usually
                     associated with residential developments.


                     Non-Community Water System: A public water system which serves the same 25 people, or more, over six
                     months per year. Examples of this type of system include: schools, government buildings, and large industries.


                     Non-Community, Transient System: A public water system which serves a transient population of 25 people,

                                                                         31










                        or more, over six months per year. Examples of this type of system include: restaurants, churches and parks.

              According to the NH Department of Environmental Services records, there are 34 active public water systems located
              in Stradiam. These systems are listed in Table RCP 11 -- Puhlic Water Supply Systenu in Stratham. In addition,
              Map RCP-5 shows the location of the Town's various public water systems, on-site water wells, and USGS test wells.


                                 TABLE RCP 11         ACTIVE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN STRATHAM



                                                                                                          Non-Community
                        Community                                     Non-Community                       Transient
                        Water System                                  Water System                        Water System


                        (A) Aberdeen West                             (Q) Acorn School                    (CC) Carriage Stall
                        (B) Balmoral                                  (R) Bell & Flynn                    (DD) The Commons
                        (C) Burnhaven                                 (S) Country Kids                    (EE) The Coop (inactive)
                        (D) Glen Gary Condos                          (T) Cornerstone School              (FF) Community Church
                        (E) Jewett Hill                               (U) King's Highway                  (GG) Stratharn Hill Park
                        (F) Murrifield Cluster                        (V) Market Basket                   (HH) Sweet Dreams Bakery
                        (G) Montrose Condos                           (W) NH Tech College
                        (H) Pheasant Run                              (X) Piper's Landing
                        (1) Salt River                                (Y) Rockingham News
                        (J) Turnbury Condos                           (Z) Shaws
                        (K) Smith Farm                                (AA) Town Offices
                        (L) Stratharn Green                           (BB) Memorial School
                        (M) Stratharn Woods
                        (N) Thornhill. Condos
                        (0) Winding Brook Condos
                        (P) Lamington Hill Condos


              A full description of each of these systems can      be found in the 1993 Stratharn WRMPP and in the 1993 Stratharn
              Wellhead Protection Prop-ram Report. The estimated current demand of the existing community water systems of
              202,650, represents the demand as of 1993. At least six of these developments were not fully constructed at that time.
              When these developments reach build-out, the total estimated demand will rise by an additional 63,000 gpd. to
              approximately 265.000 gpd. It is interesting to note that the 24 hour design capacity of these community wells, which
              is estimated at 1.3 million gpd, far exceeds the current or forecasted demand.


              3.3       Existing and Projected Demands


              Table RCP 12 below provides an estimate of the Town's existing water demands. The number of people served by on-
              site water wells was derived by taking the Town's total population and subtracting that portion served by the various
              community water systems. The water demand estimate for the population served by on-site wells is based on the
              WSPCD water demand estimate for three-bedroorn units. This should yield relatively high water demand estimates
              because the design standards of the WSPCD tend to be higher than actual metered demands.



                                                                             32









             Also included in Table 12 are the Town's major commercial, industrial and institutional water users. No attempt has
             been made to estimate agricultural demand.


                                        TABLE RCP 12 - STRATHAM EXISTING WATER DEMANDS



               Type of Water Supply                    Population Served                   Estimated and Actual Water
                                                                                           Demand (Qpd)


             -On-Site Wells*                           3,429 people*                       617,400 gpd ^

               Community Wells+                        1,606 people+                       202,650 gpd ^

               Non-Community Wells                     2,625 students, staff and            5 5,644 gpd
                                                       employees +

               Non-Community, Transient Wells          transient population not            9,480 gpd ^ at peak demand
                                                       determined                        I (< 3000 avg. daily demand)
             [Total E Tisting Demand                   7,660 (not incl. transient)         885,174 gpd                       I

                               Population estimate based on 2.5 residents per household.
             +                 Population based on 2.5 residents per household, or estimate provided by condominium
                               association/well owner.
                               Water demand estimate based on WSPCD design standards/water meters/well owner estimates.
             Source: Water Resources Management and Protection Plan, Town ofStratham, 1993


             Td@ievelop projected water demands the 1993 WRMPP used the most recent population projections developed by the
             NH Office of State Planning. For the year 2000, Stratham's population is projected at 5,992 residents; and for the year
             2010, 7,522 residents are projected. In an effort to reasonably project the Town's future water demands, the follo i
                                                                                                                                wmg
             assumptions were made:


             1.      It is assumed that the various public water systems which are not fully built-out and have expansion plans
                     (Winding Brook, Turnburry, Kings Highway Plaza, etc.) will actually implement these plans. Thus, the water
                     demand projections for these water systems will be based on the projects at full-build out.

             2.      Although new public water systems may be established in the future, it is not feasible to predict how many or
                     how large they will be. Therefore, the establishment of future public water systems is not assumed in these
                     projections. This will not effect the total projected demand for water since that is based on the projected
                     population and a standard per capita consumption estimate.

             3.      The number of people to be served by individual on-site water wells was derived by taking the Town's
                     population and subtracting the portion served by the various community water systems.


             4.      For the population to be served by individual water wells, their water demand projection will be based on the


                                                                       33










                       following formula:


                       Projected Water = (Projected Population - Pop. served by public supplies) - 2.5                x 450 gpd*
                         Demand


                                        = average person per household
                                        = WSPCD design standard for 3 bedroom dwelling unit


              5.       As with the existing water demand estimates outlined in RCP Table 12, the peak demands of the various public
                       water systems will be used.


              6.       As with Table 12, Table 13 below includes projections for the Town's existing major commercial, industrial
                       and institutional water users. However, the projection does not assume any additional major development not
                       presently in the planning stages.


              With the above assumptions in mind, Table RCP 13 below presents Stratham's projected water demands for the years
              2000 and 20 10.


                                        TABLE RCP 13 -- STRATHAM PROJECTED WATER DEMANDS



                Type of Water Supply                     Water Demand Projection -            Water Demand Projection -
                                                         Year 2000                            Year 2010


                On-:Site Wells                           713,700 gpd                          989,100 gpd

                Community Wells                          265,500 go                           265,500 gpd
                  on- ommunity Wells                     65,000 gpd                           65,000 gpd

                Non-Community, Transient Wells           10,680 gpd                           10,680  gpd

                Total Proiected Demand                   1,054,880 gpd                        1,330,280 QPd


              Source: Waier Resources Managemeni and Protection Plan, TownofSiratham,1993; Addilional analysis


              Based on the available aquifer information, there appears to be more than sufficient groundwater supplies in Stratharn
              to meet current protected demand. Within the planning horizon of this document it is expected that the Town will
              continue to rely exclusively on its groundwater resources to supply future water needs. This water will be provided
              through a mixture of individual on-site wells and common wells serving the various types of public.systems such as
              currently exist. Although no specific plans exist to develop a municipal water system, the possible ftiture need for such
              a system has been discussed for supplying water to support additional commercial and industrial development in the
              community. In the event that such plans are pursued it is likely that either or both the Bunker Hill or Stratharn Hill
              Aquifers would be identified as the sources of supply. To pursue the development of a municipal water system a
              detailed water supply study would have to be undertaken to address issues including aquifer capacity, water quality,
              water storage, treatment and distribution facilities, wellhead protection, and financing of capital and maintenance costs.


                                                                         34









            The secondary impacts of operating the production wells would have to be investigated as well, Including effects on the
            water table, wetlands, stream flows and adjacent public water supply wells.


            The concern at this stage is to preserve the Town options for developing a municipal water supply system in the future.
            The development of the Hampton Water Works well within the Win@cut Aquifer may preclude that aquifer from further
            extraction for a municipal system. The Town should therefore endeavor to preserve these options for the Bunker Hill
            and Stratharn Hill aquifers.


            3.4      Potential Pollution Threats


            An essential part of protecting the Town's water supply is to prevent its contamination from pollution sources. To
            accomplish that is necessary to understand the nature and extent of potential pollution threats 'in Stratham. and then to
            determine what, if any, additional measures should be taken to eliminate or diminish those threats.


            The State of New Hampshire has delineated two general types of pollution sources: nonpoint and point. Nonpoint
            pollution, which is of greater concern in Stratham, is defined as pollution sources which are diffuse in nature and
            discharge pollutants ova an area into the environment. Typically, nonpoint sources of pollution include urban and rural
            runoff, leachates from land disposal of solid and      'liquid wastes, agricultural runoff, sediment from tilling, timber
            harvesting, construction activities and road salt applications. Nonpoint sources can be difficult to pinpoint since some
            are of a short-lived nature, induced by storm events or activities occurring over a brief period of time. Some nonpoint
            sources, such as leachate from landfills and failed septic systems, are more easily located.


            Point pollution sources are defined as any discernible, confined or discrete conveyance from which pollutants are or may
            be discharged, including but not limited to: pipes, ditches, channels, tunnels, conduits, wells, containers, rolling stock,
            concentrated animal feeding operations or vessels.


            3.4.1    Potential Nonpoint Pollution Sources


                     Based on information contained in the 1993 WRMPP and information from local officials, the potential
                     nonpoint pollution sources in Stratharn are identified and shown on the Map RCP- 8 -- Wellhead Protection
                     Zones and Potential Pollution Sources Map. A brief description of these sources is presented below; refer
                     to the WRMPP, page 24 for additional detail. Unless stated otherwise, the sources described do not have
                     monitoring wells located on-site and no detailed water quality data is available. In Stratham, examples of
                     existing nonpoint pollution sources include:


                     Salt Piles and Snow Dump$.: There is one Town-owned salt pile located along Bunker Hill Avenue at the site
                     of the Town Garage. This facility stores approximately 150 tons of road salt at any given time. The salt is
                     stored in an enclosed area with a concrete floor underneath. Bell & Flynn Inc., also have a salt pile at their
                     Bunker Hill Avenue facility. This facility stores as much as 30 tons of road salt at any given time. The salt is
                     stored in an enclosed area with a concrete floor underneath. (Source: RPC Nonpoint Inventory and the Town
                     Road Agent.)


                     Road deicing        All of the paved roads in Stratharn receive some degree of salting during the winter months,
                                                                         3;5




                     S t r a t ham Wellhead Pr ot ec t I on Program


                                                                                                                                        MAP RCP-8













                                                                                                  D

                          N                                                                           %j

                                                                                                GG






                                                                                                                             A

                                                      g L

                                                                                                       v


































                 Tronsmissivity < 500 ft.
                 squared per day                                                                                             WPA 4000' Buffer

                 Transmissivity 0  - 1000 ft.
                 squared per day                                                                                             Wellheads using
                                                                                                                             Tape and Compass
                 Tronsmissivity 1000 - 2000 ft@
                 squared per day                                                                                             Wellheads using
                                                                                                                             GPS technology
                 Transmissivity 2000 - 4000 ft.
                 squared per day                                                                                                       Prepared by the
                 Potential Contamination
                 Sites                                                        Scale 1"    2500 ft.                       Rockingham Planning Commission
                                                                                                                         June 10, 1993                                DRA
                                                                                                  000
              ME                                               0 feet           2500            5                7500









                      with the exception of Jack Rabbit Lane which is a dirt road. ( Source: RPC Nonpoint Inventory and the Town
                      Road Agent.) There are 13 well sites in Town which have been contaminated by road salt. The majority of
                      occurrences have taken place along Routes 101 and 108, however there are a few sites along Bunker Hill
                      Avenue and Winrucut Road. AD of the wells have been replaced by the NH Department of Transportation. The
                      locations of these sites are denoted by the symbol "S" on Map RCP 8. (Source: Records of the DES Waste
                      Management Division and NH DOT.)

                      Municipal Landfill: There is an abandoned municipal landfill located along the western side of Union Road.
                      Use of the landfill was discontinued in 1980, after thirty years of service. The landfill is unlined, however the
                      site has been capped with clay, loamed and seeded. A landfill closure plan was submitted to the Waste
                      Management Division of the NH Department of Environmental Services in January of 1992, however, the plan
                      has yet to be approved by the State. There are four monitoring wells located on-site. After four rounds of well
                      testing, no significant water quality problem have been detected. Two nearby streams have also been sampled
                      without detecting any serious water quality problems. The landfill currently serves as a transfer station where
                      residents can dispose of bulky items, metals, brush and recyclables. (Sources: discussions with the Town's
                      Administrative Assistant; and records of the DES Waste Management Division.)


                      Excavation Qperations and Maintenance of Excavation Equipmen : There are three active excavation sites in
                      Stradmii, all located along Bunker Hill Avenue. One is pernuitted; two are not. See section 2.8 above for more
                      information.


                      Gas Stations, Engine Repair and Automptive Shops: There are ten such uses within Stratham, including:
                      automotive service establishments (Stratharn Tire, Sullivan Tire, Monroe Muffler, Undercar Specialist), car
                      dealerships (Gill's Jeep/Eagle, Honda Barn, Exeter Subaru) and gasoline stations (Charter Gas and Stratham
                      Village Market, and the C&E Mobil Station. All of these sites are located along Portsmouth Avenue. There
                      are also two small engine repair shops in Town: Steele Engine Repair (Portsmouth Avenue), and a site located
                      off of Bunker Hill Avenue. The locations of the establishments listed above are denoted by the symbol "A" on
                      Map 8.


                      Pesticide Application Sites. Farms and Agricultural Uses: There are ten agricultural uses in Stratham which
                      have used pesticides in the recent past. These operations grow a variety of produce including: vegetables,
                      flowers, berries and tree fi-uit. In addition, there are two nurseries and one greenhouse in Stratharn. There are
                      also six horse farms and two dairy farms in Stratham. The locations of the pesticide application sites, nurseries,
                      greenhouse and the Stratham Agway are denoted by the symbol "PA" on Map 8, while the horse and dairy farnis
                      are denoted by the symbol T". For a detailed description of the pesticides used at each site, see Appendix C
                      of the WIUAPP. It should be noted that Stratharn participates in the Seacoast Area Mosquito Control (SAMC)
                      program. After flooding events, SAMC crews spray a biological pesticide ("BTI") on the wetlands along the
                      Squamscott River, and, to a lesser extent, freshwater wetlands throughout Town. (Sources: NH Department
                      of Agriculture and discussions with local officials.)


                      Urban Runoff and Storm Dra : In early 1992, the Rockingham Planning Commission conducted a partial field
                      inventory of potential threats for the eastern half of the RPC region. Storm drains which handled runoff from
                      paved areas of over one acre in size were included in the inventory. In Stratham, there are 13 such storm drains

                                                                         37










                       scattered throughout Town. The locations of these sites are denoted by the symbol "R" on Map 8.

                       Print Shops and Printing Presses: There are two such operations in Stratham. Rockingham County News and
                       Squamscott Press are both located along Portsmouth Avenue. The locations of these sites are denoted by the
                       symbol "P" on Map 8. Source: Town Business Records.


                       Commercial Q12erations: There are a number of commercial operations in Stratharn which store, use and dispose
                       of hazardous chemicals and/or substances. Along Portsmouth Avenue, these operations include: Stratharn Fuels
                       Inc. (fuel storage); the Antique Repair Co. (paints, thinners and furniture stripping); Stratham Hill Bicycle
                       (paints and cleaning solvents), and; Eurocleaners (dry cleaning chemicals). There is also the B.R. Jones
                       Roofing Company (metal work, asphalt and tar storage) located along Winnicut Road. In addition, there is a
                       woodworking shop located along Lovell Road and a taxidermy shop along College Road (Route 108). The
                       locations of these sites are denoted by the symbol "C" on Map 8. Source: Town Business Records.


                       Beauty  SaIgns: Beauty parlors often use chemicals which, if disposed of improperly, could pose a threat to
                       groundwater resources. There are five such establishments in Stratham. Both the Stratharn Plaza and the King's
                       Highway Plaza contain such uses. Small-scale beauty shops are also located along Squamscott Road, Winnicut
                       Road and Portsmouth Avenue. The locations of these sites are denoted by the symbol "B" on Map 8. Source:
                       Town Business Records.


                       Industries and Manufacturing Estabjishment$: There are several industries in Stratham which use regulated
                       substances as defined by the NH Groundwater Protection Act of 1991 (RSA 485-C). The Town's primary
                       industrial wea is the Stratharn Industrial Park located in the southern comer of Town along Marin Way. Chief
                       among the park's industries are: Hewlett - Packard (use of regulated chemicals); Complex Medical Products
                       (use of regulated chemicals), and; Lindt & Sprungli USA (food processing - chocolate). The locations of
                       Stratham's industries, and manufacturing operations are denoted by the symbol "I" on Map 8. Source: Town
                       Business Records and discussions with various local officials.


                       Septic Systems and Leaching Fields: Generally speaking, septic systems are considered nonpoint pollution
                       sources because of their discharge of effluent into the ground. The threat presented by such systems increases
                       when a system fails and the wastewater is not treated sufficiently. There are several residential developments
                       in Stratham dig are served by large septic systems. The most significant septic system is the one for Turnburry
                       Condominiums. This development holds a Groundwater Discharge Permit issued by the State. The permit
                       allows the development's septic system to discharge as much as 30,000 gallons of wastewater per day into the
                       ground. The other holder of a Ground-water Discharge Permit is Stratham Green Condominiums. Their permit
                       allows the developmenes septic system to discharge as much as 18,000 gallons of wastewater per day into the
                       ground. There are approximately 450 housing units served by community septic systems and 1600 housing
                       units served by individual on-lot systems.


                       According to a recent review of records maintained by the Code Enforcement Officer, instances of septic system
                       failure have been scattered throughout Town, with the majority of cases being those systems located in close
                       proximity to the major rivers and streams, as well as in areas containing high water tables. Many of the failed
                       systems were installed before the NH Water Supply and Pollution Control Division established rules regarding

                                                                        38









                     septic system placement.

                     Much of the remaining undeveloped areas of Stratham have a high percentage of soils which contain moderate
                     to severe limitations for the placement of on-site septic systems. (See RCP Map 2 -- Soil Potential for
                     Development) This does not mean that areas shown with very low or low potential cannot be utilized at all for
                     the placement of septic systems because. some environmental constraints can be mitigated through corrective
                     measures taken by the developer. The accuracy resolution of the soil maps may also mask smaller areas of
                     greater potential that are within large areas of poor soils. It d= indicate that a great deal of care must be
                     exercised in developing in such areas to avoid pollution threats.



            3.4.1    Potential Point Pollution Sources


                     Stratham is relatively free of point pollution sources, i.e., those sources confined to a specific, discernible
                     location. There are no CERCLA (Superfund) sites in Town, nor are there any National Pollution Discharge
                     Elimination System (NPDES) permit holders. Such permits are usually required for the discharge of treated
                     waters into a surface water resource.


            3.5      Existing Policies for Water Resources Protection

            Over the years Stratharn has put in place a number of policies, in the form land zoning ordinances and land use
            regulations, dig directly or indirectly act to protect the surface and groundwater resources of the Town. In many cases,
            Stratham has been at the forefront of such efforts in the RPC region. For example, the Town was the first community
            in the region to enact a shoreland protection ordinance and wellhead protection program. It was one of the first to enact
            wetlands and aquifer protection measures, and recently updated and adopted comprehensive erosion sedimentation and
            stormwater management measures in its site plan and subdivision regulations. Following is a brief description and
            rationale of the major policies in place which help protect the resource.


                     Aquifer Protection District: adopted in 1992, this overlay district is key to protecting the five USGS-defined
                     aquifers from land uses and site activities that are detrimental to the quality or quality of the resource. The
                     district boundaries are defined by the lastest US GS aquifer delineation study (199 1). Impervious lot coverage
                     is limited to 20% to ensure groundwater recharge; land uses involving on-site disposal, storage or processing
                     of hazardous materials, undergound storage tanks, and a variety of high-risk commercial, industrial and utility
                     uses are prohibited. Provisions of the town's land use regulations permit the town to require a developer to
                     prepare a hydrogeological study of potential impacts of development, where warranted. The ordinance lacks
                     adequate provisions for regulating the volume of water extracted for commercial purposes and should be
                     reviewed and updated.


                     Wellhead Protection Program: adopted by Stratham in 1993, this state established program, is designed to
                     help municipalites enhance their protection of groundwater supplies through improved education, monitoring
                     and management of potentially harmfid land use activites within the recharge areas of public water supply wells.
                     As a result of this program, NHDES reclassified all of the groundwater in Stratham as "GA-l". This
                     designation provides enchanced protection of the groundwater through implementation of "best management

                                                                       39









                       practices" on the part of landowners and through active compliance monitoring by the Town. Strathani was
                       the first community in the RPC region to implement a wellhead protection program and the first in the state to
                       address the need to protect public (non-municipal) water supply wellheads.


                       Wetlands Conservation District: Adopted in 1984, this overlay ordinance severely and properly limits the
                       type and extent of development activity in and near wetlands. The intent of the district is to protect important
                       wetlands and preserve their valuable natural functions of flood storage, pollution assimilation and wildlife
                       habitat, among others. The district is defined by   th e presence of hydric A and B soils. The ordinance should
                       be updated to make the defir@ition of wetlands consistent with that of the State Wetlands Council.


                       Shoreland Protection District: Adopted in 1985, this overlay ordinance, which was the first of its kind in the
                       RPC region, limits the type and extent of development within 150 feet of tidal waters and within 100 ft. of
                       perennial shwns. The intent is to protect environmentally sensitive shorelands. The buffer of undisturbed land
                       dig results helps protect the surface water by filtering runoff and provides critical habitat fro many species that
                       live in tidal marshes and nearby shoreland environments. It also help maintain the scenic quality of the
                       Squamscott River and its tributaries.


                       FloodpWn Management District: This overlay district, required for the Town's participation in the Federal
                       Flood Insurance Prograrn, ensures that septic systems are not sited in flood prone areas and that any structures
                       constructed in the District are adequately flood proofed, and that they will not cause an increase in flood hazards
                       downstream.


                       Cluster Development: Strathain allows and encourages cluster development as an alternative to standard
                       residential subdivision practice. Cluster Development indirectly protects water resources by encouraging the
                       placement of buildings, roads-and septic system where they are best suited to the land. -It-also can help protect
                       large useable areas of open space in exchange for higher lot densities. The actual implementation of cluster
                       development has not always met these objectives and has sometimes lead to higher densities and less useable
                       open space than intended. The Cluster provisions of the ordinance should be reviewed and revised to increase
                       the planning board's discretion in approving cluster development design and improve the outcome of these
                       developments.


                       Sod Based Lot Sizing: Incorporated in the Town's subdivision and site plan regulations, soil-based lot sizing
                       is the accepted standard in Rockingham County as the best method for determining the density of development
                       in areas served by on-site septic systems. By tieing development density to the soil's capacity to assimilate
                       waste effluent, soil-based lot sizing ensures that groundwater will not be degraded by recharge from septic
                       systems.


                       Erosion Control/Stormwater Management: Stratham's subdivision and Site Plan Review regulations require
                       erosion control plans to be prepared whenever an area greater than 20,000 sq. ft. will be disturbed or when
                       the construction of a road will be involved. This ensures that sedimentation and sediment-borne pollutants will
                       be blocked from reaching surface waters. Likewise, stormwater management plans are required when warranted
                       and ensure did runoff from developed areas will not cause erosion and will be treated to remove sediment and
                       some pollutants before being conducted to natural water courses.
                                                                            410











                     Excavation Regulations: Stratharn regulated excavations under the provisions of RSA 155-E. The town has
                     designated the Planning Board as the regulator. The ordinance requires the reclamation of excavation sites,
                     requires buffers strips around excavation sites, and prohibits excavations that would damage a known aquifer.
                     (The Aquifer Protection District also prolubits excavation closer than 6 feet from the seasonal high water table
                     above the identified aquifers.) The current regulations should be revised to become consistent with 155-E
                     regarding the handling of grandfathered and abandoned gravel pits.


            The policies, regulation and ordinances described here are necessary and important for the protection of the Town's
            water resources. They are generally up to date and, taken together, provide the tools necessary to protect the resource.
            As with all such policies and regulations they require vigilance in enforcement and should be periodically reviewed to
            ensure they are effective, fair and reasonable.






































                                                                        41











             4.0      OPEN SPACE AND LAND CONSERVATION


             One of the most important and defining elements of Stratharn as a community and as a place are its open spaces. These
             areas which *include forested lands, active agricultural lands and pasture and old-fields, as well as wetlands and
             undeveloped shorelands are very important both to the community and to the natural environment for a variety of reasons
             as briefly described below.


                      Recreation and Scenic Qu&y: Open space lands help define the scenic and rural quality of the community.
                      Faninland in particular with its wide open fields and pastures are critical scenic elements. Open space is also
                      important for many forms of outdoor recreation including hunting, cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking
                      and nature observation.


                      Water Resource Protection: Open spaces are critical to maintairfing the quality and quantity of surface and
                      groundwater. They provide unpolluted recharge to the town's aquifers, help assimilate pollution from various
                      land use activities before they reach water sources, and help reduce stormwater, erosion and flood damage that
                      would result from major storm events.

                      Wildlife Habi : Expanses of open space area are vital to wildlife. Each of the major forms of open space in
                      Stradiam (agricultural/open fields and pastures, old fields, forested areas, wetlands and undeveloped shorelands)
                      provide habitat to difference important species. In addition, strewn shorelines, continuous strips of undeveloped
                      land and even utility corridors are vital to wildlife as corridors links important habitat areas.

                      Economics: Agriculture and forestry, particularly the former, have been an important part of Stratham's
                      economy for since settlement. While this is much       less true today, these land continue to contribute to the
                      Town's economic well-being both directly and indirectly. Aside from the direct economic activity they
                      represent, they also help reduce the cost of community services that would arise if these open space were
                      replaced with residential development. This has been well documented for Stratham and several other New
                      Hampshire Communities in the Cooperative Extension Report Does Open S ace Pa ?                    H C perative
                      Extension, 1995).                                                               p        y (UN        oo

                      Education: Operating farms are the training grounds for the next generation of farmers in the community; they
                      can also help education non-farmers about the importance of our agricultural resources; Wetlands and other
                      wildlife habitats can be used for ecological research and environmental education for students of    all ages.


             Although Stratham has sizable amounts of open space of aU varieties remaining, more is lost every year. It is increasing
             important for the community to understand what is has left and take decisive steps to protect the most important parcel
             for the future. The following section identifies the major conservation and protected land in the Town.


             4.1      Protected Open Space and Conservation Lands

             This section briefly describes the sizeable publicly-owned and protected lands in Stratham. These parcels, as well as
             other incidental parcels, are depicted on RCP Map 9 - "Protected Open Space and Conservation Lands." It should
             be noted that even though a parcel is publicly-owned, it is not necessarily protected forever. The Conservation

                                                                          42









            Comrnission should encourage the Board of Selectmen to put covenants (land restrictions) on critical Town-owned open
            spaces. This concept applies to State-owned lands as well. If the State is not interested in any permanent means of
            protection, the Conunission should pursue an option or right of first refusal for the land. The following is an inventory
            and description of public and protected lands in Stratham..


            Public Land


                    Town-owned


                    The Town of Stratharn owns a significant amount of open space, most of which is located in the vicinity of
                    Stratharri Hill. The Town's major land holdings include: Stratham Hill Park (108 acres); the "Gifford" land,
                    adjacent to Sft-Aiam Hill Park (86 acres); the site of the new elementary school (37 acres); and the conservation
                    land which lies between Lovell Road and Gophered Farm Road (13 acres).


                    State-own


                    Ile State of New Hampshire owns two parcels in Town, both of which are located adjacent to the Squamscott
                    River at Chapmads Landing. This site has a total area of about seven acres, and is managed by the N.H. Fish
                    and Game Department. It also owns the land associated with the Sandy Point Leaming Center near the
                    Greenland town line along the Squamscott.


            Quasi-Public


                    In Stratharn, quasi-public lands include those which are owned by the Boston and Maine Railroad; and
                    transmission-line easements owned by the Public Service Comparry of New Hampshire for electricity, and by
                    Northern Utilities for gas. These corridors can provide important links to open space lands.

                    The 91-acre site of the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College is also included in this category. As
                    discussed in the Recreation Chapter of the Master Plan, this tract contains several playing fields available for
                    public use.


            Private Protected Land


                    In Stratham, there are generally two types of mechanisms which have protected privately-owned open space
                    lands: 1) conservation easements; and 2) cluster development.


                    Conservation Easements


                    a)       Stuart Farm. This site is located in northwestern Stratham, and is bisected by Mill Brook. At 173
                             acres, this is the Town's largest tract of protected land. The conservation easement (development
                             rights) is held by the N.H. Department of Agriculture. Public access is allowed by permission only.

                    b)       Wiggin Conservation Land. This 37-acre parcel is located adjacent to Jewett Hill Brook. This land

                                                                       43










                                is ecologically important - containing rare and endangered plants, and comprising a portion of the tidal
                                wetland system of the Squamscott River. The conservation easement is held by the State of New
                                Hampshire. Public access for transitory recreational purposes is allowed.

                       C)       Turnberry Open Space. This land is the open space portion of the Turnberry Condominium
                                development. It is a 61-acre tract located next to the Wigging parcel (described above), adjacent to the
                                Squarnscott River. It also contains a significant amount of tidal wetlands. The easement is held by the
                                Society for Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Public access is allowed by permission only.

                       d)       Salt River Open Space. This 5 1 -acre tract is the open space portion of the Salt River Condominium
                                development. Like the parcels described above, this land has ecological importance and contains tidal
                                wetlands. The easement is held by the Rockingham County Conservation District, and public access
                                is permitted.


                       Cluster Development Open Space


                       In 1983, the Town of Stratham adopted a cluster development provision in its Zoning Ordinance. The cluster
                       ordinance has led to many tracts of open space being protected, in perpetuity, especially along the Squamscott
                       River.


                       The following is a list of the cluster developments which have set aside significant tracts of open space to
                       remain undeveloped, in perpetuity:


                                        Glengarry                           The Meadows
                                        Pheasant Run                        Thornhill
                                        Aberdeen East                       Stratham Woods
                                        Aberdeen West                       Peninsula
                                        Balmoral                            Stratharn Green
                                        Lamington                           Turnberry
                                        Muirfield                           Salt River
                                        Montrose                            Jewett Hill



              4.1      Un-Protected Open Space

              The Community Stewardship Process, which Stratham undertook with assistance from the RPC, NHOSP and the
              Coastal Program during development of the Master Plan Update, focused a great deal of discussion on protecting the
              remaining open space in the community. As the Town's 1989 Open Space and Recreation Plan had done, the
              Stewardship Process identified several areas where large contiguous blocks of open space remained and which are
              important to protect as open.

              Large tracts of open space are unportant to consider when planning for the Town's future open space needs. In general,
              the larger tracts of open land are of greater value in terms of open space benefits, e.g., farming, forestry, recreation,

                                                                           44









            wildlife habitat, aesthetics, etc. For this reason, the Town should endeavor to acquire and/or protect those large lots
            which are contiguous to publicly-owned or otherwise protected parcels.

            Significant concentrations of open space are located along the Squarnscott River, between N.H. Route 10 1 and Jewett
            Hill, and in the central and southern parts of Town. As identified in the Stewardship Process these a large continuous
            of relatively undeveloped land, generally in the form a "S" shape, extends from Stratharn Hill Park south through the
            center sections of the Town. This is shown on Map RCP 10 -Rural Character Corridor Map which appeared in the
            Community Stewardship report as the "Rural Character Corridor Map".

            One of the recommendations arising from the Stewardship Process was that the Town (presumably through the
            Conservation Commission) identify the most important of these properties to protect and then actively pursue the
            acquisition of conservation easements and development rights to preclude future development. If successful, this will
            be a vital step in protecting much of the most important open space remaining in Stratharn and will do much to preserve
            that which defines the physical character of the community.




































                                                                      45






                                                                                                            Town of                                       S t r a t h a rn
                                                                                            C o n s e r v a t i o n                                             Lands Map

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                                                             N" HAMPSE=                                                                                                                                                                                      State-Owned Lands


                                                                                                                                ,riot fro. th. Offi@. .1 St,t, PI-l.1,
                                                                                                                  F qp'.,,jo Mhriul 1,, 11                      1                                                                                                                                                                                    1
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                                                                                                                                       Air.      -1,                                                    [email protected]       ,,I

























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                                                                                                    MAP RCP-10


                                                                                                    Rural Ch#rathter Corridor Kap











              5.0      HISTORIC RESOURCES


              5.1      A Brief History


              Unlike   its industrially-based neighbors of Newmarket and Exeter, Stratham was established primarily as an
              agriculturally based community located between the provincial capital of Exeter and the seacoast port of Portsmouth.
              The first settlement occurred in the vicinity of San    dy Point under the Captain Thomas Wigging in 1640. The
              Squamscott Patent contained the east side of the Squamscott River and Great Bay and was divided in 1656 into three
              shares by the authority of Massachusetts. Wigging controlled the middle and southern sections which later became
              Stratharn. Originally part of Hampton, the Squaniscott Patent was assigned to Exeter in 1692. By 1703, the Town had
              35 families. They petitioned to establish the Town of Strathain and 'indicated a willingness to maintain a minister and
              schoolmaster, a common requirement 'in the days before the separation of church and state. Thus, in 1716, the Town
              of Stratharn was created, having 15.81 square fmiles or 10, 124 acres in area. Two small parcels of land were ceded to
              Greenland in 1805 and 1847.


              The first legal town meeting was on April 10, 1716. The first vote after the election of town officers was to appoint five
              individuals "to be a committey to take care to build a meeting house for the public worshipe of God in said Town". (FN)
              The first meeting house was built in 1718. It was replaced by a new meeting house in 1768, and again in 1837 by a third
              meeting house on the same site.


              The agricultural land in Stratharn was important to both the settlers and the native Americans who inhabited the area.
              The early settlement history shows a pattern of cooperation between the two groups. Significant agriculture-related
              industry developed along the arterial waterways. Sawmill Brook supported at least three mills: a sawmill, grist mill and
              cloth mill. In addition to the same type of mills, along the Winnicut River there was a starch mill. Until 1952 the Jewell
              fan
                 .01@ operated the "oldest operating grist mill in the State of New Hampshire".

              Taverns flourished for both travelers and residents along the Kings Highway which linked Exeter and Portsmouth. At
              least three former taverns still exist: the Chase Tavern on Emery Lane, the Kenniston Tavem on Portsmouth Avenue
              and the comer of Depot Road and the Peabody House on Winnicut Road. The Legards' house on College Road also
              may have once served as a tavem.


              5.2      National Register of Historic Places Designation

              The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to maintain a National Register
              of Historic Landmarks and Places. Within Stratharn, there are no historic districts, however there are several buildings
              fisted in the National Register of Historic Places. Most recently, on December 10, 1993, the Wigging Memorial Library
              building was included on this register. The Wiggin Libraryjoins the Samuel Lane House, located at the traffic circle,
              the Kenniston Tavern and the Tannery (Widow Sarah Wiggin House), both located at the comer of Portsmouth Avenue
              and Depot Road. Appendix A, prepared by Stratham. Historical Society volunteers, includes a list of over 80 historic
              sites. These sites are depicted on Map RCP 11.


              Research conducted by the Natural/Historical Resources Issue Group in connection with the Stewardship process
              identified a number of homes in the Union Road/Winnicut Road area of Stratham. There are ar least six homes which
                                                                          4:8









             are eligible for listing on the National Historic Register. Of those eligible, three are over 200 year old and three are over
             100 year- old. The Town could begin a modest effor to protect some of its historic s"cutres by establishing an historic
             district on Witmecut Road from Union Road to the North Hampton line. Inquires made of homeowners by the Issues
             Group found little opposition to the idea of creating an historic distric in this area. Prior to taking this step, the Town
             should undertake an inventory of the proposed district's structures noting the architectural significance of each.



             5.3     Archeological Sites

             In addition to historic structures New Hampshire contains a wide array of archeological sites worthy of protection. Such
             sites contain the unique record of human achievements spanning well over 10,000 years of history and are irreplaceable.
             This period spans the age from the first occupation after the retreat of the glaciers (at the end of the Ice Age) through
             the displacement of the Native American Indian culture by European explorers and colonialists. Archeological sites are
             the only sources of information about the Native American cultural tradition. For the historical period of the Euro-
             American cultural tradition, archeological sites provide an important dimension for the understanding of history.
             Archeological sites may balance, expand, corroborate, or contradict the written and oral record of history and, together
             with our architectural heritage, provide physical reminders of the past. In Stratham , two sites of particular value include
             the Town Landing at Sandy Point, which was the 1633 landing site of the first Colonial settlers, and the Thomas Wiggin
             gravesite, located about 500 yards west of the old Depot on the south side of the railroad tracks . Thomas Wiggin was
             the first European settler in Stratham.


             Two preliminary excavations have been conducted at the Sandy Point site. A house foundation and colonial artifacts
             have been found at the contact site adjacent to the Thomas Wiggin gravesite and Wiggin Cemetary. The second dig on
             the far side fo the railroad tracks showed evidence of early use by maritime archaic peoples.
             Gen em"lly speaking, prehistoric sites are most likely found in areas with the following characteristics: proximity to water
             (both potable water, and waterways for travel); sandy and gravelly well-&ained soils; level ground; exposure; proximity
             to raw material sources (especially suitable rock for the making of tools), and; proximity-to food sources (such as
             estuarine environments for shellfish beds, falls and rapids for restrickg the passage of anadromous fish, freshwater
             marshes and thickets for other shellfish and small game).

             The primary investigators of Stratharn's archeological history are Gary Hume, NH State Archeologist, and the Stratham
             Historical Society. According to studies completed to date, there are at least 3 or 4 significant prehistoric sites which
             have been recorded in Stratham. One site is the one previously mentioned at Sandy Point;. A second is located in the
             vicinity of the confluence of Jewett Hill Brook and the Squamscott River, where a preliminary excavation is tentatively
             scheduled for the summer of 1997. Another identified site is near the confluence of Mill Brook and the Squarnscott
             River. According to the State Archeologist, these sites were used as semi-permanent villages or seasonal camps by
             Native Americans and are probably about 1,000 years old. Any further archeological findings would likely be located
             in close proximity to the Town's waterways. It is likely that the majority of identified sites are from the period before
             European settlement, however, there may be several sites which date back to prehistoric times. Items commonly found
             at the Town's various archeological sites include: fire hearths, tools, arrowheads, pottery, and old structural foundations.




                                                                          49




                                                                                                                      Historical Map and Notes


                                                                                                                                       MAP RCP- 11



                                                                                      C)                                                  HI=ICAL MAP
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                                                    There Is a notebook at Ilse library with additional Information sts-il the
                                                    historical Pl.'wers dr-Ognalrd an this map. We hope you mill look at It and it you
                                                    have any Information you would like to share, toot free to write It down
                                                    the book.
                                                                                         ENJOYf
                                                                                         The Siralham Historical Society.


1-A.  Portsmouth Ave. - That part of the road in Stratham was laid out in its
present form in 1681 and was known as the "King's Great Highway."  Stratham
was incorporated as a town in 1716.

1-B.	Thomas Widding Gravesite - Thomas Wiggin was the 1st settler in Stratham.
He built a house in 1639.  A few years before his death he deeded all his land to his
son Andrew.  Andrew, in turn, sold or gave a portion to his brother Thomas (3)
and they both made their homes here.

1.  Richard Wiggin - Depot Rd. - ca. 1767 - Tuftin & Sarah Wiggin to their son,
Richard, land & "1/2 of my cowpen marsh."

2.  Thomas (3) Wiggin - 38 Depot Rd. - in 1727 this house was willed by Thomas
(3) to Tuftin (4), his son.

3.  Thomas Foss - ca. 1761-69 - on land from his father.  House was moved to its
present site on Depot Rd. from 3-A by James Diman.

3-A.  Original site of Foss House.

4.  Timothy Murray - ca. 1745 - 10 Sandy Point Rd.  He was a cooper (barrel maker)
from Newmarket, N.H.  House was originally two rooms.

5.  Francis $ Eleanor Durgin - ca. 1726-30 - Portsmouth Ave.

6.  Samuel Allin - before 1737 - Portsmouth Ave.  In 1772 was bought by Samuel
Piper, father of John who lived in house #4.

7.  Saltbox Farm - Portsmouth Ave. - Thomas Wiggin ca. 1725.  Retains his
original lines and its builder was a direct descendant of Gov. Tho. Wiggin.

8.  57 Lovell Rd. - J. Lucy House - on 1793 map.

9.  High St. - Capt. J. Avery House - on 1793 map.

10.  Otis French - 1873 - 91 Willowbrook Ave.

10-A.  Barn across the street was built in 1865.  At one time it contained a cider
mill and chair factory.

11.  B. Wiggin owned this house in 1793 - did not live in it then.  Corner of
Willowbrook and High St.

12.  Andrew Wiggin - ca. 1749-60 - Portsmouth Ave.

*12.  NRHP House - Coronet Thomas Wiggin - ca. 1762 - Portsmouth Ave.

*(National Registry of Historic Places)

*14.  Ephraim Crockett - before 1768 - NRHP House.  Known as "The Kenniston
Tavern" - Portsmouth Ave.

15-S.  Sites of two original schools-Portsmouth Ave.  The other sidte is approx 1/2
mile south of Bunker Hill Ave. on the northerly side.

16.  Josiah Brown - 1816.  He wrote in his diary that he "tore the old house down,
and raised a new one in 1815."  Jack Rabbit Lane.

17.  Portsmouth Ave. - Heirs of J. Folson owned house on 1793 map.

18.  Portsmouth Ave. - Samuel Lane built this house for his son ca. 1760.

19.  Charles Wiggin - ca. 1726-40 (yellow clap)  Portsmouth Ave.  he inherited the
land in 1726 from his father's estate - was a carpenter.

20.  Bradstreet Wiggin ca. 1705 built back ell of the house.  It was a tavern in 1706.
In 1810 Aaron Jewett built the large front portion (the "colonial") - 218
Portsmouth Ave.

21.  Joshua Hill ca. 1725.  200 Portsmouth Ave.  He bought 30 acres of land from
Jonathan Wiggin.  He was a carpenter and probably built his own house.

22.  66 Squamscott Rd. - Andrew Wiggin, son of Gov. Thomas Wiggin, built the
ell at the back of the house - possible dating back to the 1600's.  The large front
portion of the house was built by Caleb (5) Wiggin.  Caleb thought to have built
     .

23.  Jonathan Wiggin ca. 1720 - He had a tavern here in 1721.  College Rd.

24.  High St., H. Barker House on 1793 map.

25.  Barker Rd., Ezra Barker House on 1793 map.

25.  Winnicut Rd., Capt. J. Wiggin House on 1793 map.

26.  Winnicut Rd., Andrew Wiggin IV was living here in 1793.

28.  Winnicut Rd., Nan Wiggin House on 1793 map.

29.  High St., Capt. J. Wiggin lived here in 1793.

30.  Thomas Veasey - ca. 1720 - Union & Winnicut Rd.  This has kept its original
architectural style and is believed to have been a stop on the underground
railroad.

31.  Winnicut Rd., S. Piper was here in 1793.

32.  Winnicut Rd., S. Piper was here in 1793.

33.  Capt. D. Jewell lived here in 1793.  It was a tavern at one time.  173 Winnicut Rd.
34.  Barker Lane - Dr. M. Clark lived here in 1793.

35.  Blank

36.  One the Stuart Farm (off College Rd.)  Built by Simon Wiggin.  S. Wiggin Esq.
living here in 1793.

37.  156 Portsmouth Ave. - Rev. J. M   more House in 1793.

38.  Portsmouth Ave. - S. & M. Thurston House in 1793.

39.  Nathan Hoad lived here in 1793 and possibly was the first person to occupy
the house.  Winnicut Rd.

*40.  Union Rd. - T. Smith Esq. owned this house in 1793.

41.  The Commons - Col. H. Rust lived here in 1793.

42.  Jabez Lane in 1806.  Built on site of homestead of his father Samuel Lane.  On
NRHP - in Stratham Circle on Portsmouth Ave.

43.  Andrew Lane - ca. 1820 - 129 Portsmouth Ave.  He was a son of Jabez Lane
who built '42.

44.  Hon. P. Wingate Esq. - before 1793.  The barn is still standing - the original
house which burned down was built on the site of the Moses Leavitt    
Emery's Lane.

45.  Congregationist Church - Emery's Lane.  This church dates from the      of
the town charter.  It's first house of worship being built in 1718.  This was replaced
by a new building in 1768 and by the present one in 1837.  All occupied the same
spot.  A town cemetary is next to it.
Baptist Church - ca. 1840 - moved in 1983 to its present location next to Cong
Church.  The original site ( 72) on Portsmouth Ave. has stones marking off the
foundation.  One of the two town cemetaries is next to it.

46.  David Hanniford - ca. 1738 - known as Chase's Tavern.  The first town
meeting was held here.  Emery's Lane.

47.  George Vessey - ca. 1741-59.  Portsmouth Ave.

48.  J. Wingate House in 1793.  Portsmouth Ave.

49.  T. Vessey Jr. House in 1793.  Said to have been built by Caleb Wiggin (Built
front part of  22).  It was a parsonage at one time, then a house of "ill repute."

50.  Corner of Portsmouth Ave. and Bunker Hill.  Benjamin Leavitt first had a
house here - ca. 1709-33. Present house was the Bartlett Homestead in 1850.

51.  Bunker Hills Ave. - J. O'Del House on the 1793 map.

52.  Built by David Robinson after 1717.  In 1769 David Robinson's will gave "all
my land and buildings in Stratham to my great grandson David Wiggin."  The
family still lives in the house - corner of Union Rd. and Bunker Hill ave.

53.  Fifield Lane - Col. Fifield House on 1793 map.

54.  Frying Pan Lane - M. Chase House on the 1793 map.

55.  Col. E. Ladd owned this house in 1793 but did not live here.

56.  River Road - Richard Scammon, ca. 1836.

57.  Richard Sinclear (Sinkier) ca. 1728 - on land left to him by his father, James.
River Road.

58.  The Town Landing.

59.  Heights Rd. - J. Clark lived there before 1793.

60.  Heights Rd. - J. Rundlett lived there in 1793.

61.  25 Heights Rd.

62.  67 Heights Rd.

63.  83 Heights Rd. - Folsons (1892).

64.  84 Heights Rd. - ca. 1783, Jo Stevens.

65.  Town Hall - built 1876-77.

66.  Post Office - Stratham's first post office was on the corner of Portsmouth
Ave. and Winnicut Rd. where the First Savings & Loan Bank now stands.

67.  Wiggin Library - present building given to the town by George A. & Emma B.
Wiggin.  Tradition says the town received a library as a gift when town was
chartered.  The first recorded library was started De. 10, 1793 and was kept at
John Dearborn's house on Bunker Hill Ave. (area of Holmgren Rd.)

68.  Fire House - Fire Dept. Started in 1951 and is a completely voluntary
organization.  An ambulance was acquired in 1984.

69.  Site of the old car barn.  Now Cadieux's Trolley cars were kept here when
they were running between Portsmouth and Exeter.

70.  The Elms - 1875. A great resort hotel in its day, partly due to the "wonderful,
curative properties" of the sulphur well.  Portsmouth Ave.

71.  Sulphur Springs - ca. 1879. A "sulphur well" in back of the Elms. Water was
bottled and distributed all through New England.  "A cure for many ailments."

72.  Original site of Baptist Church.  Moved in 1983.

73.  Toll Bridge - Rte. 108 between Stratham and Newmarket Construction
began in 17689 - finished approx. 1775.  Each person wa scharged 2 cents to cross
while a person with a horse paid 6 cents.  It is now known as the Singing Bridge
because of the noise that is heard when driving over it.

74.  Stratham Hill Park.  Given to the town by Edward Tuck of Paris, France in
1905.  In memory of his father, Amos, a citizen of Exeter.  There was an active fire
look-out tower on top of the hill for many years.

75.  Frying Pan Lane - According to tradition the one frying pan wa shsared by
all and circulated up and down the road.

76.  J.H. Thompson House in 1852.  Portsmouth Ave.

77.  Jewett House in 1852.  Portsmouth Ave.

78.  Col. J. Robinson House on 1793 map.  Squamscott Rd.

79.  Grist Mill Sites.  The Winnicut River supported 5 mills in Stratham - 3 grist
mills, a saw mill and a shingle mill.

SH.  School House.  The first two schools were built in 1733.  Two additional
school sessions were held beginning 1739 but the two additional schools were
not built until 1761.















              6.0      RECOMMENDATIONS


              It is a fundamental goal of the Town of Stratham to conserve and protect Its natural resources, important agricultural
              land and other open spaces, as well as historic buildings and sites. To attain this goal both now and in the future, the
              following policies are established and recommendations made.


              6.1      General


               It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn through both regulatory and non-regulatory means, to limit and control
              development in environmentally sensitive areas, including, wetlands, floodplains, aquifer recharge areas, steep slopes,
              and areas unable to support on-site sewage disposal.


              Recommendations


              1.1      The Planning Board should continue to review and carefully consider resource information pertaining to soil,
                       slope, wetlands, floodplains, and other natural resource and historic resource information as part of its planning
                       and development review.


              1.2      The planning board should continue to require site specific research, analysis and mitigation of specific
                       environmental concerns whenever a proposed development appears to impact environmentally sensitive areas.


              1.3      Th e Conservation Commission should review, evaluate and provide recommendations regarding all
                       development proposals or activities that appear.to negatively affect the Town's natural resources and
                       environmentally sensitive areas. They should communicate their concerns and recommendations to the Planning
                       Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Board of Selectmen, N.H. Wetlands Council or other body as appropriate.

              1.4      The Planning Board to should amend the appropriate section of the subdivision and site plan review regulations
                       to require applicants to meet with the Conservation Commission to review development proposals went such
                       development is likely to have significant resource impacts. Further, the Planning Board should seek the advice
                       of the Conservation Commission whenever such development proposals are reviewed.

              1.5      The Planning Board should continue to periodically review and recommend changes, as needed, in the Zoning
                       Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations and Site Plan Review Procedures to be consistent with this policy.


              1.6      The Planning Board should review existing open space provisions of the Town's Cluster Development
                       Ordinance to ensure that it creates useable, valuable and well planned open space in cluster developments.


              1.7      The Conservation Commission should review and provide comments to the Planning Board on the proposed
                       open space components of all cluster developments.

              1.8      The Planning Board should consider ways to increase the amount of useable open space set aside in residential
                       development and make adjustments in zoning provisions as appropriate.

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             6.2      Natural Resources


             it is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to protect its natural resources both for the health and enjoyment of the residents
             and for the health and well being of the environment.


             2.1      The Town should maintain its coniniitinent to protect saltmarshes, vernal pools, other important wetlands,
                      ponds, streams, and any rare- and threatened-species habitats through the following means:

                               Inventory, map and prioritize wetlands resources and pursue prime wetlands designation for critical
                               wetlands important to wildlife and natural processes;


                               Increase public holdings, easements and restrictions on wetlands by public and private entities, with
                               specific concentration on the Sawmill Brook and Winnicut and Squarnscott River corridors

                               Work with federal, state and other applicable local and/or non-profit agencies to implement and
                               enforce regulations relating to wetlands protection


                               Work with the Army Corps of Engineers and other applicable agencies in securing funding and
                               restoration plans salt marsh restoration, located along the Squamscott River


                               Develop guidelines to ensure effective and timely communication and interaction among Town agencies
                               and officials on wetlands issues


                               Review Town zoning ordinance, including wetlands, floodplain and shoreland protection ordinances
                               for effectiveness and consistency with enabling legislation


                               Develop public education programs on wetlands and critical habitats



             2.2      The Planning Board should establish reasonable limits on the cutting of timber on parcels being prepared for
                      construction.


             2.3      The Conservation Conunission should work with the Stratharn school teachers, administrators and school board
                      members to assist in environmental education programs to increase awareness of environmental issues specific
                      to Stratham.




             6.3      Water Resources


             It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to vigorously protect the quality and quantity of the Town's surface and
             groundwater resources to ensure present and future water supplies for the Town and to protect the health, safety and
             welfare of its residents. It is further the policy of the Town to seek to prevent all pollution of surface and groundwater

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             and to enforce all ordinances pertaining to on sit e water sources and sewage disposal systems.


             3.1      The Town should continue to provide on-site inspections of all subsurface system siting and installation by
                      qualified personnel.


             3.2      The Planning Board should consider proposals incorporating new technology for limited private water and
                      sewer systems in new developments or developments needing to address problems in keeping with New
                      Hampshire WSPCD standards.


             3.3      The Planning Board should research and implement appropriate amendents the Aquifer Protection District to
                      limit and control the volume of water withdrawal for private commercial or utility purposes.


             3.4      Tlie Town should strictly enforce the sand and gravel excavation provisions of the Aquifer Protection District
                      to prevent contamination of aquifers due to excavation site activity.


             3.5      The Town should investigate and carry out the steps necessary for the Town to secure public water supply
                      franchise rights within its jurisdiction.


             3.6      The Town should acquire land or development rights to key parcels, if needed, to protect future town water
                      supplies. Such acquisitions should integrated with Townwide open space protection efforts.


             3.7      The Town should pursue long term agreement with the Town of Exeter regarding fin-ther access to the Exeter
                      sewer system for future development in the Industrial, Office Research and General Commercial Zones.


             3.8      The Town should seek to limit the amount and frequency of the use of salt for winter deicing of roads,
                      especially within the aquifer protection district. The Town should work with the NHDOT District VI to
                      implement this policy on State roads.


             3.9      The Town should continue to participate in and actively promote regional household hazardous waste
                      collections to encourage safe disposal of hazardous materials.


             3.10     The Town should maintain its commitment to the Wellhead Protection program and support adequate ongoing
                      site monitoring and landowner education efforts.


             3.11     The Planning Board should periodically review and update the Water Resource Management and Protection
                      Plan.


             3.12     The Planning Board should review the requirements and standards of the Stratham Shoreland Protection District
                      against those of the State Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (RSA 483-B) to assess consistency and
                      eliminate redundancy between the two regulations.



             6.4      Open Space and Conservation Lands
                                                                        5;3













            Recommendations


            It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to protect Stratham's natural resources, agricultural land and other open spaces
            by securing the development rights to important open space and conservation lands.

            4.1      The Town should continue to support current use assessment as a cost effective means of encouraging the
                     private preservation of open space, forested and agrclultural lands.

                              the Town should take steps to inforin landowners about the avallibility of the program;


                              current use land conversion penalty fees should be set aside for future open space and conservation
                              land protection.
            4.2      The Conservation Commission should update and maintain the inventory of conservation and open spece lands
                     prepared for the 1989 Open Space Plan and further identify and prioritize critical lands in private ownership
                     that should be protected from development.

                              The Conservation Commission should take the lead in preparing an updated Open Space Plan which
                              should 'include a prioritized list of open space parcels (including parcels within the "S" shaped area
                              identified in the 1996 Community Stewardship process (see Map RCP 10). Open Space priorities
                              should address sensitive environmental areas and habitats, shoreland areas, recreational trail networks,
                              wildlife corridors, and scenic areas.


                              The Conservation Commission should develop and specific land protection strategy and plan that will
                              result in the acquisition of development rights for high priority conservation and open space lands, The
                              Commission should seeks assistance in this effort from the Rockingham Planning Commission, the
                              Society for the Protection of NH Forests, the Trust for Public Lands, the Rockingham Land Trust or
                              other groups.

                              The Conservation Commission should actively pursue outside funding and acquisition options with
                              which to acquire development right to important open space lands, and should encourage the State
                              Legislature to fund the Agriculture Land Protection Program.

            4.3      The Town should fiind a land stewardship program to purchase development rights for the highest priority open
                     space and conservation lands identified in the updated Open Space Plan. Whereever feasible, the acquisition
                     of development rights should be done with the objective of keeping existing forest and agricultural land in
                     productive use.


            4.4      The Conservation Commission should develop landowner education program and provide information on
                     conservation easements, estate planning and best management practices to property owners who hold large
                     undeveloped parcels.
            4.5      The Town should support and participate in regional efforts to identify and protect open space and trail
                     networks and wildlife corridors, including efforts by the Great Bay Estuary Estuarine Research Reserve, SPNHF

                                                                        54










                      and the Rockingham Land Trust.


             4.6      Encourage the use of cluster development techniques for future residential development by reducing the
                      minimum parcel size eligible for utilizing the single family cluster development provisions of the existing
                      ordiance.


             6.5      Agricultural Resources


             Recommendations


             It is the policy of the Town of Stradia in to protect Stratham's agricultural resources by securing development rights and
             by promoting conservation measures and best management practices.


             5.1      The Town should support renewed funding of the State's program to preserve important agricultural land
                      through the purchase of agricultural development rights and seek support from other communities in the region
                      to support such efforts.

             5.2      The Town should consider funding and purchasing agricultural development rights for key agricultural lands
                      as part of its open space protection efforts

             5.3      The Conservation Commission should contact all remaining farmers and agricultural property owners in the
                      conununity to determine what actions the community could take to enhanse the viability of agriculture in
                      Stratharn and make recommendations to the Town accordingnly.

             5.4      The Planning Board review the Zoning Ordinance and possible alternative to enhance the protection of
                      important fdrmland either through a separate zone or specific site criteria and recommend changes, as
                      appropriate.

             5.5      The Town should promote and support the establishment of a farmer's market in Stratham in a commercially
                      attractive location to help create new markets for locally grown agricultural products.
















                                                                       55









             6.6      Historic and Archeological Resources

             The historic and archeological building and sites *in Stratharn contribute to the Town's unique heritage, and thus it is
             in the public interest to protect them. It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to protect these historic and archeological
             resources through both voluntary measures and regulatory powers.


             Reconunendations


             1.       The Historical Society should update and expand the 1985 map and inventory of all public and private
                      landmarks including areas, sites, and existing buildings. The inventory should be expended to include (1) all
                      known archeological sites, (2) an archetecural survey of the communities historic structures, and (3) the
                      identification of which buddings which may be eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places.


             2.       Following the update and expansion of the 1985 inventory, the Planning Board should pursue the
                      recommendation made during the Community Stewardship process and propose an historic district overlay zone
                      along Winnicut Road from Union Road to the North Hampton town line.

             3.       The Town should take positive steps to ensure that known and undiscovered archeological sites are not accident-
                      ially disturbed or destroyed by site excavation for development. These steps should include:


                               The Historical Society should request information from the State Archeologist's office and become
                               informed about the areas and sites where archeological sites are likely to exist. This information should
                               be compiled and provided to the Planning Board for reference.

                               The Plannig Board should develop provisions in the subdivision and site plan regulations applicable
                               to developments proposed in known or suspected archeological sites. These provisions should address
                               notification of the State Archeologist and secure permission to conduct a timely site reconnaisance of
                               sites prior to excavation;


                               Thw Town should include rights for archeological investigations for any conservation easement it
                               obtains on lands where there is reason to suspect the presence of an archeoplogical site.

             4.       The Town should foster an increased awareness and appreciation of the history of Stratharn and its historic and
                      archeological assets through public education.

                               The Historical Society should continue to offer periodic lectures and develop public displays;

                               The Historical Society should develop school-oriented materials about Stratham's history and make
                               those materials available to the school;


                               The Historical Society should update and republish the Town History.




                                                                           516




 .1
 11
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                      STRATHAM MASTER PLAN
II
 1                    2. RECREATION CHAPTER
 I


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                                2.
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                                         RECREATION CHAPTER


                                      (Revision Date: August 10, 1996

                                               Chapter Outline





         1.    Introduction


         2.    Recreation Commission


         3.    Existing Recreational Facilities

         4.    Analysis of Needs


         5.    Recommendations



         MAPS


         R-1   Recreational Facilities Map












          Stratharn Master Plan Draft                                                                      Revised: August 10, 1996



                                                        RECREATION CRAPTER



          1.0      INTRODUMON


          Located in the coastal region of New Hampshire, Stratham is home to a number of recreational facilities which are
          heavily used by local residents and also those of abutting communities. Stratharn residents are active participants and
          voluriteers in the many programs offered through the Town's Recreation Department, particularly the youth team sports
          leagues. Outdoor facility needs for these sports (i.e. ball fields and soccer fields) have been met to date through the
          multiple use of all available field space. Baseball outfields, for example, become soccer fields depending on the season.
          Due to the availability of only one gym in town, 'indoor sports facility space and time is limited. Individual recreation
          needs (fishing, hiking, etc.) are met through the availability of Town and State owned boat launches on the Squarriscott
          River, hiking trails throughout town, and a variety of programs available through the Recreation Department. In
          addition, many residents are able to take advantage of nearby regional recreation opportunities such as swirrim-ing and
          picnicking at state beaches, boating/fishing in Great Bay, or skiing and hiking in the nearby VVhite Mountains.

          The importance of recreation to general health and quality of life in a community is widely accepted. Recreational
          opportunities including organized group sports and activities, as well as passive outdoor recreation contribute to
          individual enjoyment and education, and perhaps most importantly, to the sense of community in Stratham. As the
          residential population grows, the Town will need to enhance its commitmentlo recreation by maintaining the quality
          of and access to all its existing facilities and programs and by expanding them as needed to accommodatc growth.



          2.0      RECREATION COMMISSION

          Stratharn maintains a Recreation Conunission and Recreation Department to oversee Town sponsored recreational
          activities and facilities. The Recreation Commission's rn@ission is to provide "the residents of Stratharn the opportunity
          to participate in varied activities including, but not limited to, team sports and individual athletics (i.e. aerobics, skiing),
          dances, special events, roller skating, etc." The Recreation Conunission is dedicated to promoting fellowship, spirit,
          and good will in the Town of Stratharn through the dedication of volunteers who organize events, scheduled on a year
          round basis and available to all ranges of age and ability.

          Members of the Recreation Commission (5 regulars and 2 alternates) are appointed by the selectmen and serve on an
          unpaid, volunteer basis. Members usually include the heads of each of the different youth team sports leagues. The
          Corrunission overseas not only the organization of these leagues, but many other programs available to residents. In
          1995 adult programs in basketball, volleyball, aerobics and exercise programs were offered. In addition, the Recreation
          Cominission sponsors a summer camp program for elementary school children, senior citizen bus trips arranged through
          the Stratharn 76m Club, dance classes, monthly fan-ffly roller-skating, an annual preschool/pnimary grades Easter egg
          hunt, a sixth grade graduation dance, as well as other varied activities (family ski trips, family swim nights, bus trips
          to the Portland Seadogs Baseball game, etc.)

          The Recreation Commission orgamizes a highly successful volunteer youth sports program. According to statistics
          recently compiled by the Commission, and shown below in Table R-1, there were more than 1200 participants in the

                                                                         I










           youth sports programs in 1996. This represents about a 45% increase    just since 1992-- a period when the Town's
           population grew by less than 10%.


                           TABLE R-1 -- LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION IN YOUTH RECREATION ACTIVITIES



                 Activity                                                    Number of Participants

                                                                1992       1993         1994         1995        1996

                 Soccer - Girls and Boys                        365          388       400+          420          440
                 (Ages 6-14 years)

                 Basketball- Girls and Boys                     208        200+        200+          200+       200+
                 (Ages 7-12 years)

                 Basketball - Girls and Boys                    NA           NA         30+          30+          30+
                 (7" and 8" Grade)

                 Baseball - Girls and Boys                      290          321       350+          380        400+
                 (Ages 6-14 years)

                 T-Ball - Girls and Boys                        NA           50         50+          50+          50+
                 (Age 6 years)

                 Babe Ruth - Boys                               NA          30+         30+          35+          40+
                 (Ages 13-15 years)

                 Summer Program                                 NA          80+         70+          75+          75+
                 (Grades 1-7, Boys and Girls)
               -@otal Participation                             865       1069+        1130+         1190       1235+

                 Source: Stratham Recreation Commission


           As indicated, there has been a steady and significant increase in participation within Stratham recreational programs
           in the past 5 years. VAiile participation has increased, funding has also increased, as indicated on the following chart,
           compiled from Annual Town Reports firom 1986 to present


                                TABLE R-2 -- ANNUAL BUDGETS FOR TOWN RECREATION ACTIVITIES


                           Fiscal                    Parks and Recreation
                           Year                      Department Budget                Recreation Commission


                           1986                              $20,900                          $14,800
                           1987                              $20,200                          $17,160
                           1988                              $20,450                          $17,836
                           1989                              $21,360                          $24,245
                           1990                              $20,825                          $24,140
                           1991                              $23,060                          $27,855
                           1992                              $20,154                          $28,650



                                                                     2











                           1993                                $24,860                            $40,900
                           1994                                $25,060                            $30,100


          As in many smaller communities, programs offered through Stratham's Recreation Department are largely a volunteer
          effort. There are no pen-nanent part or full-time employees, although there is some paid staff for the summer camp
          programs. Many of the volunteers have become involved due to the fact that their children have participated in the
          various school age programs which the Recreation Committee offers. The importance of this volunteer spirit to our
          residents' overall positive sense of community was strongly reaffirmed during the 1996 Community Stewardship
          Program.


          Due to their volunteer makeup and self supporting structure, the recreation programs in Stratharn are very flexible and
          able to respond to the changing interests and desires of the commufflity. Residents can use the structure and support
          of the Recreation Department to create any new programs that they would like to see offered with guidance from the
          committee regarding appropriateness of the activity, and time and space availability. Most programs are financially self
          sufficient with registration fees offsetting the costs of regular operations and equipment. Major facilities upkeep is an
          exception with these costs reflected 'in the Recreation budgets shown above.


          The issues of time and space availability of facilities are major responsibilities of the Recreation Committee. It
          coordinates access, meaning both scheduling and, 'in some cases, maintenance (i.e. mowing and imigation), for our
          residents to in-town facilities which are owned by at least three different bodies - The State, the Town and the School
          Department. To accomplish this, the Recreation Department.maintam's close interrelationships with the selectmen and
          Highway Department, the School Board, Stratharn Hill Park Association, the NH Technical College, and many other
          related organizations.



          3.0      EXISTING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES


          Str atham has a number of outstanding recreational facilities which accommodate activities as diverse as outdoor and
          indoor team sports, hiking, boating, picnicking, to name a few. The following is a description of the main facilities in
          the community that are used for recreational purposes. The list includes facilities owned and controlled by Stratham
          as well as others which the Town "hosts". A list of recreation land owned by the Town, School, State or other groups
          is provided on Table R-2. The location of each of the recreational facility sites is shown on Map R-I -- Recreational
          Facilities Alap.


          Town-Owned Facilities


                   Stratham Hill Park


                  Stratharn Hill Park is the centerpiece of all of Stratham's recreational facilities. Given to the Town in 1905 by
                  Edward Tuck of Paris, France for one dollar, the park originally contained 70 acres "more or less". (FN) The
                  1905 deed said in part:


                      "The condi6ons of this conveyance are that the trees upon said land shall be preserved, with additions and renewals
                      from time to time, and that the property be maintained in at least as good condition as in the past for the free use
                      and enjoyment of the people of Stratham, Exeter, Portsmouth and other adjacent towns for all time,



                                                                      3




                                                                                                                                            Strathcm, N.H.
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                             that no parl of said premises shall ever be leased to private individuals or to corporations and that said
                             prenuses; shall be a public park and pleasure ground forever. The said town of Stratham to have control
                             of said land with the power to make all necessary by-laws in regulating the use of the same, but no by-
                             law shall be enacted depriving law abiding citizens from the above towns from the free use, enjoyment
                             and occupation thereof (FN2)"

                    The park was expanded 'in 1968 when the Town purchased about 38 acres from David C. And Elizabeth Noyes.
                    The Noyes parcel came without any deed restrictions, and thus the use of that land can be limited to Stratharn
                    residents. The developed part of the 108 acre park contains: three ball field diamonds (60' base paths), space
                    for two large soccer fields when baseball outfield areas are included (or potentially five jurnior soccer fields for
                    primary grade use), one paved basketball court, a concert shell, a lighted, outdoor skating nink area, three
                    pavilions with picnic tables, including one large pavilion with toilet facilities and nearby children's play
                    equipment and a second pavilion with another playground area including swings and a slide, three
                    concession/storage buildings, a horse puUing area, a natural amphitheater, two garagelstorage buildings (a one
                    bay and a two bay structure) , three 4-H buildings (two open stall animal pavilions and one large enclosed
                    exhibition hall, a fenced corral near the middle of the 4-H buildings, a caretaker's residence, seasonal toilet
                    facilities, and a large parking lot. There is a full-time caretaker who lives on the grounds.


                    The paved roadway winds through the Park accessing many of the buildings. A gravel roadway leads to the
                    summit of Stratham Hill. 'Me forested part of this part of the park contains Stratharn Hill. For 40 years it was
                    used by the State as a Forest Fire Lookout Station. The Fire Tower still remains and is an exciting and steep
                    climb for many Park visitors. . There is a coast and geodetic triangulation point at the tower and a table
                    describing the view. Since the park contains the second highest hill in Stratham (elevation 286 feet), there are
                    particularly scenic views of Great Bay and the surrounding communities.

                    The park is widely used as a recreation facility. Groups use the playing fields for youth and adult baseball,
                    softball and soccer. Scheduling for the fields' we during prime sports seasons is handled by the Recreation
                    Department. Numerous organizations and local comparues use the whole facHity for picnics, and recreation field
                    days. AdditionaRy, Stratham. HiH Park has been used for wedding receptions, business outings, Cub Scout camp
                    overnights, family reunions, birthday parties and a variety of other functions. Reservations for the free use of
                    Stratham HW Park are made through the Town Clerk's office, with functions often scheduled a year in advance.
                    The number and variety of uses indicates that this facility provides regional recreational opportunities for area
                    residents and is in keeping with the original intention of the Tuck gift. The park is well known for the three day
                    Stratharn Fair, which has been held annually, in July, since 1968. Proceeds from the Fair benefit of the Stratharn
                    Volunteer Fire Department, Stratham. Hill Park and many other community groups.


                    The park is managed by the Stratham Hill Park Association, formed as an advisory group to the Board of
                    Selectmen and incorporated with the State of New Hampshire in 1957. Any resident with an interest in the Park
                    can become a member of the Association. This association oversees funds that have been donated to the Park
                    Association for specific repairs and improvements and raises funds, through proceeds from the Stratharn Fair
                    and other events. Additional funds, such as those provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
                    (FEMA), were usedmi August of 199 1, when Stratham Hill Park was heavily damaged by a freak wind storm.
                    Volunteer efforts, federal funds and other monetary and time contributions were made to rebuild pavilions,
                    restrooms, and other areas damaged by the storm.





                                                                              5










                    Gifford Farm Prope


                    In 1985 the Town of Stratham voted to acquire the Gifford Farm, a 164.9 acre parcel, including a large
                    farmhouse, bam and open agricultural land. The property abuts Stratham Hill Park and is located between
                    Gifford Farm Road and Route 33/Portsmouth Avenue in Stratham. A portion of this property, 38.7 acres, was
                    later transferred to the School Department in March of 1987 for the construction of Stratham's elementary
                    school.


                    A trail system exists that connects the Gifford Farm parcel with trails through Stratham Hill Park and Stratham
                    Memonial School. With approximately 120 acres of the original Gifford Farm land acquisition remaining, there
                    is ample opporturnity for new development of nature trails, and other active and passive recreational facilities
                    and/or uses. Since the Town's acquisition of this site, the parcel's agricultural land is, when possible, leased
                    for fanning, the barri at one time was leased for equipment storage and the house has been rented and also was
                    used for storage of historic documents. The proceeds of these activities have been used to maintain the
                    farmhouse and bam on the property.


                    Stratham Memorial School


                    In September 1989 Stratham opened the doors to a new elementary school, converting the old school to house
                    the current Municipal Center and the Wiggmi Library. In addition to the construction of the elementary school
                    classrooms and office areas, the building includes a large gymnasium with a full size basketball court and
                    bleachers. The gym can also be divided by a curtain to provide two smaller basketball courts. Adjoining the gym
                    is a large storage room and bathroom facilities, both of which also exit to the outside field areas allowing these
                    two areas to be available on weekends, without opening the gym or the school, when the outdoor fields are being
                    used- The gym is heavily used throughout the school year with physical education classes during the day, the
                  ....S.A.F.E. after school day care program in the afternoons, and Recreation Department programs each weekday
                    evening and all weekend long.. Other indoor facilities in the'school include a large cafetonium and stage. The
                    stage is handicapped accessible and opens in the back to a multi-tiered music room which can serve as a back
                    stage area for performances. Adjacent to the cafetoriurn is a large industrial kitchen. There is also an art room
                    with a large kiln facility.

                    The outdoor field areas were built as multi-use fields. Included are two defined ball field diamonds (60' base
                    paths) with backstops. The remaining field area has the ability to support at least one full size soccer field or
                    up to 4juruior fields when outfield space is micluded. These field areas are heavily used throughout the year for
                    physical education classes, recess space and Recreation Department sports programs taking place on weekday
                    evenings and week-ends. Due to this heavy use, a new well and irrigation system were recently added.

                    The outdoor complex also includes an outdoor basketball court, a physical fitness course of chin-up stations,
                    overhead ladders, etc., and a large playground area, which was built entirely with volunteer efforts. The
                    playground includes an extensive tire playground area with swings, climbing sections and rings and is widely
                    used in the summer and after school for recreation.


                    Municipal Center

                    Converted to municipal offices in 1989, this former elementary school is located on a nine acre parcel close to
                    the intersection of Bunker Hill Road and Route 108/33. In 1991 the Recreation Department, largely through


                                                                        6










                  volunteer efforts, developed a regulation League sized softball field behind the municipal center. The field,
                  named for Gail Bm*ette, the foriner chairperson of the Recreation Committee, is heavily used by softball teams
                  throughout the Spring and Summer and also accommodatesjumor soccer play in the Fall. A tire playground area
                  built for the original school completes the site and is still widely used.

                  The Stratharn Municipal Complex also contains a cafetoriw-n with a stage and kitchen. Smaller in size than the
                  school's, this area is a popular site used firequently by the Grange, the 76ers Club, the Boy Scouts, Recreation
                  Department aerobic classes, as well as family anniversary parties and other functions and meetings. The annual
                  Town Meeting and elections are also held in this room.


                  Town Landing,


                  The Town of Stratharn owns a 1.5 acre parcel of land known as the Town Landing located at the end of River
                  Road and abutting the Squamscott River. The site provides Stratharn Residents with public access to the river,
                  parking for several trailers and vehicles and an unpaved boat launching facility. Since the area is tidal, access
                  and use are limited. The area was substantially improved in 1994 with assistance fi-om the Boy Scouts by
                  expanding the cleared area, and installing picnic tables and signs. The Town maintains the site.


                  Conservation Conunission Land


                  The Conservation Commission oversees many acres of land, which are used for passive recreation, such as
                  hildng, walking, bird-watching, and picnicking. The Stratham Conservation Commission either owns outright
                  a number of these parcels of land which are open for public use or oversees conservation restrictions or
                  easements for land protection on other properties.

          Non-T6@vn Facilities


                  New Hampshire Vocational Technical College


                  Located on Portsmouth Avenue, the state owned New Hampshire Vocational Technical College has several ball
                  fields and soccer fields that it allows the Stratharn Recreation Committee to use for its programs. The fields,
                  located behind the school, include a hardball field (90' base paths), two softball fields (60' base paths) and two
                  soccer fields. One soccer field overlaps with the softball fields, so all fields can not be used simultaneously. Also
                  avai.lable in this location are several picnic tables and an outdoor fireplace near the college badings. There is
                  no inside recreation facility at the College. There are also no bathroom facilities. Although the fields are state
                  owned, the Recreation Department controls the scheduling of the fields and arranges for their maintenance.


                  Chal2man's LWdin

                  Chapman's Landing is located on the Stratharn side of the Route 108 bridge across the Squarnscott River. It was
                  originally acquired in 1984 by the State through funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide a
                  public access site for the river. Ile seven acre site was substantially upgraded in 1990 included a paved parking
                  area, concrete boat launch ramp, and chemical toilet facility. A private residence adjacent to the parking area
                  is currently held in a life trust and will one day become part of the public holding at the site.



                                                                        7










                    Sandy Point Discove[y Center


                    The Sandy Point Discovery Center, which opened in 1994, is an interpretative educational center occupymg
                    a 50 acre site along the Squamscott River on Depot Road. Designed as an educational resource for the Seacoast
                    area, the Center consists of a bw*lding which houses displays and exhibits about the Great Bay and its ecology,
                    a lab and trair@g classroom, a car-top boat launch, as well as a self-interpretative trail and boardwalk crossing
                    freshwater wetlands and salt marsh along the river. The site stratles the Stratham/Greenland town line, with the
                    Discovery Center building located in Greenland, and most of the shoreland property 'in Stratham. The site was
                    acquired with funds from the NH Land Conservation Investment Program (LCIP) and developed with support
                    of the NH Coastal Program and Great Bay Nat      lonal Estuarine Research Reserve (GBNER-R). The GBNERR
                    staffs and nins the facility; it is open to the public and used extensively by local schools and organizations for
                    environmental education.


                                         TABLE R-3 -- STRATHAM RECREATION LAND MAP INDEX



                          Index                         Facility                             Owner                   Acres

                      1                 Stratharn Hill Park                      Town                                  108
                                        (Tuck and Noyes land combined.)

                      2                 Stratharn Municipal Complex              Town                                   9

                      3                 Gifford Farm                             Town                                 126.2

                      4                 Stratharn Elementary School              Town/School District                 38.7

                      5                 Town Landing (River Road)                Town                                  1.5

                      6                 Chapman's Landing (College Rd.)          State of New Hampshire                 4

                      7                 N.H.Technical College -- playing         New Hampshire Vocational              91
                                        fields                                   Technical College

                      8                 Sandy Point Discovery Center             State of New Hampshire                50
                                       11                                       , (GBNERR)



            Other PuhliclPrivate Facilities and Programs


                    Stratham residents have been able to use other area recreational facilities. In past years the Stratharn Recreation
                    Committee has offered tennis through Great Bay Tennis and Fitness Club, a private indoor facility located on
                    Route 108 'in Newmarket. The Committee has also offered swimming lessons at the indoor swimming facility
                    at Phillips Exeter Academy, a private preparatory school located in Exeter. Other facilities at Phillips Exeter
                    Academy such as the ice skating rink have been used as well.


                    Another recreational facilitymi Exeter used by Stratharn residents and other members of Supervisory Union 4 16
                    is the Exeter recreation center located near the former County Courthouse building on Hampton Road. This
                    facility, wWch the was built VAith federal ftmds includes six tennis courts, a basketball court, three basebalUsoccer
                    fields and an outdoor sWlimming pool.



                                                                          8










                 Prograrns offered through the Exeter Recreation Department are also often available to Stratharn residents on
                 a space available basis. Exeter residents are often allowed an earlier sign up period and non-residents usually
                 pay an increased program fee.

                 There are also a number of area recreational facilities, such as the Portsmouth YMCA that offer recreational
                 programs and facilities on a regional basis. Individual and family passes are available for reasonable fees at
                 facilities such as Phillips Exeter Academy, the Portsmouth Y, and numerous fitness clubs.

                 In past years the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have offered traditional programs, which have included nature and
                 sailing programs. The 4-H club has also been available to those youngsters interested in a diverse number of
                 activities, including but not limited to agriculture and fanning.


          4.0    ANALYSIS OF NEEDS


          State Recreational Standards


          The N.H. Office of State Planning has developed guidelines to assist communities In planning for their recreational
          needs. Table R-4 below lists recreational facility standards as they appear in OSP's 1989 State Comprehensive
          Outdoor Recreation Plan. These standards were applied to Stratham based on a 1994 OSP population estimate of 5393.


                         TABLE R-4 -- SELECTED STANDARDS FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES



                               Facility                 Standard per 1000      Standard Applied to       Current Facili-
                                                         Population                  Stratham                  ties

                 baseball diamonds                               1.1    -                   6                    5

                 basketball courts                               0.8                        4                    2

                 boat/fishing access                             1.8                        10                   3

                 golf courses (18 holes)                         0.04                       0                    0

                 gymnasium                                       0.25                       1                    1

                 ice skating area                                0.14                       1                    1

                 open space/natural areas(ac.)                   51                         275                  ?

                 picnic tables                                    8                         43                   ?

                 parks, community (acres)                         6                         32                 108

                 playgrounds (town & school)                     0.5                        3                    3

                 playgrounds (acres)                             2.1                        11                 > 11

                 skiing (x-country areas)                        0.1                        1                    ?

                 soccer fields                                   0.16                       1                    4


                 swimming beach                                  0.5                        3                    0


                                                                     9











                                  Facility                  Standard per 1000       Standard Applied to        Current Facili-
                                                            Population                    Stratharn                  ties

                   tennis courts                                    0.95                       5                      0

                   trails, hiking (miles)                            2.2                      11                       ?



            While these standards can be useful in understanding facility needs in an "average" community of a certain size, they
            are nQJ meant to prescribe specific needs 'in a specific community. These standards, for example, may point to a facility
            need where, due to changing local recreation interests, no such need exists, and vice-versa. Nonetheless, a reasoned
            review of Stratham's existing recreation facihtles compared to these standards does tend to support several facility needs
            that the Recreation Comniission has previously recognized.

            It appears that for most of the applicable facility types, Strathain meets or exceeds the published standard. The
            exceptions are: baseball field (currently I less than standard); basketball court; boat/fishing access; swimming
            beach/pool, and tennis courts. The Recreation Department confirms that the existing basebalUsoftball and basketball
            facilites to not always meet the demand to use them. Boat and fistung access appear adequate for the boating and fishing
            opportunities that exist within the Town. Regarding swimming beaches, there is no open water *in Stratham with public
            access that would lend itself to such a facility. On the other hand, public beaches abound in the neighboring Towns of
            Hampton, No. Hampton and Hampton and residents may also use the outdoor pool in Exeter. Regarding tennis courts,
            the need or desire for courts has been discussed locally but no conclusion has been reached. Although there appear to
            be amble courts available in Exeter and surrounding towns, the ebbs and flows *in the popularity of tenruis may leave
            Stratham without good access to public courts in the future. Recently there has been increased demand for the
            Recreation Committee to offer tennis lessons to adults and children interested in learming to play or reviving their skills.
            With no municipal tennis courts located within Stratham, it has been difficult to respond to this interest.

            The v6-lunteer Recreation Committee has seen a significant increase in participation in its programs in the last ten years.
            While the Town has made some effort to provide additional facilities to accommodate this increase in recreational users,
            the Recreation Committee has often been challenged by lack of field space and/or volunteers to ran existing programs
            or to expand to programs requested by the Stratham community. As the residential population grows, these challenges
            wiI1 become greater and the need to expand recreational programs, facilities and support can be expected to increase.



            5.0     RECOMMENDATIONS


            Based on the existing number and types of facilities and the number of volunteers participating in the creation of the
            recreational programs, as well as expected further growth in the residential population, the following objectives and
            actions are recommended:


            5.1     Parks & Recreation Department and Recreation Commission


                             Contm*ue the Town's current approach of meeting recreational activity needs with self-supporting,
                             volunteer-oriented programs.

                             Closely monitor the adequacy of existing staffing levels of the Recreation Department to fulfill the


                                                                         10









                            Town's needs and respond when necessary by hiring part-time clerical and/or maintenance staff and by
                            enhancing the volunteer program.


                            Work With municipal officials on dcvcloping a plan for coordinated maintenance of recreational
                            facilities. Gain political support for the efforts of the volunteer Recreation Committee.

                            Consider re-establishing recreational opportunities with the Portsmouth YMCA, the Phillips Exeter
                            Academy facilities, Great Bay Tennis facility and other applicable facilities.


          5.2      Facility Maintenance

                            Conduct a yearly assessment of the condition of each facility and include major improvements and
                            upgrades in the Town's capital improvements program.

                            Increase 11inding for maintenance of recreational facilities- particularly those facilities that are heavily
                            used.


                            Coordinate maintenance of existing facilities with various user groups.


          5.3      New Facilities and Proerams


                            Periodically review the need  to expand or alter existing programs based on demonstrated interest and
                            the ability to gain support for the programs through user fee or other means.

                            Conduct a facilities needs analysis to identify needs based on existing and anticipated recreational
                            program of the Town. The needs analysis should specifically address the needs for a new softball field,
                            tennis and basketball courts and swimming facility, among others.

                            Develop a component of the Town's capital improvements program for developing new or expanded
                            recreational facilities idnetified in the needs analysis.


                            Work with the Straffim Board of Selectmen and other municipal officials to seek out ftmds, including
                            grants, to acquire necessary facilities, or additional program support to carry out the objectives of the
                            Stratharn Recreation Committee ten year capital improvements plan.


                            Develop new facilities and improve existing facilities in accordance with ADA standards.


                            If the Town is unsuccessful in selling the old town hall building, consider using it for an indoor
                            recreational facility and Recreation Committee headquarters. Repair the gym floor as needed.


          5.4      Outdoor Recreation/Conservation


                            Coordinate Recreation Department future needs with Conservation Commission plans wherever
                            common objectives can be met. Develop a ten-year funding plan for improvements and acquisition of
                            recreational open space in coordination with the Conservation Commission.

                                                                         I I










                            Develop a master plan for the use of the Gifford Farm property which balances active and passive
                            recreation as well as the conservation needs of the site. The property master plan could be ajoint effort
                            by the Recreation and Conservation Commissions.


                            Coordinate scheduled recreational activities with the Conservation Conum*ssion and other environmental
                            groups, such as the Sandy Point Education Center to offer recreational opportunities with an
                            environmental/natural resources focus.


                            Seek to establish a public hiking trail by interconnecting, through easements and other agreements with
                            landowners, a network of trails linkig public conservation and recreation lands. - the Planning Board
                            should seek to establish trail corridors when reviewing cluster development proposals.


                            Work with Conservation Commissions and Recreation Commissions from adjacent communities to
                            develop an interconnected open space and trail network, and to pursue other recreational plans and
                            programs on a regional basis as warranted.


                            Conduct an inventory of possible recreation land sites that may become available for dona-
                            tionlacquisition and target those that are most desirable for public acquisition.


                            Encourage developers of large subdivisions to donate a portion of their parcels for use by the residents
                            of the Town.


                            Increase funding for open space acquisition, enhancement and protection;


























                                                                        12




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 I                        STRATHAM MASTER PLAN
 1 1                   3. TRANSPORTATION CfIAPTER
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 -, .1 -                             3.
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                                    STRATIHIAM MASTER PLAN
                                   TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER


                                             DRAFT
                                       Revision Date: 9-24-96






           1.    INTRODUCTION


           2.    E)CISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM


                 A.    Highway Network and Classification
                       I .   Highway Classification
                       2.    Traffic Volumes & Growth
                       3.    Circulation
                       4.    Levels of Service
                       5.    Travel Patterns
                       6.    Public Safety and Highway Accidents
                       7.    Other Highway Issues

                 B.    Public Transportation

                 C.    Rail


                 D.    Pedestrian Travel


                 E.    Bike Travel


                 E.    Park and Ride Lots/ Ridesharing



           3.    FUTURE ROAD LAYOUTS


           4.    PORTSMOUTH AVENUE CORRIDOR PLAN


           5.    FEDERAL/STATE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS


           6.    RECOMMENDATIONS



















            1.0     INTRODUCrION


            One of the main factors in Stratham's future growth will be the ability of the Town's road network to handle an increase
            in traffic. Stratham, like many other small seacoast New Hampshire towns, developed along waterways and trails
            connecting it to larger nearby communities, in this case, Portsmouth and Exeter. Stratharn has developed with primary
            reliance on the automobile and the highway network. Other forms of transportation, though represented, are not of
            primary importance. As the community has grown residentially and commercially the roadway network has expanded
            to serve newly developed areas and land uses. In recent years Stratham. has become much more of a destination point to
            an increasing number of nearby residents. The steady increase in traffic volumes that has accompanied this growth has
            resulted in a rise in congestion, traffic accidents and general traffic circulation problems, particularly on and adjacent to
            Portsmouth Avenue. The planned reconstruction of State Route 5 1/101 will have a major and prolonged impact on the
            Town as the project moves into final construction phases over the next four years. The convergence of other major routes
            (State Routes 33 and 108) in Stratham continues to generate traffic volumes and congestion that push local roads to their
            capacity. Maintenance and expansion of the roads, improvements in circulation, and wise planning of the location and
            extent of further development will all play an important role in the Town's future.

            Many of the Transportation challenges facing the Town are associated with Portsmouth Avenue and the continued impact
            of growth along this major highway. The recently concluded Stratham. Community Stewardship process highlighted a
            large number of important issues related to transportation. These issues, along with others identified by the Master Plan
            Committee include the following:

                    poor road systems circulation, especially in the residential areas west of Portsmouth Avenue;

                    poor east-west road intersection alignment in several locations along Portsmouth Avenue;

                    lack of signalization at several major intersections along Portsmouth Avenue;

                    inadequate capacity of secondary roadways east of Portsmouth Avenue and safety concerns about bicycle and
                    pedestrian use of these roads;

                    the need to contain the linear extent of ftather commercial development on Portsmouth Avenue;

                    the future configuration of the Strathain Circle and its impact on the "Town Center;"

                    the development of secondary service roads to connect commercial developments on Portsmouth Avenue and
                    consolidate existing curb cuts.

            This chapter provides an overview of Stratham's transportation system, reviews the recommendations contained in the
            NH 101 Feasibility Study and attempts to address the issues listed above.












              2.0       EXISTING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM


              A.        Highway Network and Classification

                        1.        Highway Classification

                        Stradiam relies primarily on its highways to provide the transportation network for private cars, trucks and buses.
                        Stratham is served exclusively by State-classified Class 1, 11 and V highways. Class I roads are State maintained
                        primary or trunk line highways. As shown in Table I -- Road Mileage in Stratham -- there are presently 9.96
                        miles of Class I highways in Stratharn which include NH 10 1/ 51 and Portsmouth Avenue (NH 33 and part of
                        NH 108). Class 11 roads are State mamitamied secondary highways. There are 7.72 miles of Class 11 roads *in
                        Stratham, including NH 108, (North of the Circle), Bunker Hill Avenue, Winnicut Rd., and Squarnscott Rd.
                        Heights Road was formerly a State maintained road, but was turned over to the Town by agreement at the time
                        the signalized intersection was installed at the intersection with Portsmouth Avenue All other roads in Town,
                        except for privately owned and maintained roads, are Class V "Rural Highways" which are the responsibility of
                        the Town to maintain. Class V roads number 31.8 in mileage according to the NHDOT and are the only road type
                        lhat has grown appreciably in the past several decades. New residential subdivision streets that are turned over
                        to the Town become Class V roads once they become public. It should be noted that Town records indicate that
                        there are more than 45 miles of Class V road in Stratham. The origin of this discrepancy has not been
                        researched.
                                                                             Table T-I
                                                    Road Millage in Stratham by State Classification


                                    STATE CLASS                    1970           19  75          1980           1984          1995


                                         Class 1                   9.59           9.59             9.59          9.59          9.96


                                         Class 11                  7.78           7.80             7.80          7.80          7.72


                                         Class V                   13.71          13.71           18.02          20.41         31.86


                                          TOTAL                    31.08          31.10           35.41          37.80         49.54


                              NOTE: There are no Class III (recreational roads), Class IV       (urban compact) or Class VI
                                        (discontinued public ways) listed for Stratham
                              Source: NH Department of Transportation


                        In 1970 and 1975, before the years of rapid residential growth in Stratham, the Town had about 14 miles of Class
                        V road; by 1980 it had grown by about 50% to 18 miles. By 1995, the most recent count available, the mileage
                        had increased to nearly 32 miles, representing another 56% increase. Since 1975, the Town has, on average,
                        increased its town-maintained road rmileage by about 4% per year.

                        In 1993 the NHDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and regional planning
                        commissions, established a revised functional classification of all highways in New Hampshire. These
                        classifications, which compliment the State classifications, are primarily based on the traffic capacity and
                        volumes attributed to the roads. They are important because they are used to determine where and under what
                        conditions Federal highway funds may be utilized. There are four classes, each represented in Stratham:


                                                                                  2









                           Principal Arterial: Serves major centers of activity, the highest traffic volume corridors, and the longest
                           routes. In addition, they generally carry the major portion of traffic entering and exiting the community.

                           Minor Arterial@ Links and supports the principal arterial system. Minor artenials are roads which place
                           a greater emphasis on land access than the principal arterial and therefore offer a lower level of mobility.

                           CollectQr: Provides both access to land uses along the roadway and circulation within residential
                           neighborhoods, and commercial and industrial areas. It differs fi7om the arterial system in that the facilities
                           on the collector system may penetrate residential neighborhoods. Conversely, the collectors also collect
                           traffic from the local streets in residential neighborhoods and channel it *into the arterial system.

                           Local Roads: Comprise all facilities not on one of three systems described above. Their function is to
                           primarily provide direct access to abutting land and access to the higher order systems. They offer the
                           lowest level of mobility, and service to through traffic movement is usually deliberately discouraged.

                     Under this system, NH Route 101/51 is classified as a principal arterial, and State Routes 108 and 33 are
                     classified as minor arterials. Bunker Hill Avenue, Winnicut Road, Stratharn Heights Road and others are
                     collectors. The balance of Stratham's roads are classified as local roads which feed traffic into either collectors
                     or arterial roads. Map T-1 -- Highway Map            shows the functional classifications for roads in Stratharn.



            2.       Traffic Volumes and Growth


                     Stratham has exhibited significant increases        traffic volumes over the past several decades. In an effort to
                     monitor changes in traffic volumes the NHDOT and RPC conduct annual traffic counts using automatic recorders
                     at varying locations throughout the region. In addition, the NHDOT maintains a network of permanent counters
                     at key locations around the State to monitor long term trends. One such device is located in Stratharn on
                     Portsmouth Avenue just south of the Stratham Circle for which volume records are available dating back forty
                     years. These records, as depicted in Figure T-1, show steady growth of Average Daily Traffic (ADT, bi-
                     directional) volume from 3,45 7 in 1995 to 11,074 in 1975, to nearly 23,000 in 1994.


                                                                      Figure T-1
                                              Traffic Volume History - Portsmouth Ave., Stratharn

                                                                        4 @'-'.'577'
                                          25000
                                                                                         rM
                                                                             El
                                      E   20000
                                                         -Zol"
                                                                                    ZZ
                                          15000
                                                                                    @77_-

                                      0
                                          10000


                                      >     5000
                                      41
                                                                                                        '4 'J

                                               0
                                                                   ---------- - ---- - ----
                                               1955   964  1974   1984 1986 1988 1990 1992
                                                                 Year                              1994

                                      W Portsmouth A%e - NH 108 (So. of Circle) a Portsmouth A@e - NH 33 (Greed


                                                                           3



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                                                                                                                                                             Highway Map




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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Primary Routes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  ENI        Rt 101 Olf romps
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ?Q,
                                                                                                                                              C9                                                                                                                             Roads or Streets

                                                                                                                                                                              ThwYh I I I
                     3ourccii:                                                                                       '0""Y Plot' Pd P                                                                                                                            FN-1        Private Roads
                     'Base data 1i; boundaries, hydro rop@w, r?adsj from USGS Digital Line
                     Graph     A 0           s, arclliYed InN te G - Nr do abase' Complex Systems                                                                                                                                                                            Pipeline
                           ,@h,:C e 0     0  versity of ew Homps a."
                     Resea,       ;It I.     n
                     These digitclColaoyre score registered to NAD 83 and N.H.
                     Slat a Plane      dr:, ntes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Transmission Line
                     'Digital. data in NH OFANIT represent the efforts of the contributing
                     agencies to recoril information from the cited source mattriol:s.
                     Com                     so rch Cepter (CSIR   '    "d '     on'r       a the Office                                                                                                                                                                     Railroad
                     0                       SP                   t
                     f                .9 @@p 5, and in C01)311 ci@lon
                     maintainj a cant n ing      rogrom to identi y and correct or         ror in      h
                     do a. Neither 05 nor MU make any c aim as to the validity or                                                                                                                                                                                            Water
                     rel"obility or to any implied uses of these data.'
                     "Roads date from NH DOT CPS dqta collection efforts at 1:24,000, 03 an update
                     to the c4rrent U.S,G,S. DLGS.         The data repro We a coTbinotiol of new roads
                     and existing GRANIT toads; NH Department of transportation, 199
                     Nev roads obtained by CPS; RPC 8/96.                                                                   1 in.          2275 ft.
                                                                                                                                Scale 1:27300

                                                                                                I


                                                                                                0 foot                      2273                       4550                       6125



                                                                       This map wqs funded in part by a grant              from the Office of State planning,
                                                                       New Hompilhire Cpqstal                       authorized by the National Oceanic and"                                                                                                                      PrIcre4 by ths
                                                                                  ric A mini trc                    Grant Award Number NA470ZO237.                                                                                                                           inghom  (OnAIM Commission
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                     Recent traffic volume statistics for other locations in Stratharn are shown in Table T-2. Not surprisingly, the
                     road segments with the highest volume are on Portsmouth Avenue in the vicinity of Shaws and Ames Shopping
                     Centers, showing 32,641 ADT in 1995. At the other end of Portsmouth Avenue near the Greenland town Itine,
                     volumes are less than half that amount -- about 15,000 ADT. This is readily explained first by the branching
                     of NH 108 and its associated traffic (11,000 ADT) at the Stratharn Circle and second by the additional localized
                     traffic at the Southern end of Portsmouth Avenue which is transiting to and from Exeter and/or NH 10 1. The
                     Greenland end of Portsmouth Avenue has experienced traffic growth at about the same rate as the southerly
                     sections. Traffic volume at the Greenland town line grew from 9,000 ADT 'in 1980 to 15,000 today -- an annual
                     average growth rate of 3.5%. At the permanent recorder station south of the Circle, traffic volume grew at an
                     average rate of 4. 1% per year over the same period.



                                                                      Table T-2
                                                       Recent Traffic Counts in Stratham



                     Road                         Location                      ADT           Year        Type                 Source


             NH 108                 Newfields T.L.                              13,000     1994        AADT            NHDOT


             NH 108                 north/east of Circle                        11,000     1994        AADT            NHDOT


             NH 108                 near NH 10 1                                32,641     1994        AADT            NHDOT


             NH 33                  Greenland T.L.                              15,000     1994        AADT            NHDOT


             NH 108                 south/west of Bunker Hill Avenue            22,795     1994        AADT            NHDOT (perm sta.)

             Winnicut Rd.           near NH 33                                  3,016      1995        ADT             RPC

             High St.               north of Union                              801        1996        ADT             RPC


             Union Rd.              east of Bunker Hill Avenue                  897        1996        ADT             RPC


             Lovell Rd.             Near NH 33                                  988        1994        ADT             RPC


             Bunker Hill            Near NH 33                                  2461       1994        ADT             RPC

             Avenue


             Frying Pan Lane        Near NH 33                                  989        1994        ADT             RPC

             Stratharn Heights      at Ginuea Road                              1,536      1996        ADT             RPC


             Ginuea Rd.             Exeter T.L.                                 1,990      1996        ADT             RPC


             AADT=average annual daily traffic which has been factored fro seasonal variation
             ADT = average daily traffic, uncorrected for seasonal variation.



                     With the growth in congestion on Portsmouth Avenue has come an increase in the use of secondary roads to
                     bypass Portsmouth Avenue. These secondary roads include Stratharn Heights Road, Bunker Hill Avenue, Union


                                                                           5









                      Road, Winnicut Road and others. Although long term historical data is not available, recent trends can be
                      inferred from the changes in volume measured from 1990 to the present, as shown in Table 3.


                                                                    Table T-3
                                                        Secondary Road Traffic Counts


                                   Road                1990 ADT         1995 ADT         1996 ADT          Avg. Annual
                                                                                                              Growth

                         Stratharn Heights Road           1900              na                                 -3.5%

                           Bunker Hill Avenue             1600            2461               na                9.0%

                              Winnicut Rd.                2600             3016              na                3.0%

                                Union Rd.                 1400              na              1023               -5.1%


                      The counts taken at Stratham Heights road in 1990 and 1996 are not comparable because the 1990 count was
                      positioned west of Ginuea Road (and captured traffic traveling between Portsmouth Avenue and Ginuea Road),
                      while the 1996 count was positioned east of Guinea Rd and therefore missed Ns popular bypass. The decline
                      in ADT on Union Road is not readily explained except by assuming that one of the counts is faulty. Bunker Hill
                      Avenue and Winnicut Road counts show what most Town residents can attest to: the amount of traffic on these
                      back roads is growing at least as fast as on Portsmouth Avenue itself Unfortunately, these roads were not
                      designed to safely accommodate high volumes of traffic. Poor sight distances and sub-standard road and
                      intersection alignments are common. The frequent use of these roads by pedestrians and bicyclists raises safety

                      concerns


                      3.    Circulation


                      Figure 2 - Average Weekday Traffic Bandwidth Diagram provides a graphical view of the relative size of
                      traffic flows on Stratham's major roads and in neighboring communities. This map was included in the AW
                      Route 101 Feasibility Study (1992) conducted by the NHDOT. Although the traffic volumes have grown
                      somewhat since then, the relative volumes for the roads shown remain valid.

                      Portsmouth Avenue acts as the central spine for travel in Stratham., connecting the Town with NH 10 1 and Exeter
                      to the south and Greenland and Portsmouth to the north. Portsmouth Avenue and NH 108 likewise connect
                      Stratharn to Newfields, Newmarket and Durham.

                      As previously discussed, a secondary circulation -pattern has developed as an altemative to Portsmouth Avenue.
                      Motorist use a combination of Stratharn Heights Road connecting to Union and Winnicut Road as a bypass
                      around the most congested portions of NH 101. Although the 1992 NH 101 Feasibility Study proved that travel
                      times on this "bypass" are longer than staying on 10 1, many people prefer the relative firee flow of travel even
                      if there is a time penalty.

                      Other alternative circulation patterns in evidence are NH 108 to NH 33 north via Squarnscott Road; High Street
                      short cut onto Winnicut Road and Stratharn Heights Road to the Guinea Road "short cut" between the south side
                      of Exeter to Portsmouth Avenue.




                                                                         6







                                                                                         FIGURE 2
                                                                       WEEKDAY AVERAGE TRAFFIC VOLUME















                                                                                                                                      PEASE AF@


                                                                                                                                G1





                                                                                    2 300 VPD
                                       NEWIELDS
                                                                                                                          son V130


                                          15 00 YPD



                                                                                                                                000
                                                                                   VPD                                        WIL)   @"Xllt:l
                                                           In
                                                                                       1.000 VP              3
                                                           V




                                                                                     1 600 VPD               4 500 VPD
                                       5,000 VP


                                                                                                                     95
                                                                                 1 500 VPD

                          21 500-0 vpD
                                                                                                        N RTH


                                                                   on vpr)
                                                                                                                    az


                                                                                                                            ..... ... . ..



                                                    -vu                                         0  VP
                                                                               21 000 VPQ

                                             2-S Soo VP                                                                  25.000
                                                                                                                     0         50.000

                                                                                                          I INCH   50,000 VEHICLES PER DAY (VPD)










                       The Town's road network on the east side of Portsmouth Avenue provides relatively good circulation to the
                       existing residential development. The same is not true of the residential roads on the west side, both north and
                       south of the Stratham Circle. At present none of these roads (River Road, Raeder Drive, Doe Run Lane,
                       Butterfield, Winding Brook) connect with one another on their *interior ends. This means that virtually all tnips
                       ofiginating from these residential areas must access Portsmouth Avenue, regardless of destinations.
                       Likewise, circulation from the western to eastern sections of Stratharn is made more difficult by the poor
                       alignment of intersecting roads between cast and west. Examples of this are River Road/ Frying Pan Lane,
                       Doe Run Lane/ Bunker Hill Avenue; Squamscott Road/ Crestview Terrace. As a result of these non-
                       alignments, additional traffic and difficult turning movement are added unnecessarily to Portsmouth Avenue.


             4.        Levels of Service


                       The 1992 NHDOT 10 1 Feasibility Study included a comprehensive level of service analysis for the major
                       intersections along Portsmouth Avenue. The results of this analysis are shown on Table T-4 below.


                                                                         Table T-4
                                                      INTERSECTION CAPACITY ANALYSIS
                                                      SUMMARY OF EXISTING CONDITIONS



                                                                                                  AM Peak            PM Peak
                                                       Stratharn                                 Hour (LOS)         Hour (LOS)


                           NH 101/ 108/ 51 EB Ramps
                                     - existing signalized intersection                                B                  B



                           NH 101/ 108/ 51 WB Ramps
                                     - existing unsignalized intersection                              F                  F
                                     - potential signalized intersection                               B                  8



                           NH 101/ 108/ Heights Road
                                     - existing signalized intersection                                                   D
                                     @ w/ potential left turn lane on NH 101/108                                          A



                           N H 10 1   108/ Shaws Plaza
                                      existing signalized intersection                                                    C



                           NH 101/ 108/ Market Basket/ Kings Plaza
                                     - existing signalized intersection                                                   D
                                     - W/ potential 2nd through lane on                                                   B
                                        NH 10 1 / 108 WB approach







                                                                              8














                                                                                                AM Peak            PM Peak
                                                     Stratharn                                 Hour (LOS)         Hour (LOSL

                         NH 101 / 108 Bunker Hill Road
                                  - existing unsignalized intersection                              F                  F



                         NH 101 / 108 Winnicut Road
                                  - existing unsignalized intersection                                                 F
                                  - potential signalized intersection                                                  8



                         NH 1011 Squamscott Road
                                  - existing unsignalized                                           F                  F
                                  - potential signalized intersection                               B                  B




                    Of the four intersections showing a level of service of "E" or "F," the NH 33/ Squamscott Road intersection has
                    since been signalized due to its history of serious accidents. The NH 10 1/ 108/ 5 1 West Bound ramp will be ftdly
                    reconstructed and signalized as part of the NH 10 1 Expansion Project. The remaining two -- Bunker Hill Avenue
                    and Winnicut Road -- are not presently scheduled for signalization. At the time of the NH 10 1 Feasibility Study,
                    the Bunker Hill Road intersection did not meet the minimum signalization warrant standard (because of too low
                    minor street volume). However, the warrant was reanalyzed by the RPC in 1995 and found to meet signal
                    warrants.


                    5.      Travel Patterns


                    Orip-in-Destination Study

                    The Route 101 Feasibility Study included a full roadside origin-destination travel survey. Approximately 25%
                    of all vehicles passing the survey station (south of Bunker Hill Avenue on Portsmouth Avenue) during a full day
                    (6am-6pm) were stopped and interviewed to determine their trip purpose, origin and destination. A vast amount
                    of information was collected about the travel patterns of Portsmouth Avenue users. The results which are
                    'included in the 10 1 Study are summarized as follows:

                            Trip Purpose: 54% of trips were work related; 20%, were for shopping; 8% were for recreation; 5% were
                            for school and medical each, and 9% were for other purposes.

                            Vehicle Type: 76.9% of vehicles were automobiles; 20.7% were 2-axle trucks of all types; 1.7% were
                            semi-trailers; less than 1% were motorcycles and buses.

                            Origins: Nearly 40% of trips origins were in Exeter, followed by Stratharn at 18%, then Brentwood-
                            Kingston, Manchester and all other NH and Mass. -- all less than 10%.

                            Destinations: Trip destinations were divided nearly evenly between Stratharn and Portsmouth at about


                                                                            9









                            26% each, followed by Newmarket (12%) and Maine (11%). Oddly, very few trips on Portsmouth Avenue
                            (less than 1%) were destined for Exeter -- a result that is likely to be erroneous.


                      Commutinp- Pattems


                      An analysis of commuting pattems was obtained through data received from the 1990 U.S. Census on place of
                      residence by place of work. Although this data is limited in scope, it is useful in identifying broad pattems of
                      commuting to and from Stratham.

                      Approximately 2,630 Stratham residents commuted to a job in 1990. Approximately 2,467 or
                      94 % of Stratharn residents commuted either alone or car pooled. The majority of commuters stayed within New
                      Hampshire for employment. Table T-5 - Journey-to-Work is a compilation of the Census date for residents
                      commuting from Stratham to work in other locations and for workers from other locations commuting JQ
                      Stratham. Nearly 75% of Stratharn residents work in New Hampshire and 50% work in the nearby seacoast
                      towns of Portsmouth, Exeter, Hampton, Seabrook -- or Stratharn itself About 17% of working residents
                      commute to jobs in Massachusetts; 3.3% commute to Boston.

                      6.    Public Safety and Highway Accidents

                      There are several locations in Town with a high incidence of traffic accidents. Many of these locations are
                      characterized by high traffic volumes and/or multiple curb cuts. The top three locations for traffic accidents in
                      Shutham are the 10 I/Portsmoudi Avenue interchange, the Stratham Circle, Portsmouth Avenue between Shaws
                      and King's Plaza, and the Portsmouth Avenue intersections with Bunker Hill Avenue and Winnicut Road. The
                      Squamscott Road/NH 33 intersection, the site of many serious traffic accidents 'in the past, has been addressed
                      by the installation of traffic signals and tunung lanes. Accidents along Portsmouth Avenue between the shopping
                      plaza are usually minor to moderate in nature due to the relatively low travel speeds. Serious accidents are more
                      likely at Bunker Hill and Winnicut Road due to the higher average speeds of traffic 'in those locations.

                      A record of motor vehicle accidents for the past five (5) years is shown in Table T-5 below.


                                                                   TABLE T-6
                                                      MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
                                                                    1990-1994


                      TYPE                              1990              1991             1992             1993              1994


                      Fatal Accidents
                      Personal Injury                                    (CURRENTLY BEING RESEARCHED)
                      Property Damage
                      Pedestrian Involved


                      TOTAL


                      There is growing concem about pedestrian and bicycle safety due to the lack adequate shoulders on many of the
                      highly traveled secondary roadways. As bicycle and pedestrian usage on these roads increases (especially on
                      roads used by school children traveling to Memorial School) the potential for serious accidents will grow.


                                                                         10







                                                                      Table T-5
                 Residents Commuting FROM Stratham To:                                         Workers Commuting TO Stratham:

      Now Hampshire               Total Workers                1,958            New Hampshire              Total Workers                  1,901
          WORKPLACE                 WORKERS              % OF TOTAL                 WORKPLACE                WORKERS               % OF TOTAL-
      Portsmouth                         451                   17.1%            Stratham                            376                   18.4%
      Stratharn                          376                   14.3%            Exeter                              273                   13.3%
      Exeter                             302                   11.5%            Newmarket                           200                   9.8%
      Hampton                            114                   4.3%             Portsmouth                          102                   5.0%
      Seabrook                           90                    3.4%             Dover                               88                    4.3%
      Newington                          74                    2.8%             Rochester                           71                    3.5%
      Rye                                55                    2.1%             Epping                              51                    2.5%
      Newfields                          46                    1.7%             Hampton                             51                    2.5%
      Manchester                         42                    1.6%             Durham                              47                    2.3%
      Dover                              42                    1.6%             Brentwood                           46                    2.2%
      New Castle                         36                    1.4%             Kingston                            46                    2.2%
      Somersworth                        35                    1.3%             Raymond                             45                    2.2%
      North Hampton                      33                    1.3%             Manchester                          36                    1.8%
      Rochester                          31                    1.2%             Somersworth                         36                    1.8%
      Greenland                          26                    1.0%             Nottingham                          35                    1.7%
      Other Towns                        205                   7.8%             Kensington                          31                    1.5%
      Total New Hampshire              1,958                   74.4%            North Hampton                       30                    1.5%
                                                                                Newfields                           28                    1.4%
      Massachusetts               Total Workers                456              Barrington                          28                    1.4%
          WORKPLACE                 WORKERS              % OF TOTAL             Greenland                           22                    1.1%
      Boston                             88                    3.3%             Derry                               21                    1.0%
      Newburyport                        79                    3.0%             East Kingston                       21                    1.0%
      Andover                            62                    2.4%             Lee                                 21                    1.0%
      Danvers                            33                    1.3%             Strafford                           21                    1.0%
      Wilmington                         33                    1.3%             Fremont                             20                    1.0%
      Amesbury-                          31                    1.2%             Other Town                          155                   7.6%
      Other Towns                        130                   4.9%             Total New Hamsphire               1,901                   92.8%
      Total Massachusetts                456                   17.3%
                                                                                Massachusetts              Total Workers                  45
      Maine                       Total Workers                83                   WORKPLACE                 WORKERS              % OF TOTAL
          WORKPLACE                 WORKERS              % OF TOTAL             Salisbury                           10                    0.5%
      Kittery                            68                    2.6%             Haverhill                           9                     0.4%
      Portland                           10                    0.4%             Plymouth                            8                     0.4%
      Kennebunk                            5                   0.2%             Georgetown                          7                     0.3%
      Total Maine                        83                    3.2%             North Andover                       7                     0.3%
                                                                                Amesbury                            4                     0.2%
      Other Locations             Total Workers                133              Total Mass.                         45                    2.2%
          WORKPLACE                 WORKERS              % OF TOTAL
      Other Locations                    133                   5.1%             Maine                       Total Workers                 103

                                                                                    WORKPLACE                 WORKERS              % OF TOTAL
      All Workers from
      Stratharn                        2,630                   100%             Kittery                             45                    2.2%
                                                                                Kennebunk                           16                    0.8 %
                                                                                South Berwick                       13                    0.6%
                                                                                Eliot                               12                    0.6%
                                                                                York                                9                     0.4%
                                                                                Lebanon                             6                     0.3%
                                                                                Arundel                             2                     0.1%
                                                                                Total Maine                         103                   5.0%
                                                                                ITotal Workers                         2,049              100.0%













                      Emergengy Vehicle Access

                      Two characteristics of the Town's transportation system have the potential to negatively impact public safety and,
                      in particular, emergency vehicle access. First is the high degree of peak hour traffic congestion on Route 108/33
                      near the Stratharn Town fine. At these peak periods it becomes very difficult for Fire and Police vehicles to pass
                      through this area to respond to emergencies. Absent an alternative road in close proximity to this route to the west
                      end of Town, this may present an impediment to public safety. Secondly, the preponderance of dead end streets
                      which do not connect with one another, particularly on the west side of Portsmouth Avenue, could prevent
                      emergency vehicle access should the single dead-end roadway become temporarily blocked. Since construction
                      of many of these roads, the Town has enacted regulations to limit the length of dead-end roads to 800 feet unless
                      near future connections are possible.

                      7.     Other Highway Issues


                      Truck Traffic


                      As the area grows, additional truck traffic can be expected. In order to ensure that trucks use the proper roads,
                      the town should enforce RSA 47:17, Section V111 "Traffic Devices and Signals" which empowers the Board of
                      Selectmen:


                             "To make special regulations as to the use of vehicles upon particular highways, except as to
                             speed, and to exclude such vehicles altogether  from certain ways; to establish stop intersections,
                             erect and provide for the control of traffic by, stop signs or other traffic devices or signals which
                             shall conform to standards set by the highway commissioner and shall be approved by him as to
                             type, size, installation and method of operation."

                      This RSA allows Stratharn to adopt an ordinance restricting vehicles above certain weights (to be determined
                      by the road agent) from designated Town roads during seasonally wet periods.


                      Dead-End Roads


                      There are a large number of dead-end roads in Stratharn. The town limits the length of dead-end roads to 800
                      feet unless near future connections are possible. Not only do long dead-end roads represent an inefficient road
                      design and require police, school and postal service vehicles to retrace their routes, but they can also present a
                      safety concern. Too many houses served by only one access point increases the risk of emergency vehicles not
                      being able to respond because the one road entrance is blocked for some reason. For these reasons, the Planning
                      Board should maintain and enforce the limit on the length of dead-end streets.


                      Route 10 1/5 1 Reconstruction and the Connector Roa


                      The NHDOT's plan to reconstruct 17 miles of highway from Epping to Hampton will have a tremendous effect
                      on the Town of Stratharn. The plan will expand the existing two lane roadway into a four lane, limited access,
                      divided highway. Most of the new highway Will closely parallel the existing road, keeping impacts to a


                                                                           12









                    minimum. The Route 101/51 project began In 1992\"'th the reconstruction of the Route 85/101 interchange and
                    the bridge replacement over the Squarnscott River. The reconstruction of the Route 10 115 1 interchange and the
                    associated widening of Portsmouth Avenue are expected to be completed in 1999. The State's target is to
                    complete the entire 17 [miles of reconstructed highway by the year 2000.

                    The reconstruction of Route 10 115 1 will have a major impact on traffic, both during and after the completion of
                    the project. The location and design of interchanges at Portsmouth Avenue, Spur Road and Route I I I (North
                    Hampton Road) will have a major *influence on the flow of traffic in and out of Town.


                    Scenic Roads


                    Roads maybe designated within a town as scenic roads, as specified by RSA 231:157. In order to designate any
                    road in a town as-scenic, other than a Class I or Class 11 highway, 10 persons owning land abutting the proposed
                    road can petition the town to do so. In turn, the Town votes on it at any regular or special town meeting. Voters
                    can also rescind the designation of a scenic road at a regular meeting upon petition.

                    There are two potential benefits for the town in designating scenic roads. First, it establishes a procedure for
                    protecting the rural landscape within a public right-of-way. Secondly, it can demonstrate the public's interest to
                    preserve the rural qualities of a road. Both can help preserve the scenic quality of the road in the event that
                    changes to the road are proposed (i.e. widening, removal of walls and trees, etc.).

                    The effects of designating a road scenic are detailed *in RSA 231:158. Included are restrictions upon the repair,
                    maintenance, reconstruction or paving work which is done to the road. Two important facets of the designation
                    are that it does not affect the efigibility of the Town to receive construction, maintenance, or reconstruction funds,
                    or affect the rights of any land owner with respect to work on his own property. To date, no roads have been
                    designated in Stratharn as "scenic".


           B.       Public Transportation

                    Limited public transportation service is available in Strathain through COAST (the Cooperative Alliance for
                    Seacoast Transportation). COAST provides both a demand-response service and a newly established fixed route
                    service. The demand-response service is provided through Lamprey Health Care and is available by arrangement
                    for medical and shopping trips for the elderly and disabled. In 1995, COAST inaugurated a new fixed route
                    service, known as Route 7, which connects Exeter to Portsmouth and Newington via Stratharn and Greenland.
                    Route 7 runs 5 days per weeks making four round trips per day. The bus stops in two locations in Stratham,
                    Kings Plaza (Wickett's Restaurant) and the NH Technical College. The Technical College played a key role in
                    initiating and funding the Route to provide alternative means of transportation to students with no cars.

                    COAST reports steady growth in ridership on Route 7. However, the continuation of the service will depend on
                    the continuation of Federal Transit Administration funding. The Town should consider modest financial support
                    for the service, to help ensure that the service remains in place. In the future, such service may play a much more
                    important role in reducing traffic congestion on Portsmouth and increase mobility for students and the elderly.





                                                                          13











             C.       Rail


                      One active rail line exists *in Stratham. Known as the Portsmouth branch, the line connects the B&M Main Line
                      (running through New Hampshire via Exeter and Dover) to Portsmouth via Newfields, Stratham and Greenland.
                      This fine is primarily serves the NH Port Authority, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and several busiesses: along
                      the Hampton Branch line. The line is in poor condition and supports maximurri speed of only 10 mph. On
                      average approximately three trains per week traverse the line between Portsmouth and Rockingham Junction in
                      Newfields.


                      Passenger rail service may become accessible to Stratham residents once again should the proposed Amtrak
                      service between Boston and Portland proceed as planned. This service, which is now projected to start *in the
                      summer of 1997 would run on the Boston & Maine main line and include station stops in Exeter and Dover.
                      Three to four round trips per day are expected. COAST has indicated its intent to coordinate its bus schedules
                      with those of the train service, in which case, it would be possible for Stratharn residents and daily commuters
                      to access the train using public transportation. Although a number of issues are yet to be resolved, it appears
                      relatively certain that rail passenger service will be restored from Portland to Boston and will include a stop in
                      Exeter.


             D.       Pedestrian Travel


                      While not normally considered an alternative mode of transportation, pedestrian movement does, in fact, represent
                      another means of travel and as such merits consideration. While the Town has no sidewalk system, about 25
                      Stratharn residents walk to work (according to the 1990 Census) and many children walk to and from school.
                      In terms of location, pedestrian travel occurs most frequently on sidewalks, paved and unpaved shoulders and
                      road rights of way.

                      In general the Town does not encourage the construction of sidewalks in new residential subdivision construction.
                      This is because the residential development in Stratham lacks sufficient population density to warrant their
                      construction and maintenance expense. The Public Works Department does not have the available manpower
                      to maintain sidewalks. However the Town should reconsider this policy in circumstances where there is a
                      significant amount of pedestrian and bicycle travel. Tow example are along the roads close to Memorial School,
                      and within and connecting the Shopping Centers along Portsmouth Avenue.


            E.        Bike Travel


                      Bicycle transportation represents a seasonally dependent alternative to motorized transportation in Stratham .
                      According to the 1990 Census, few Stratharn residents -- less than I%-- utilize bicycles to travel to and from
                      work. However, there is a fairly significant number of youth (primarily elementary students) who travel to and
                      from school by bicycle. In contrast to the relatively low number of bicycling commuters, a large and growing
                      number of individuals use bicycles for recreational purposes. Many of the roads in Stratham most used by
                      bicyclists have inadequate shoulders to safely accommodate them. This is generally true of all of main secondary
                      roads in town, as previously identified.






                                                                         14










           F.       Park and Ride Lots/Ridesha ring

                    The NHDOT has constructed 21 park and ride lots at 21 sites around the State in support of individual efforts
                    to carpool. There are no such lots in Stratham however, the NHDOT maintains a park and ride lot in Hampton.
                    The lot is located located on Route 27 near the 1-95 toll plaza and is well situated to serve Stratharn residents
                    who commute via 1-95. This lot was recently upgraded and expanded to include pavement and striping, lighting
                    and a public telephone. This lot is served by daily commuter buses to Boston operated by the Coach Company.
                    The lot has the capacity for approximately 65 cars and averages half to two-thirds utilization on a typical
                    weekday. Organized Ridesharing is an important opportunity for residents who commute long distance to their
                    jobs. The NHDOT, in cooperation with the Seacoast MPO and COAST is expected to initiate ridcmatching
                    services in the Fall of 1996 to help commuters find potential ridematches. In addition the Massachusetts
                    organization Carivans-for-Commuters assists groups of commuter to organize vanpools for ridesharing. The
                    Town should assist in promoting such services as a way to reduce overall peak hour traffic congestion on the
                    region's roadways.



           3. FUTURE ROAD LAYOUTS


           A.       Potential Improvements to the Road Network

                    The Master Plan Committee has identified internal road circulation problems in several locations in Town, as well
                    as potential solutions to some of those problems. These problems largely result from three different but related
                    conditions: first, misaligned 'intersections with Portsmouth Avenue, second, multiple curb cuts in the congested
                    sections of Portsmouth Avenue, and third, dead end residential streets on the west side of Portsmouth Avenue.



                    The mis-aligm-nent of several roads intersecting Portsmouth Avenue causes unnecessary turning movements onto
                    the highway. With minor relocations they could form aligned four-way intersections and greatly ease east-west
                    travel in Town. There are three such instances that could be corrected with minor relocations:


                          River Road-/-Frying Pan Lane;

                          Raeder Drive-/-Bunker Hill Avenue;


                           Squamscott Road 4- Crestview Terrace/Shirley Lane

                    Multiple curb cuts on Portsmouth Avenue, especially those across from Shaws Shopping Center worsen the
                    congestion on this part of the highway. These could be consolidated to a single perpendicular drive which meets
                    the Shaws entrance in a four way intersection. This type of alignment is shown in the NH 10 1 Feasibility Study.
                    Properties which lose direct access to the highway would gain access through an interior service driveway parallel
                    to Portsmouth Avenue Future curb consolidations on the east side might be made possible with the layout of
                    a new commercial access road behind existing development connecting Strathani Heights Road with Frying Pan
                    Lane. Such a road would have the added benefit of opening access to additional commercially zoned land without
                    ftirther extending commercial zoning on Portsmouth Avenue. The same opportunity may exist on the west side
                    of Portsmouth Avenue with the layout of an access road from River Road south to intersect with the proposed
                    extension from the Shaws entrance.


                                                                        15










                     The problems associated with dead end streets have already been discussed. The Master Plan committee has
                     identified three connections that would help improve internal circulation:

                            connect Raeder Drive and River Road;


                            connect Doe Run Lane and Butterfield Road at the intersection with Oak Court, and possibly relocate the
                            entrance of Butterfield to join Raeder Drive at the proposed four way intersection with Bunker Hill Avenue

                            connect Tanzy Road to Crestview Terrace;

                     A fourth connection was considered (Depot Road and Jano Lane, with the closure of the Ports. Avenue entrance
                     of Jason Drive) but has doubtful feasibility due to existing development in the area. All of the proposed
                     connections and consolidations will need detailed site evaluations to determine feasibility.

             B.      Protecting Future Road Corridors

             The consideration of desired future road layouts raises the question of protecting these corridors from future development
             An example of this is found in the recent development of two commercial establishments across from River Road where
             the Frying Plan Road realignment would likely have been bOt. Although the Planning Board was aware of the long range
             plan for relocating Frying Pan Lane, the Town had no ability to prevent the development short of condemning and
             purchasing a ROW easement.

             Under New Hampshire RSA 674:9-13, Towns have the ability to establish an "Official Map" which formally establishes
             future road layouts as established by the Planning BoaRoad The following steps are required:

             1.      the Town Meeting must authorize the Planning Board to prepare a "major street plan"

             2.      the Planning Board would then need to develop the street plan and have the exact location of the recommended
                     street lines surveyed and adopt it as part of the Master Plan

             3.      the Town Meeting may then adopt an ordinance establishing the major street plan as the Official Map

             4.      the Map, as certified by the Town Clerk, would then be filed at the Registry of Deeds.

             There are several problems with this approach. First it presumes that the Planning Boards will know or can determine
             the exact locations and alignments of future roads; second, it will be very costly to complete the surveys required, and
             third, one established, the Town may be exposed to "inverse condenmation" liability and be forced to purchase
             development rights on land adversely impacted by the road layout. Perhaps for all of these reasons, only two communities
             in New Hampshire have used the Official Map provisions of the State's planning statutes.

             An alternative approach is for the Planning Board to develop a general, "non-official map" showing a conceptual plan
             of future roads and connections, but not specify the exact locations or routes. The specifics rights-of-way would be
             developed by negotiating with *individual land owners as they seek approvals from the Planning Board for specific
             development plans.




                                                                         16











           4. PORTSMOUTH AVENUE CORRIDOR PLAN


           The most important transportation planning issue for Stratharn can be summed up In two words "Portsmouth Avenue."
           As has been referenced repeatedly in the chapter, the entire corridor from the Exeter-Stratharn town line to Portsmouth
           was the subjectof a highly detailed planning study entitled the NHRoute 101 Feasibility Study which was prepared by
           Kimbafl-Chase Engineers 'in 1992 under the direction of the NHDOT. The study included an in-depth analysis of existing
           traffic conditions, projected traffic growth along the roadway based on a development buildout analysis, and identified
           both short term improvements that were needed immediately, and longer range improvement that are expected to be
           needed by the year 2010. The Study is an invaluable planning document in that it provides the Town with a clear picture
           of the likely future configuration of Portsmouth Avenue which they can "plan around". It also previews the consequences
           of unchecked development in the corridor: a five-lane typical road cross-section with center turning lane and occasional
           raised medians, and many new signalized intersections. This is not a vision that most Stratharn residents would like to
           see for the central corridor in their community.

           As with any long range plan, it is likely that the 101 Fcasibility Study will prove to be inaccurate in some respects.
           Nonetheless it will continue to be the basis for identi@ring specific roadway improvements to be implemented in the
           corridor. It is incumbent on the Town to periodically review the recommendations made in the Study, revise them as
           needed and communicate these changes to the NHDOT. Perhaps even more important, the Town should evaluate all future
           development proposals onP.ortsmouth Avenue to ensure their consistency with the corridor recommendations of the Study
           which the Town accepts.

           As part of their review of transportation issues the Master Plan Committee has reviewed both the long range and short
           range highway facility recommendations in the Study to determine their applicability and consistency with the Town's
           view of the corridor's future. The Matrix found on the following page summarizes the results of that review.

           No spec" ific funding is in place to construct the conceptual plans shown in the Study, nor are any included in the current
           State Ten Year Program (FY 1997-1999, June 1996). Given that some of these improvements are already overdue on
           the basis of need, it is important that the Town work closely with the Seacoast MPO and NHDOT during the
           transportation project selection process to secure funding support for agreed-upon projects.




















                                                                        17












                                                                                 Table T-7
                                       STATUS OF PORTSMOUTH AVENUE FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS
                                          (Recommendations firom: "NH Route 101 Feasibility Study,                    NHDOT, 1992)


                     FACILITY                                                  CONSISTENT             APPROX.
                     LOCATION              CONCEPTUAL DESIGN                   WITH LOCAL               COST                                      COMMENTS
                                                                                    PLANS

                     NH 101/ 108       Full signalization of all 101 off           generally          unknown               1999          Design in Feasibility Study
                     Interchange       ramps.                                    consistent -                                             has been superseded to
                                                                                                                                          combine with 101
                                                                                                                                          expansion project.

                     Portsmouth        Additional left turn lanes; Left           -generally          unknown            Short term       Needs further study
                     Avenue-           turn lane to Ames.                         consistent                               2000           regarding curb
                     Shaws to River                                                                                                       consolidation.
                       Road

                     River Road/       Locate Frying Pan Lane to                   partially          unknown            short term       New development on
                     Frying Pan        meet River Road.                                                                                   Portsmouth Avenue
                       Lane                                                                                                               precludes original plan;
                     Realignment                                                                                                          Substitute with partial
                                                                                                                                          relocation of both River
                                                                                                                                          Road and Frying Pan Lane.

                     Bunker Hill       Full signalization with left turn             yes              $250,000           short term       The Town should propose
                     Avenue            lanes.                                                                                             the project through the A
                                                                                                                                          TIP selection process.

                     Emery Lane        Realign south entrance to                     yes           not applicable        long term        Implementation should
                                       101; Close north entrance.                                                                         coincide with Stratharn
                                                                                                                                          Circle reconstruction.

                     Stfatham Circle   Major reconstruction (see                   uncertain       not applicable        long term        Design will need full
                                       scheme 1 - Feasibility Plan)                                                                       reevaluation prior to
                                                                                                                                          preliminary engineering.

                     Winnicut Road     Full signalization                            yes              $300,000           short term       The Town should propose
                                                                                                                                          the project through the A
                                                                                                                                          TIP selection process.

                     Squamscott        Full signalization                            yes              $285,000           completed        Already constructed.
                       Road                                                                                                                                              I

                     Squarnscott       Close Crestview Terrace;                      yes           not applicable        long term        Improves safety and east-
                      Road/            Construct Extension to Shirley                                                                     west circulation.
                     Shirley Lane      Lane to intersect at
                       Ext.            Squarnscott Road; Close
                                       existing Laurel Lane access
                                       and build new access 1,000
                                       ft. from intersection.

                     Portsmouth        5 lane typical section with                South of         not applicable        long range       Planning Board believes 3
                     Avenue -          center turn lane.                        Circle, yes;                                              lanes (center turning)
                     All Segments                                                 North of                                                volume in 2010 will be
                                                                                  Circle, no                                              adequate on NH 33 section
                                                                                                                                          of Portsmouth Avenue.          N
                      Raised           Construct raised medians on                 generally       not applicable        short term       Should be evaluated on can
                     Medians           approaches to most                         consistent                               & long         by case basis.
                         at            intersections                                                                        term
                     Intersections



                                                                                         18











           5. FEDERAL AND STATE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING


           A.      ISTEA


                   The enactment of the national Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) and the
                   Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA) have begun to significantly change the way transportation planning
                   and project programming is done in New Hampshire. These changes are most significant for communities such as
                   Stratham which are not part of existing "metropolitan areas" but are within the area considered not in attainment
                   for meeting air quality standards. The basic thrust of ISTEA is to increase and elevate the importance of local
                   decision making in the regional, state, and federal transportation planning process.

                   Since 1982, much of the responsibility for transportation planning in the Seacoast of New Hampshire has been
                   carried out by the Seacoast Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The Seacoast MPO is responsible for
                   developing a transportation plan and a prioritized list of capital improvements for transportation. However, the
                   Seacoast MPO's area ofiurisdiction only covers a small portion of the Rockingham County portion of the Seacoast
                   - namely Portsmouth, Newington, Rye and New Castle. The remaining areas, including Stratharn , have not been
                   part of this process. In October of 1993, the Seacoast MPO was formally expanded due to requirements of the
                   Clean Air Act, to include 14 other Seacoast communities, including Stratham and all of its neighboring towns.

                   The expansion of the MPO will be meaningfid to the Town in several ways. First, Stratham will be entitled to have
                   appointed representation on the MPO's technical advisory committee. The "TAC", as it is called, oversees, directs
                   and approves the transportation planning activities, including specific traffic, corridor and transit studies, that can
                   be carried out in the community. This means that the Town can now request transportation planning assistance
                   from the MPO. Thirdly, Stratharn must now be included in the MPO's long range transportation plan. Lastly, and
                   probably most importantly, transportation improvements planned for Stratham that involve federal fttnds, must
                   *now be included in MPO transportation improvement programs in order to be funded.

            B.     MPO Project Selection and Planning Process

                   ISTEA's transportation planning requirements call for the development of a project specific long range
                   transportation plan, covering a twenty year horizon. The MPO Plan will, in the future, draw heavily on the
                   Transportation components of local master plans and will identify conceptual transportation improvements needed
                   in the region. From this plan, the MPO will develop the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) on an
                   ongoing two year cycle. The TIP will be developed as a prioritized list of projects for implementation.

                   Under the federal rules for Metropolitan Planning, adopted in October of 1993, the Seacoast TIP and the NH State
                   TIP (previously known as the 10 year plan) must be completely consistent for at least the first three years of
                   implementation. Given the importance of both the MPO Plan and TIP in defining the future transportation system
                   in the region, it behooves the Town to become and remain actively involved in the MPO -- both at the Technical
                   and Policy Committee levels.

                   To address the issues addressed above, the following recommendations are made:

                   I .      The Town should appoint an active representative and an alternate to the Seacoast MPO Technical
                            Advisory Committee at its earliest opportunity and maintain a close working relationship with the MPO.


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                    2.      The Town should develop and subrmt to the MPO a specific list of needed transportation improvements
                            eligible for federal funding, for consideration during the next TIP development cycle.


             6.     RECOMMENDATIONS


             The following series of policies and recommendations are based on the information and analysis presented in this chapter,
             and on two other sources: recommendations generated from Stratharn Community Stewardship Project held in the Spring
             of 1996, and, those policies and recommendations from the 1985 Master Plan that continue to be valid.

             It is a fundamental goal of the Town of Stratharn to achieve and maintain a safe, efficient transportation system which
             supports the rural character of the community and is adequate to support the transportation demand of the community.
             To attain this goal both now and in the future, the following policies are established and recommendations made.

             POLICY 1: It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to work in cooperation with the NH Department of Transportation
             and the Seacoast MPO (RPC) to accomplish the phased implementation of agreed-upon highway facility improvements
             along Portsmouth Avenue.


             Recommendations


             I .    Use the 1992 ATIDOTRoute 101 Feasibility Study as a guide for identifying, planning, and timing for highway
                    facility improvements and communicate with the NHDOT regarding recommended changes to the corridor plan.

                    a.      recommend the following changes in the Study recommendations: the addition of a signalized intersection
                            at Bunker Hill Avenue;

                            request the Seacoast MPO to reevaluate the traffic projections for the year 20 10 in the NH 33 section of
                            Portsmouth Ave. to determine if a 3 lane (one turn lane) will be adequate to accommodate forecast traffic
                            volumes.


                    C.      request that the NHDOT reevaluate, with full community involvement, the proposed conceptual design
                            for the Stratham Circle interchange prior to this design moving forward to implementation.

             2.     Work toward early implementation of the following high priority projects for Portsmouth Avenue:
                            signalization at Bunker Hill Avenue;
                            signalization at Winnicut Road;
                            relocation/realignmcnt of River Road and Frying Pan Lane, and possible signalization;
                    The Town should proposing that they be added to the Seacoast MPO transportation improvement program and
                    to the State 10 Year Program.

             3.     Work in cooperation with the NHDOT and property owners through the site plan approval process to consolidate
                    existing curb-cuts and channel access points to signalized intersections using interior service roads.

             4.     The Planning Board should develop a "Portsmouth Avenue Access Management Plan" which identifies potential
                    curb cut consolidation, and establishes a driveway access protocol with the NHDOT to ensure consistency of
                    permitting with the management plan.


                                                                        20









           5.      The Planning Board should consider establishing a highway impact fee district, pursuant to RSA 674:21,
                   consisting of the portion of Portsmouth Ave. between the Stratharn Circle and the Exeter Town Line. Additional
                   development occurring within this district would be required to contribute a fair share portion of the cost of making
                   planned highway ninprovements.

           POLICY 2: It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to implement improvements on the Town's secondary road system
           needed to accommodate increased traffic volumes, as well as bicycle and pedestrian use, and to work with the NHDOT
           to implement like improvements on State owned secondary roads.


           Recommendations


           I .     The Town should seek assistance of a professional transportation engicering consultant to prepare a needs
                   analysis of the secondary road system in Stratham.

           2.      The Town should actively monitor changes in traffic volumes and accidents on the secondary road system. and
                   request assistance from the Seacoast MPO to carry out this task.

           3.      They Town should include the construction of 4 foot paved shoulders for use as bicycle/pedestrian lanes, and
                   appropriate signage and striping on the following secondary roads:
                                     Bunker Hill Avenue                             Union Road
                                     Winnicut Road                                  Sandy Point Road
                                     Heights Road                                   Depot Road



           POLICY 3: It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to create a well connected road system in the community that
           provides efficient circulation, ensures public safety and channels commercial traffic away from residential
           neighborhoods.


           Recommendations


           I .     The Planning Board should develop and adopt a conceptual road layout map (the "unofficial map") showing
                   desired connections between existing streets and general location of any new roads and rights of way they may be
                   required. This map should be used as a guide for the evaluation of street layout proposed for new development,

           2.      In preparation of the road layout map, the Planning Board should evaluate the following connections and proposed
                   streets           connect Raeder Drive and River Road;
                                     connect Doe Run Lane and Butterfield Road at the intersection with Oak Court, and possibly
                                     relocate the entrance of Butterfield to join Raeder Drive at the proposed four way intersection
                                     with Bunker Hill Avenue
                                     connect Tanzy Road to Crestview Terrace;
                                     new commercial access road connecting SLratham Heights Road to Frying Pan Lane
                                     new commercial access road connecting River Road to Shaws entrance extension

           3.      The Town should consider the purchase the development fights of critical right-of-way that would be necessary


                                                                           21










                    to complete or accomplish the connections listed above.

             4.     The Planning Board should discourage the creation of dead-end streets, and should require the reservation of one
                    or more right-of-way parcels at appropriate connection points in all street designs for new subdivisions.



             POLICY 4: It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to participate in the regional transportation planning process
             established under Federal and State law.


             Recommendations


             1.     The Town should appoint an active representative and an alternate to the Seacoast MPO Technical Advisory
                    Committee at its earliest opportunity and maintain a close working relationship with the MPO.

             2.     The Town should develop and submit to the MPO a specific list of needed transportation improvements eligible
                    for federal funding, including highway, pedestrian, bicycle and other facilities, for consideration during the next
                    TIP development cycle.



             POLICY 5: It is the policy of the Town of Stratham to encourage, support and participate in COAST, the regional
             public transportation system


             Recommendations


             I .    The Town should widely publicize the availability of the COAST service (Route 7) to the citizens of Stratham,
                  ,..though mechanisms such as tax bill mailing, the Annual Town report, and other community announcement media.

             2.     The Town should consider entering into an intermunicipal agreement with the other communities and organizations
                    served by COAST to formalize the rights and obligations of all participants.

             3.     The Town should consider providing modest funding support to COAST, if required to maintain the existing route
                    service given declining Federal support for the system.


             POLICY 6: It is the policy of the Town of Stratharn to work with the Boston & Maine Railroad (Springfield Terminal
             Railroad) to improve recreational boating access to the Great Bay via the Squamscott River.


             Recommendations


             I .    Town officials should meet with company and NHDOT and other appropriate officials to review current condition
                    of the railroad bridge and possible solutions.

             2.     The Town should consider applying for coastal program, as well as other private and public funding sources to
                    address the solutions.




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 I                     STRATHAM MASTER. PLAN
 1                       4. HOUSING CHAPTER
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                                             STRATHAM MASTER PLAN


                                                      DRAFT


                                                 HOUSING CHAPTER
                                                (Revision Date: 8-15-96)




                                                   Table of Contents







          1.     Introduction


          2.     Previous Housing Studies

          3.     Housing Growth and Development
                        Growth History
                        Housing Ownership and Occupancy
                        Housing Types
                        Housing Cost
                        Household Income


          4.     Regional Housing Needs Assessment

          5.     Analysis of Existing Zoning and Land Use Regulations

          6.     Recommendations











                                                                HOUSING



          1.0      Introduction


          Stratham remains a predonuinantly residential community. The Town has experienced rapid growth in residential
          development since the mid 1960s. This sustained growth has brought challenges to every aspect of the commuruity to
          keep pace with the growing demand for services, including, roads, schools and community facilities. One of the principal
          challenges now facing the conitnunity is to determine how best to accommodate additional housing growth while
          maintaining the very character of the Town which attracted so many of its residents in the first place.

          Housing is one of the most important and challenging issues to be addressed in the master planning process. Over the
          past decade, New Hampshire communities, especially those in the southern tier of the State have become *increasingly
          judged by the Courts on their performance *in allowing for a wide range of housing needs -- housing which serves the
          requirements of a wide spectrum of age and income groups, including low and moderate income families. While facing
          the need to actively accommodate such housing needs communities are also facing fiscal challenges which argue toward
          promoting higher valued housing development to help offset property tax impacts.

          During the period of rapid building expansion, which followed the completion of the 1985 Master Plan, housing costs
          in southern New Hampshire escalated rapidly and exceeded the ability of many wage earners to keep pace with the
          increases. Housing affordability became a major issue in Southern New Hampshire as steep housing costs put home
          ownership out of reach of even moderate 'income households.

          Since the last update of the Strathatri Master Plan was completed in 1989, changes in the State Planning Enabling laws
          which specify master plan content (RSA 674:2) as well as the results of the Rockingham Superior Court cases (Lewis
          Builders etal vs. Atkinson, andBritton etal. vs. Chester) require Towns to assess housing needs of all 'income groups,
          including housing needs in context with the surrounding region. RSA 674:2 111 requires that a master plan contain a
          housing section which

                     analyzes existing housing resources and addresses current and future housing needs of residents of all levels
                   of income of the municipality and of the region in which it is located, as identified in the regional housing need
                   assessment performed by the regional planning commission pursuant to RSA 36:47, U."

          To adequately address these issues, this chapter of the Master Plan will assess the existing housing stock and housing
          costs of Stratharn in comparison to surrounding communlities, review the Town's existing residential zoning require-
          ments, and consider the results of the latest regional housing needs assessment prepared by the Rockingham Planning
          Commission. The Chapter will conclude with general recommendations regarding policies and actions that may be
          needed to address present and future housing needs of the town and region.


          2.0      Previous Housing Studies

          While there have not been any formal housing studies conducted within the past ten years, the 1985 and 1989 Master
          Plan and Master Plan updates have identified the *importance of housing issues. The 1985 Master Plan and 1989 update
          included statistical reviews of the housing stock, projected future needs, and addressed several issues regarding gr6wth
          management. More recently, through its Growth Management and Innovative Land Use Control Ordinance, the Town
          has established a system by which it can review number of new lots created, and the numbers, types and costs of new









           housing units. From "s information the Planning Board can review current housing issues and problems and can make
           recommendations.


           In past two Master Plans there has been a desire to "maintain a well planned conimunity with a rural residential and
           agricultural character with affordable housing, diversified but limited commercial and economic development, and
           protected natural resources." To this end, the Town of Stratham has established the following housing policies:

           I .     Encouran Affordable Housing: The Town of Stratham should encourage the investigation of the innovative
                   development of decent, safe housing which can be purchased or rented by low, moderate or middle 'income
                   households.


           2.      Encouran Increase of Elderly Tax Exemption- The Town of Stratharn should consider increasing the
                   availability of tax exemptions for elderly residents.

           3.      Consider Elderly Housing Overlay: The Town of Stratharn should consider the
                   establishment of elderly housing and/or the establishment of an overlay district for elderly housing.

           These policies remami valid today, thought they have not yet been implemented.


           3.0     Housing Demographics

           A wide diversity in housing types is an indication that a community's housing policies are responsive to the needs of
           various income and age groups. The aforementioned court cases (Atkinson and Chester) both involved allegations that
           local zoning and land use regulations, taken as a whole, caused discrimination against low and moderate income groups
           by limiting opportunities for affordable housing. A comparative assessment of Stratham's housing stock and costs is
           "'t to deteri@iiine the adequacy of the housing supply for meeting a wide range of need. The following paragraphs
           review recent demographic information pertaining to growth, type and costs of the housing stock in Stratharn as
           compared with ten surrounding towns as well as the County and the State. In addition, comparisons of median income
           and income distribution are made to further illustrate community housing characteristics.

           Growth in Housina 1980-1990


           According to the 1990 federal Census, there were a total of 1,917 housing units of all types in Stratham in 1990. Of
           these, 1,812 or 94 % were year-round, occupied units. Between 1980 and 1990, 1,073 units were added to the Town's
           housing supply, representmg a 122% increase (see Tables H-1 and H-2). This compares to a population 'increase of
           71% (from 2,507 in 1980 to 4,955 in 1990) during the same period.

           This disparity is explained by the continuing decline in the average number of persons per unit, which declined from 3.1
           to 2.7 in the period. Similar declines in household size were seen in all of the surrounding communities as well.
           Stratham's housing supply grew at faster rate than most of the surrounding communities, in part due to its large size,
           amount and availability of undeveloped land, and due to a more permissive zoning ordinance regarding residential
           development compared to surroundmig communities.






                                                                      2












            Table H-1
            Occupied Housing Units and Persons per Unit
            1980 & 1990 US Census                     Housing Units                              Avg. Anni.                    Average Persons
                                               (occupied, yr round units)                       Growth Rate                          per Unit
                                                                      T                                       '80-190                         1990
                TOWN/AREA                   1970            1980             1990           70-'80                             1980
            STRA THAM                            457        805              1,812          5.8%              8.5%             3.1             2.7
            Brentwood                            381        543              755            3.6%              3.4%             3.7             3.4
            Exeter                            3,081         4,182            4,975          3.1%              1.8%             2.6             2.5
            Greenland                            528        703              1,008          2.9%              3.7%             3.0             2.8
            Harnp,on                          2,716         4,086            5,046          4.2%              2.1%             2.6             2.4
            Hampton Falls                        382        462              533            1.9%              1.4%             3.0             2.8
            Kensington                           334        434              559            2.7%              2.6%             3.0             2.9
            Newlields                            231        274              312            1.7%              1.3%             3.0             2.8
            Newington                            293        252              298            -1.5%             1.7%             2.7             2.6
            North Hampton                     1,031         1,207            1,387 --       1.6%              1.4%             2.8             2.6
            Area Tota(                        9,434         12,948           16,685         3.2%              2.6%             2.8             2.6
            Rock. County                     44,562         65,951           89,118         4.0%              3.1%             2.9             2.8
            New Hampshire                   246,789      323,493          411,186           2.7%              2.4%             2.8             2.7

                            Source:                    1970, 1980 and 1990 US Census






                                         Housing Growth - Stratham and Surrounding Communities
                                                                             1970-1990

                   2,000-

                   1,800

                   1,600-

                              -- ----------
                   1,400J.-                                                                                            M                STRATHAM
                                                                                                                                        Brentwood
                D  1,200 -                                                                                                           X  Greenland
                   1,0001,                                                                                                              Hampton Falls
                0
                                   --------- - -                                                                                     1  Kensington
                '70  800                                                                                                                Newfields
                16
                                                                                                         =0
                1--  600                                                                                                                Newington
                                                                                                                                        North Hampton
                     400


                     200
                                                                    Ipm-                         WMVQM@
                                                                                                              MOM
                         0

                         1970                                            1980                                             1990








                                                                                   3











          Table H-2
          Housing OwnershiP, Vacancy and Tenure
          1990 US Census


                                                                                     Owners vs. Rental Status -- all units
                                           All Housing                            Owner                              Renter                         Total                    Vacan     y Status
              TOVM/AREA                          Units                   No.                  %                  NO.                %           Occu ied Vacant Units                            %
          S TIM THA M                                    1917            1,537            84.8%                  275             15.2%             1,812                        105           5.5%
          Brentwood                                      778             673              89.1%                  82              10.9%               755                         23           3.0%
          Exeter                                         5346            3,385            68.0%               1,590              32.0%             4,975                       371            6.9%
          Greenland                                      1082            745              73.9%                  265             26.3%             1,008                         74           6.8%
          Hampton                                        8599            3,146            62@3%               1,900              37.7%             5,046                    3,553             41.3%
          Hampton Falls                                  591             500              93.8%                  33              6.2%                533                         58           9.8%
          Kensington                                     585             495              88.6%                  64              11.4%               559                         26           4.4%
          Newfields                                      324             257              82.4%                  55              17.6%               312                         12           3.7%
          Newington                                      320             205              68.8%                  91              30.5%              298                          22           6.9%
          North Hampton                                  1495            1,197            86.3%                  190             13.7%             1,387                        108           7.2%
          Area Total                                21037              12,140             72.8%              4,545               27.2%            16,685                    4,352             20.7%
          Rock. County                            101773               64,324             72.2%             24,794               27.8%            89,118                  12,655              12.4%
       Now Hampshire                              503904_            280,372              68.2%             130,814              31.8%         411,186                    92,718              18.4%





                                                                                                        Figure H-1
                                                                             Distribution of Housing Types, 1980 & 1990
                                                                                  Stratharn and Surrounding Communities



                                              Stratham 1980                                                                                         Stratham 1990

                               Multi--Famity    Manufactured                                                                                         Lunufactured
                                  13%                 3%                                                                                                    3%
                                                                                                                            MLib-Faffdiy,_----
                                                                                                                                 34%



                                                                                                                                                                                      Single Family
                                                                    Single Family                                                                                                        63%
                                                                         84%



                                 Surrounding Communities 1980                                                                           Surrounding Communities 1990

                                               manufactured                                                                               Manufactured
                      Mutti-Family                   2%                                                                                        9%
                           28%


                                                                                                                          Multi-Fa                                                    Single Family
                                                                                                                              33%rr"                                                       58%
                                                                           Single Family
                                                                                  70%


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          Ownership and Occupancy

          The proportion of renters versus owners among the occupied housing units Is typical of communities of Straffiam's size,
          though somewhat lower than the region's average, That average is pushed up by the larger communities which typically
          have a much higher percentage of rental uruits. The vacancy rate in 1990 was 5.5% -- considerably lower than the
          County average at the time of 12.4%. These figures were strongly affected by the 1989-92 recession that was currently
          in mid-course at that time. Stratharn and nearby communities were less affected due to its higher proportion of owner-
          occupied units.

          Housing T.
                     ypes


          As evidentmi Figure H-1 and Table H-3, Stratham has a comparatively diverse housing stock, whichmicludes single
          fw-dly, duplex, multifamily and mobile home units. (NOTE: For the purposes of these tables, "single family" includes
          both single family and duplex structures; "multifamily" includes all residential structures with 3 or more housing uruits
          within them; manufactured housing includes any transportable stucture built on a permanent chassis and desing ed to
          be used as a dwelling with or without a foundation; it does not include prefabricated or "pre-site built" housing) A very
          large *increase in multifamily units in Stratham occurred between 1980 and 1990. In that period multifamily housing
          grew from 109 units, representing 12.9% of the housmg stock, to 659 units, representing nearly 35% of the total.
          Multifamily unit increases in surrounding commuruities; was much more modest, growing from an average of 25.9% *in
          1980 to 32.9% in 1990. With only 65 mobile home units, Stratham has a strikingly low number of manufactured
          housing (i.e., mobile homes) - much less d= the County average and than most of the surrounding communities. Since
          1990, the growth in multifamily and manufactured housing units has declined, with single family uruits beconuing the
          predominant housing type for new construction.

          Housing Cost

          The@#vailable Census data for housing cost suggests that rents and home prices in Stratham are slightly higher to those
          of the surrounding area. According to the 1990 Census, the median rent paid for housing in Stratham in 1990 was $66 1.
          -- approximately $120 more than the average rent paid for the surrounding communities and for all of Rockingham
          County (see Table H-4). The median value of homes reported by their owners in 1990 was $177,700. This is
          approximately 10% above that of the surrounding commurni ties' average value of $165,727., but approximately 19%
          above the County median value of $149.800.

          A second source of data regarding housing costs comes from the annual rent and purchase price surveys conducted by
          the NH Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA). The most recent NHHFA survey year, 1992, shows the median purchase
          price for homes in Stratharn to be $116,000., nearly 20% below the average price the surrounding communities of
          $129,720.(see Table H-5 ). Ile NHIHFA surveys provide data for previous years as well. A comparison between 1990
          and 1992 indicates that median home purchase prices in Stratharn have declined 37.3% in that short period -- a rate of
          decline not unlike the rate of cost escalation seen in latter years of the 1980s. Similar declines are shown for the
          surrounding communities as well, although the County and Statewide averages show a much less precipitous drop.
          Based on the NHHFA surveys, it appears that current home purchase prices are now' at comparable levels to what they
          were in the 1985-1986 time frame. NHHFA rent survey results are not reported on a town-specific basis, however,
          survey results for Rockingham County and for the Portsmouth/Dover/Rochester urbanized area are available from 1985
          onward. The trend in rental costs does not show the same degree of rise and fall as exhibited by housing purchase prices.
          The average rent for a two bedroom unit in Rockingham County was $658 per month in 1986, peaked at $675 'in       ..1 989,
          and has slowly declined since then to $652 in 1992.



                                                                      5










            Table H-3
            Housing Distribution by Type
            1980 & 1990


                                                                                  1980
                                                Single Family               Multi-Family                   Manufactured
                TOWN/AREA             Total        number           %           number           %            number          %

            STRA THAM                      844            713     84.5%               109      12.9%                 22     2.6%

            Brentwood                      598            478     79.9%                31      5.2%                  89     14.9%

            Exeter                       4406           2355      53.4%              1314      29.8%                737     16.7%

            Greenland                      728            625     85.9%               103      14-1%                   0    0.0%

            Hampton                      4437           2622      59.1%              1726      38.9%                 89     2.0%

            Hampton Falls                  483            432     89.4%                47      9.7%                    4    0.8%

            Kensington                     450            400     88.9%                26      5.8%                  24     5.3%

            Newfields                      301            244     81.1%                54      17.9%                   3    1.0%
            Newington                      257            171     66.5%                25      93%                   61     23.7%

            North Hampton                1255             988     78.7%               132      10.5%                135     10.8%
            Area Total/Avg.              13759          9028      65.6%              3567      25.9%              1164      8.5%
            Rock. County                 68132         45559      66.9%             17423      25.6%              5150      7.6%
            New Hampshire             347758          218351      62.8%            108575      31.2%              20832     6.0%



                                                                                 1990

                                                Single Family               Multi-Family                   Manufactured

               TOVVN/AREA             Total        number           %           number           %            number          %

            S TRA THA M                  1917           1193      62.2%               659      34.4%                 65     3.4%

            Brentwood                      778            640     82.3%                46      5.9%                  92     11.8%

            Exeter                       5346           2279      42.6%              1945      36.4%              1122      21.0%

            Greenland                    1082             792     73.2%               275      25.4%                 15     1.4%

            Hampton                      8599           4437      51.6%              3736      43.4%                426     5.0%
            Hampton Falls                  591            539     91.2%                39      6.6%                  13     2.2%
            Kensington                     585            511     87.4%                22      3.8%                  52     8.9%

            Newfields                      324            260     80.2%                50      15.4%                 14     4.3%

            Newington                      320            213     66.6%                51      15.9%                 56     17.5%
            North Hampton                1495           1106      74.0%               125      8.4%                 264     17.7%
            Area Total/Avg.              19120          10777     56.4%              6289      32.9%              2054      10.7%
            Rock. County              101773            61147     60.1%             31688      31.1%              893b      8.8%
            New Hampshire             503541          297474      59.1%            164178      32.6%              41889     8.3%


                         Source: "Current Estimates & Trends in New Hampshire's
                                  Housing Supply, 1980-1990. N.H. Office of
                                  State Planning, January 1992.



                                                                        6






                   Table H-4
                   Housing Costs
                   Rental and Owner Occupied Housing Units

                                                     Median         Percent of           Median Value            Percent of
                                                     Rent            Rock. Co.           Owner Occup.            Rock. Co.
                         TOWN/AREA                   1990             Average            Units - 1990            Average
                   S TRA THA M                       $661               122%               $177,700                119%
                   Brentwood                         $517               96%                $169,400                113%
                   Exeter                            $539               100%               $154,000                103%
                   Greenland                         $690               128%               $168,100                112%
                   Hampton                           $540               100%               $162,500                108%
                   Hampton Falls                     $583               108%               $221,200                148%
                   Kensington                        $505               93%                $171,000                114%
                   Newfields                         $517               96%                $142,800                95%
                   Newington                         $539               100%               $197,300                132%
                   North Hampton                     $547               10 1 CYO           $187,400                125%
                   Area Total/Avg.                   tS64               104%               $175,140                117%
                   Rock. County                      $541               1000/0             $149,800                100%
                   New Hampshire                     *479               89%                1@ 129,400              86%


                   Source: 1990 Census of Population and Housing, Summary Population and
                                 Housing Characteristics




               Table H-5

               "
               Median Housing Purchase Prices -- 1990 and 1992
               Exeter and Area Communities


                                                          1990                               1992                        Percent
                                                Sample           Median            Sample           Median               Change
               Communities                       Size*             Price            Size*               Price        1991-1992
               STR4THAM                              37            $185,000              73             $116,000            -37.3%
               Brentwood                               9           $125,048              11             $105,048            -16.0%
               Exeter                                21            $136,287              50             $109,189            -19.9%
               Greenland                               9           $193,000              17             $150,000            -22.3%
               Hampton                               26            $160,000              33             $131,302            -17.9%
               Hampton Falls                         11            $194,000              12             $191,150               -1.5%
               Kensington                              7           $128,900              11             $136,000               5.5%
               Newfields                               7           $158,000                4            $150,429               -4.8%
               Newington                               2           $530,240                3            $340,000            -35.9%
               North Hampton                         20            $194,350              31             $159,900            -17.7%
               Area Total/Avg                        149           $200,483             245             $158,902            -20.7%
               Rockingham County                     1,133         $119,048           1,095             $112,381               -5.6 %
               New Hampshire                         3,956         $107,524          3,470              $99,048                -7.9%

               Source: N.H. Housing Finance Authority.
                         Purchase Price Median, 4 Quarters 1991 and 1992.
                Sample sizes under 50 are not statistically reliable.


                                                                          7












            Incom


            Like housmig mix and cost, measures of income can be important indicators of the openness of a community for
            providing housing opportunities to individuals and families with low and moderate incomes. In communities without
            lower cost housing opportunities, 'individuals and families with lower *incomes are forced to seek housing in other
            locations. As a result, communities which afford little opportunity for affordable housing tend to have higher median
            incomes than those with a greater supply of affordable housing.

            Data from the 1990 Census indicates that Stratharn had a higher median family income than the average for surrounding
            towns and for the Cowity. Median fmily income in Stratham for 1989 (the reporting income year) was $57,350 or 18%
            above the average median of $48,670. for the surrounding towns and 22% above the median or $46,942. for
            Rockingham County (see Table H-6). Per capita 'income figures for Stratharn are comparatively higher with the Town
            ranked 7th in the County.

            Measures of median income, while a usefid indicators for comparison purposes, do not tell the whole story. In addition
            to overall income levels, it is important to understand how the total population of an area (i.e. Stratharn and its eleven
            neighboring communities) is split among various income ranges. Such an analysis shows what proportion Stratham
            has for each income range compared to the other commufflities. An even percentage of the area's population across all
            ranges would indicate an everdy balanced distribution of income groups. Table H-7, however, shows clearly that
            Stradiam has a larger fraction of its population share in the three upper-most income ranges than do most of the other
            communities,



            4.0     Regional Housing Needs Assessment

            In 1988 the N.H. Ugislature amended RSA 36:47 to mandate that all regional planning conumissions in New Hampshire
            prepar6`a regional housing needs assessment which "...shall include an assessment of the regional need for housing for
            persons and families of all levels of income" (RSA 36:47,10. The stated purpose of the law is to assist municipalities
            in complying with RSA 674:2 which requires communities to assess housing needs in their own master planning process.
            The regional housing needs assessment must be updated every 5-years.

            In 1989, the Rockingham Planning Conunission prepared a Regional Housing Needs Assessment as a component of
            its regional master plan. In September of 1993 the RPC released a draft update of the Needs Assessment which
            incorporated data from the 1990 Census regarding housing characteristics and income. For the purpose of assessing
            regional housing needs for use in the Stratharn Master Plan, the 1993 update to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment
            has been used in place of the oniginal report so that the most accurate and up-to-date data could be incorporated into this
            plan.

            The RPC identifies as the purpose of their Needs Assessment to quantify the size and distribution of the need for
            affordable housing in the region, and to provide communities with the information needed for their own housing needs
            assessments. Although a fair share apportionment of affordable housing is included in the report, the report states that
            this result is intended to be used only as a general indicator of the distribution of housing need in the region, not as a
            prescription of units needed in any particular community.

            The Regional Housing Needs Assessment develops a fair share apportionment method which attempts to fairly distribute
            the unmet need for affordable housing to all communitles in the region. The method *involves distributing the identified
            need according to five factors relatmig to fair share. A numerical assessment is determined for each and is averaged for

                                                                         8




 I
    Table H-6
    Median Family and Per Capita Income
    1979 & 1989 - Rockingham County


                                          -1979 -                            -1989 -                       Percent of          Per Capita
                                      Median                              Median                        Rock. Co. Avg.       Income Rank
                                       Family        Per Capita           Family        Per Capita         Per Capita          Rock. Co.
    TOWN/CITY                         Income            Income            Income         Income              1989                1989

    S TRA THA M                        $23,664            $8,272          $67,350          $23,104           131%                  7
    Brentwood                          $20,635            $6,101          $47,222          $16,112           91%                   24
    Exeter                             $19,481            $7,392          $42,556          $18,531           105%                  11
    Greenland                          $23,973            $7,588          $48,467          $19,637           111%                  9
    Hampton                            $21,547            $8,299          $45,447          $18,371           104%                  13
       ampton Falls                    $25,474            $9,516          $58,814          $23,736           134%                  4
       ensington                       $21,215            $8,216          $47,083          $17,645           100%                  17
    Newfields                          $21,354            $7,381          $44,659          $15,821           89%                   26
       ewington                        $17,407            $7,392          $45,625          $17,954           101%                  15
       orth Hampton                    $22,705            $9,433          $53,873          $23,672           134%                  5
       rea Total/Avg.                  $21,746            $7,959          $49,110          $19,458           110%                  --
       ock. County                     $21,181            $7,445          $46,942          $17,694           100%
       ew Hampshire             1      $19,724            t6,966          $41,628          $15.959           900/0         1


       ource: 1990 US Census, STF 3A


  lable H-7
    Percent. of Households By Income
       990-cdrks@ds


                                                                                Income Ranges
                                     Percent            $0         $15,000         $30,000      $50,000         $75,000       s; 100,000
                                    of Area               to              to          to             to            to              and
         TOWNIAREA                  Population        $14,999      $29,999         $49,999       $74,999        $99,999            over
          THAM                               11%              5%            8%           11%            12%           19%               16%
       entwood                                6%              4%            1%             5%             5%            5%               5%
       eter                                  29%            38%           34%             32%           25%           20%               25%
       reenland                               6%              6%            6%             6%             9%            7%               3%
       mpton                                 28%            35%           33%             29%           27%           31%               24%
       mpton Falls                            3%              2%            3%             2%             4%            5%               7%
       nsington                               4%              2%            4%             3%             4%            4%               3%
       wfields                                2%              1%            2%             2%             2%            1%               1%
       wington                                2%              1%            2%             2%             2%            1%               1%
       rth Hampton            1               8%              6%            7%1            8%1           11%            7%               13%
    FT-OTAL                   I              100%j         100%1          100%1         100%j          100%           100%             TOO%

       urce: 1990 U.S. Census, STF3A - Tables P80, P1 07, and P1 10.
    A
   I
       IrRA



    Ex
    a
       'a,






                                                                          9










            the purpose of distributing the housing need.


            The five factors used and their rational is as follows:


            FACTO                                       RATIONALE

            Employment in commumity                     Jobs create demand for housing

            Equalized assessed value                    Related to town's ability to absorb low valued housing without undue impact
                                                        on tax rate


            Vacant Developable Land                     Related to ability to develop new housing

            Income                                      Related to existing balance or 'unbalance of income groups

            Housing Units                               Larger communities can absorb larger numbers of new units


            The following steps are involved 'in developing the regional housing needs assessment:

            1.      Quantify need for affordable housing: called "indigenous" housmig need; this is defined as the number of renter
                    households among less dian 80% of the region's median *income and spending more than 30% of gross income
                    on rent.


            2.      Identify "Excess Need".: excess need occurs when the number of units identified for a specific community as
                    indigenous need (in step one), exceeds the communq's proportionate share of that need based on existing
                   "housing units.

            3.      Distribute "Excess Need": based on a numerical composite of the five factors described above, the excess need
                    is redistributed to the region's commun-ities. This result, combined with indigenous need is the fair share
                    distribution.


            4.      Ad-just for Housing Credits: the final step is to subtract "credits" from the fair share allocation for those
                    communities in vAiich affordable housing uruts have been added since the Census year (1990). Credits include
                    mobile home building permits, units rehabilitated for rent assisted housing and units rehabed under the CDBG
                    program.


            The results of the fair share apportionment, which are shown in Table H-8, shows that Stratharn has a lower percentage
            of "fair share" need compared to the regional average -- 6.0% for Stratham compared to 8.8% for the region.

            This result is consistent with the housing demograpl-&s presented in Section 4 above which, taken together, 'indicate that
            Stratham has provided a greater diversity of housing opportunity than many of the surrounding communities. This
            conclusion does not mean, however, that there is no need for additional affordable housing in Stratharn. As indicated
            in the Regional Housing Needs Assessment, in 1990 there were approximately 70 low and moderate income households
            in Stratharn that were unable to find housing that was affordable to them (called the "Indigenous housing need"5..

            Some of the obstacles effecting the availability of affordable housing base lessened due to the large downward shift in

                                                                        10




    I
    table H-8
    1993 Fair Share Housing Needs Apportionment
       repared by the Rockingham Planning Comission per RSA 36:47


                                              Year          Housing                                                                                        Fair
                                             Round         Need If                         Fair       Excess                                         Share as
                           Indigenous       Occupied          Equal                     Share          Units                               Total      % of 1990
                            Housing         Dwelling         Distri-       Excess       Factor         Allo-        Fair                     Fair     Housing
    WOMMUNITY                  Need          Units           Bution        Need      Average*         Cated        Share      Credits     Share           Units
    lktkinson                       62           1774            159                    0.037             47         109              0       109            6.2%
    Brentwood                       28            755                68                 0.032             40           68             1         67           8.9%
    J.anville                       24            895                80                 0.027             35           59             1         58           6.5%
       Kingston                     15            463                42                 0.024             30           45             6         39           8.5%
    Epping                        114            1846            166                    0.043             55         169              5       164            8.9%
    (
       eter                       615            4975            447       168             --                0       447              0       447            9.0%
       emont                        36            865                78      --         0.031             40           76             4         72           8.3%
       rrleenland                   85           1010                91                 0.041             52         137              0       137          13.6%
    Hampstead                     107            2359            212                    0.041             53         160              3       157            6.6%
       ampton                     621            5046            453       168             --                0       453              0       453            9.0%
    impt. Falls                       6           533                48      --         0.035             45           51             0         51           9.6%
    Kensington                      13            559                50                 0.028             35           48             0         48           8.7%
       ingston                      65           1911            172                    0.042             54         119              1       118            6.2%
       ew Castle                    25            345                31                 0.031             40           65             0         65         18.8%
    Newfields                       11            312                28                 0.028             36           47             0         47         15.2%
       ewington                     23            296                27                 0.087             ill        134              0       134          45.4%
       ewton                        81           1198            108                    0.027             34         115              0       115            9.6%
    io. Hampton                     74           1387            125                    0.041             52         126              0       126            9.1%
    Plaistow ....   !-            220            2601            234         --         0.052             66         286              0       286          11.0%
       rtsmotith-'               1771           10329            928       843             --                0       928           52         876            8.5%
    te                            143            1905            171         -          0.041             53         196              0       196          10.3%
    Salem                         652            9185            825         -          0.157            201         853              0       853            9.3%
       ndown                        60           1304            117         -          0.032             41         101              2         99           7.6%
       abrook                     355            2808            252       103             --                0       252            10        242            8.6%
    to. Hampton                       2           257                23      --         0.025             31           33             0         33         13.0%
    d&TRA THA M                     70           1812            163                    0.044             56         126           18         108            6.0%
    1  ndham                        72           2830            254                    0.057             73         145              0       145            5.1%
    Total (Avg)                  5350           59560           5350       1282         1.000           1282        5350          103        5247            8.8%
    1 The 'fair share factor average" includes relative measures for five factors: employment, equalized
    assessed valuation, vacant developable land, median income, and total housing unitsvaluation

                                                          NOTE*
    This Housing Need Apportionment is intended for use as part of an overall Regional
       using Needs Assessment as required by RSA 36:47. The Rockingham Planning
       mmission does not support the use of this table to identify specific housing unit needs
    units to individual communities due to the inherent imprecision of any such
       portionment method. It should be used only as a general indicator of housing needs
    ithin the region and as a reference in the preparation of local housing needs analyses.









              real estate values and mortgage rates, and modest decreases in rents fi7om peak levels In the late 1980s. But the problem
              has not "gone away", because other obstacles, such as increased property tax burden for home owners and lost home
              equity have risen.

              5.0     Analysis of Existing Zoning and Land Use Regulations

              5.1     Zoning Districts

              The Town's current zoning ordinance includes five of seven (non-overlay) zoning districts in which residential uses are
              permitted. Together they comprise the vast majority of the land area of the commumity. The only zones in which
              residential use is not perrmitted are the Office Research zone and Industrial zone which together total less than 10% of
              the total land area. The general residential provisions of the zones are as follows

                      Residential -Amicultural (R/A): This is the basic underlying district 'in Stratharn. The intent is to promote
                      agricultural, low density residential and open space-conservation uses. Permitted residential uses permitted
                      include single and duplex units on individual lots and single, duplex and multifamily (up to 4 units per building)
                      units in residential cluster developments. Manufactured housing is permitted anywhere in the district, however,
                      conventional mobile homes are not permitted.

                      Manufachred/Mobile Homes (MAH): Located south of Portsmouth Avenue adjacent to the Greenland Town
                      line, this district permits manufactured housing, including conventional mobile homes, on 'individual lots,
                      conventional subdivisions or in cluster developments. The underlying uses permitted in the R/A district are
                      permitted as well.

                      Professional Residential (PRE): This zone extends along both side of Portsmouth Ave. from Bunker Hill to
                      Mill Brook It permits a mixture of residential and professional businesses. Smigle family and duplex units are
                      permitted by right, cluster development is permittod by special exception and manufactured housing/mobile
                      homes are not permitted.

                      Town Center (TQ: Located in the vicinity of the Stratham Circle, the zone permits the same residential uses
                      as the PRE district and permits small scale commercial and institutional uses.

                      General Commercial (GQ: Located along Portsmouth Avenue from NH 10 Ito just south of Bunker Hill Ave.,
                      this zone limits residential use to duplex units which are permitted by special exception. Itisprimarily
                      designed for larger scale highway commercial development dependent on high traffic volumes.

              5.2     Development Densi

              Since 1983, Stratharn has employed soil-based lot sizing to determine lot size for conventional development and unit
              density for cluster development. Sod-based lot sizing is the accepted standard in Rockingham County as the best method
              for determining the density of development in areas served by on-site septic systems. By tying development density
              to the soil's capacity to assimilate waste effluent, soil-based lot sizing is less arbitrary than conventional lot zoning.
              Its use ensures that groundwater will not be degraded by the recharge from septic systems.

              5.3     Cluster Developmen

              Stratham allows and encourages cluster development as an alternative to standard residential subdivision practice.

                                                                         12









            Cluster Development allows for die placement of buildings, roads and septic systems where they are best suited to the
            land and is commonly considered as a good zoning strategy for promoting affordable housing. By making best use of
            the land, limiting the linear extent of roads and utilities, and allowing for common water and septic systems, cluster
            development housing can be made more affordable than conventional development. It also can help protect large useable
            areas of open space in exchange for higher lot densities. The actual implementation of cluster development has not
            always met these objectives and has sometimes lead to higher densities and less useable open space than intended. The
            Cluster provisions of the ordinance are in need of review to increase the planning board's discretion in approving cluster
            development design and limiting the amount of wetland areas that can be calculated in the density determination

            5.4      Accesso1y Apartments

            In 1990, the Town amended the zoning ordinance to permit accessory apartments, for the purpose as stated in the
            ordinance is "to provide a housing alternative for family member in a personal hardship situation, while maintaining
            neighborhood aesthetics..." Allowing accessory apartments is another important zoning measure which has the affect
            of increasing the supply of affordable housing Stratham's ordinance is somewhat limited in this respect in that it limits
            occupant of accessory apartments to family members.

            5.5      Evaluation


            As highlighted in the number of residential zones included in current zoning, Stratham permits a good diversity of
            housing types through its land use and zoning regulations. Considered as a whole, the ordinance provides a relatively
            high degree of flexibility for residential development -- especially compared to surrounding communities of similar side
            and development stage.

            In evaluating the adequacy of zoning to accommodate housing need, two specific issues need to be examined: the degree
            to which the remaining land available for residential use is sufficient to accommodate additional growth, and second,
            technical compliance with New Hampshire manufactured statute (RSA 674:72)
            WM-,e no specific buildout analysis has been undertaken, it is evident that, given the flexibility inherent in Stratharn's
            zoning ordinance, sufficient residentially zoned land exists to meet the need for additional residential development.
            Regarding manufactured housing, the statute requires that the Town "afford reasonable opporWnities for the siting of
            manufactured housing" and that the majority of the residentially zoned land in the town permit such housing either on
            individually owned lots or in manufactured housing subdivisions. The combination of uses permitted in the R/A and
            MAH zones appear to meet this standard.

            Regarding affordible housing, it is important that Stratham provide reasonable and practical opportunities for
            low/moderate income persons to obtain affordable housing. While it is not necessary nor expected that the Town will
            take steps to actually "provide" such housing, it is important that a realistic opportunity exist for private individuals and
            developers to fill the need for lower cost housing. The Town effects this though its development regulations and
            policies. In some communities, these policies and regulations are made unnecessarily restrictive in an attempt to
            discourage growth and the development of lower cost housing. While this is true in some cases, it must also be
            acknowledged that communities have an obligation to ensure that development standards are adequate to protect public
            health, safety and the environment and to protect against future public expenditures to correct for faulty design or con-
            struction. These standards inevitably, but necessisarily, raise the cost of building houses. A reasonable test for the
            fairness of Stratham's Zoning land use regulations is that, when taken together, they do not place such stringent
            conditions on development so as to effectively discourage or preclude the development of lower cost housing.


                                                                          13









               Given the flexibility for residential development, including allowances for cluster development, including multifamily
               housing, manufactured housing subdivisions, manufactured housing on individual lots in mos                t residential di  stricts,
               duplexes, accessory apartments and soil-type lot sizing, the Town easily meets this test. That being said, there are
               several areas where the Town can make modest adjustment to existing development policies to promote the development
               of a more balanced housig supply.

               Stradim already has many of the regulatory policies in place that are commonly recommended to promote a balanced
               housing supply. These include allowances for cluster development, multifamily housing, accessory apartments, and
               soil based lot sizing. Other techniques including incentive zoning, inclusionary zoming, modified development
               standards, and others are discussed in detail in the 1994 RPC Regional Housing Needs Assessment.



               6.0      Recommendations


               The 1985 Master Plan contained a number of policies and recommendations which the present Master Plan Committee
               believes remain, in whole or in part, valid. These are included below. In most cases they have modified somewhat to
               reflect current needs.


               I .      As an overall goal the Town of Stratham should encourage a housing pattern that preserves and protects the
                        Town's rural characteristics while providing diversified housing alternatives.

               2.       'Me Planning Board should undertake a review of current cluster development district regulations and propose
                        changes, as needed. The following specific issues should be reviewed: the maximum density of development
                        allowed under varying soil conditions; the quality and useability of open space for conservation and recreational
                        uses; strenghten existing authority for the planning board to evaluate overall development design, (including
                        use and location of open space; lot, building and road placement) by incorpaorating design guidelines into the
                        Town's development regulations.

                        The Planning Board should encourage, as part of the review process, all large scale developments to dedicate
                        land for open space.

               4.       The Planning Board should investigate and consider implementing innovative zoning and land use regulations,
                        including the development of affordable housing in new residential developments to help maintain a balanced
                        housing supply.

               5.       The Planning Board should consider proposing an overlay zone for elderly housmig which would include
                        provisions designed to encourage the development of such housing, including a larger limit in units per
                        building, collocation of limited health care facilities, and others as needed.

               6.       The Plarming Board should review the existing Mobile Home District (MAH) and consider and recommend
                        alternatives, including expanding or establishing additional districts, to assure that the opportunity for
                        manufactured housing continues in Stratham. The review should specifically examine the remaining
                        development potential within the existing MAH district.

               7.       The Planning Board should encourage the provision of useable open space in all residential developments

               8.       The Planning Board should include sufficient rights of way in residential subdivisions to allow for the

                                                                              14









                    construction of future utilities, sidewalks and bicycle paths. Where appropriate to the location, size and
                    expected residential population, sidewalks and bicycle paths should be included in residential development
                    designs.

            In addition to the above the following new recommendations are made:

            9.      In an effort to encourage the use of single family cluster development, the Town should reduce the minimum
                    size of development required to utilize the cluster provisions for single family unit development from 3 0 acres
                    to between 10 and 20 acres.


            10.     The Town should revise the current accessory apartment provisions in the zoning ordmiance to remove or
                    mod4 stipulations which tend to discourage its use.







































                                                                       15




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                        STRATHAM MASTER PLAN
 I
 1                  5. EXISTING LAND USE - GIS MAPS
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                                                                                                                                         Stratham, N.H.
                                                                                                                              I x i s t i n g                         L a n d                   U s e
                                                                                                                                                       Map 10



                                                                                                                                                                                           416
                                                                                       dW-

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                      .4



                                                                                                          0                                                     -------

















                                                                                                                                                                                                          Ilk


















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Primary Routes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Secondary Routes


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Roads ., Streets


                                                                                                                                                                                  F,                                                  Private Roads


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To- Boundary

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      St-ros i
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ve, banks
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      and SIT lines

                vulli-f-ily                         Office Park 1@                                                                                                                                                                    Pipeline$

                Single family                       Shopping C Tter                                                                                                                                                                   lionsmission Lines

                General CDmmeiciol                  Outdoor Recreation                                                                                                                                                                RO;1,.od

                Commercial Retail                   Cemeteries
                                                                                                                                                                                             c                       'e,,   Mllvn,              c-,
                Services                            Agriculture

                Goveinment                          O;chotds, Vineyards
                                                    a, 0, n     T1.1
                                                            i"
                                                    Horticulture                                                                                                                                                                          'on".] I.' a',
                Institutional
                                                                                                                                                                                                          OS

                Ibcolional                                                                                                                                                                                 DOT G@PSS d,I@                  T 1710D
                                                    Stables/Rocetiocks                                    I ir.    2 75 ft.                                                             'u.       11 U.S.C.S                . 'I T                 .0,
                                                                                                                                                                                                    OMIT J,,; WN
                C-el pits                                                                                   Sc,l, 1:27300                                                                            U.Sa.A. ASCS              @t  ...... ; I'll.
                                                    Water                                                                                                                                               ... ...
                Indust6of/Cornme-                                                                                                                                                                      'K  ",1                    1-41" 19".
                cial Complexes             El       1(1)1111;115111@111@1/                    NE@ H@MPSIIIRE

                                                                                     P
                                                                                                                                                               116, 01(k, f SI.t, 11 .. i
                                                                                                                                        1,,,l k, .        1, , "         .
                                                                                                                                                           ild  vgvtv*1-
                                                                                                                                                                             Z0570.,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1996          DDI



                                                                                                                                                                       m m Sorr aaTh amm , NNN .10,
                                                                                                                                                                                        Existing Land Use
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Map 10





                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   d
















                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        *>








                                                                         pv@ 11                                                        >


                                                                                             E                                       -e  z




                                                             40

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      49












                                                                                                                                                                                b




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Primary Routes


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Secondary Routes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               VM       Roads or Streets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               FN_1     Private Roads

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Town Boundary


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Streams River banks
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               FNI      and Shorelines

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            X_                                          Pipelines
                                  Multi-family                                      Office Park
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                fit
                                                                                                                                                                 Rd                                                                                                                                                                     Transmission Lines
                       D          Single Family                                     Shopping Center                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N
                                  General Commercial                                Outdoor Recreation                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Vq       Railroad

                                  Commercial Retail                                 Cemeteries                                                                                                                                                                                   Sourest:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Base dal             oun'a                                   from   USGS Digital Line
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Graph*                                                        all. Comp ex Systems
                                  Services                               P=1        Agriculture                                                                                                                                                                                  Reseafth enter, Univers ty of Nov Hampshire.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The    Rinita[Cloaire
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    se          a    dtis are registered to NAD 83 and N.H.
                                  Government                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     State                 naW.
                                                                                    Orchards, Vineyards                                                                                                                                                                          Igences        rgcorj@,rif;rmaten from the cited source materials.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                t .          rch a
                                                                                    or Ornimental                                                                                                                                                                                'Digital data  in ON GRANIT represent the efforts of the cont(ibuting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        a      (CSRC    undqr contract to the Office
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 olilftlekle    onfiln@   SP    and in", rollsullq@Ion   with cooperatin agencies,
                                                                         El                                                                                                                                                                                                                S';1 -
                                                                                    Horticulture                                                                                                                                                                                 Mai                                    t id', t
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               ,i,,,1g,so,1 correct erro.s in these
                                  Institutional                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  da,,,."!ai'@,1th-.rc00ftS1P ,ftoqC am.ka                 as to the validity or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 r
                                                                                    Nurseries
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ability or to any implie uses a             hose data.'
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        'leads   data frontl KH 20T CPS d1to collection efforts at 1:24,OQO, as an updat,
                                  Educational                                                                                                                                                                                                                             0      the e rrent       w."'S.          he ato relfres7'rn.,'@'.porteotTon,60t'goI -of ft.. ro.4
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 ,.t4
                                                                                    Stables/Racetracks                                                        I in.       2275 ft.                                                                                       and ex     mg WAY             do; NH Deparlment                               19 4.
                                  Gravel pits                            ED                                                I                                     Scale 1:27300                                                                                                   Sources: UID.A. ASJS 1**.400' Gorial          photography; 1222.
                                                                                    Water                                                                                                                                                                                                       COVIDkIi "tor'lLe'088061       Complex Systems Research Center,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          V; Dece%bar          1991.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                RPC staff in orproto an and knowledge; 1994.
                                  Irldustrial/Commer-                                                                      I feet                          1275                             4550                            5825
                                  cial Complexes                                    Undeveloped/                                              NXW HAMM=
                                                                                    Open Space


                                                                                                                                                                            T11,           s.l@"I*                                      the Offige of State Fjorifthill,
                                                                                                                                                                                          'r      qj.jn part by a grti@,t (ro'l                                                                                                                Pre are4 by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                         fo io g(r          athorize A the      j VVY00c3emic and
                                                                                                                                                                                                         10      0AAjs @r                                                                                                           Rockin
                                                                                                                                                                            A mosp drie Adminis rat                              Aver      umb                                                                                          Augu*Vam,    lonning Commission
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               15 1996                    DRA

























                                     STRATHAM MASTER PLAN



                6. MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION




                                   Meeting Agendas - April to October 1996


                                         Master Plan Update Schedule
























                                                      6.


ja






                                           TOW                                            HAM


                                                NE                                       IRE

                                            10 Bunker 1                                  N.H. 03885


                                                                                4




                                                       MEETING NO TICE AND A GENDA


                                                  STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                                          Wednesday, April 24, 1996
                                                           Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                                       7:30 PM



            1.       Introductions


            11.      Outcome of Stewardship Process; Status of Final Report

            Ill.     Review/discussion/further comments on of Master Plan draft sections* completed to date
                                  (Introduction, Construction Materials, Transportation, Utilities, Community
                                  Facilities, Recreation, ConservationlPreservation, Nousing);

                     Integrating Stewardship findings/recommendations with Master Plan sections

            V.       Proposed Timeline for Completion of Master Plan Update (Attached)

            vi.      Next meetings: subcommittees and full committee

            Vil.     Other business/adjourn.








            cc:      Joe Derwiecki, Planning Board Chair
                     Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                     Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                               TO                                            THAM


                                                     NE                                        IRE

                                                 10 Bunker Hi                                   N.H. 03885


                                                                                      4




                                                              MEETING NO TICE AND A GENDA


                                                         STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                                                  Wednesday, May 29, 1996
                                                                   Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                                               7:30 PM



                 1.        Review of Draft Stewardship Report; provide comments to Steve Wallace
                           NOTE. Draft Copies of the Stewardship Report are available for review at the Town Office
                           and Library. Please review it the meeting and note any comments you have.

                 ii.       Subcommittee Reports - Status of Draft Sections
                           a.        Conservation / Preservation
                           b.        Recreation (Revised Section)
                           C.        Transportation

                           Establish Phase 11 Subcommittees: Community Facilities; Housing; Land UseM

                 IV.       Review Draft Existing Land Use Map (Attached)
                           (a large version will be available at the meeting to mark up)

                 V.        Brainstorming Session: Future Land Use Section -- Content and Map


                 V1.       Review Revised Timeline (Attached)


                 Vil.      Next meetings: subcommittees and full committee

                 Vill.     Other business/adjourn.







                 cc:       Joe Derwiecki, Planning Board Chair
                           Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                           Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                                        TOW                                                     THAM


                                                               NE                                                  IRE

                                                          10 Bunkcr Hi                                   a          N-1-1. 03885


                                                                                                       4




                                                                        MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA


                                                                 STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                                                            Wednesday, June 26, 1996
                                                                             Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                                                             7:30 PM




                 1.          Subcommittee Reports - Status of Draft Sections
                             a.          Conservation / Preservation (revised draft to be distributed)
                             b.          Recreation
                             C.          Trasnportation
                             d.          Housing (need to reschedule meeting)

                 11.         Complete Review of Draft Existing Land Use Map
                             (a large co      lor version is available for review & mark-up at the Town office

                 Ill.        Brainstorming Session: Future Land Use Section -- Content and Map
                             (tabled from last meeting)


                 IV.         Review of Timeline


                 V.          Next meetings: subcommittees and full committee

                 V1.         Other business/adjourn.







                 cc:         Bill Krooss, Planning Board Chair
                             Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                             Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                 TOW                            THAM


                                     NE                           IRE

                                  10 Bunkcr 11              a     N.H. 03885


                                                           4




                                         MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA


                                     STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                        'Thursday, August 15, 1996***
                                            Stratham Municipal Center
                                                     7:30 PM




                Approval of Minutes from June 26, 1996 Meeting

         11.    Revi e w/D iscu ss/Ap prove Final Draft of Recreation Chapter (Attached)

         Ill.   Resources/Conservation/Preservation Chapter
                a *    Review & Discuss new Draft (Attached)
                b.     Distribution/Discussion of Draaft Recommendations



         IV.    Subcommittee Reports - Status of Draft Sections
                a.     Trasnportation
                b.     Housing

         V.     Review of Revised Draft -- Existing Land Use Map


         Vi.    Review of Timeline


         VII.   Next meetings: subcommittees and full committee

         Vill.  Other business/adjourn.







         cc:    Bill Krooss, Planning Board Chair
                Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                               TO                                               HAM


                                                    NE                                        IRE
                                                10 Bunkcr Hi                          a        N.H. 03885


                                                                                    4




                                                       MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA


                                                  STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                                         Wednesday, August 28, 1996
                                                            Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                                        7:30 PM




           1.        Distribution of Minutes from August 14, 1996 Meeting

           11.       Review/Discuss Draft of Housing Chapter (Distributed on the 14th)

           Ill.      Resources/Conservation/Preservation Chapter
                     a.       Discussion of prior plan recommendations (distributed on the 14th)
                     b.       Distribution of Draft Recommendations


           IV.       Transportation Subcommittee: meeting dates and schedule for preparing Draft

           V.        Final Revisions to Existing Land Use Map -- to be provided by the Committee

           V1.       Distribution/review of revised base map (showing new roads, gas line)

           VII.      Schedule
                     a.       Meetings in September
                     b.       Final drafts for Resource/Cons/Pres and Housing
                     C.       Second drafts for Transportation, Comm. Facilities, Utilities, Land Use
                     d.       RPC Coastal Program submittals for Oct. 1

           VIII.     Other business/adjourn.







           cc:       Bill Krooss, Planning Board Chair
                     Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                     Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                                TO                                            THAM


                                                      NE                                        IRE

                                                 10 Bunker       i                      a        N.H. 03885


                                                                                       4




                                                            MEETING NO TICE AND A GENDA


                                                       STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                                            Wednesday, Septmber 25, 1996
                                                                 Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                                             7:30 PM




              1.        Approval of Minutes from August 28, 1996 Meeting (Attached)


              Old Business:


              11.       Final discussion/ approval of Draft of Housing Chapter (Distributed on the 14th)

              Ill.      Resources/Conservation/Preservation Chapter--
                                     finish Discussion of Draft Recommendations (distributed Aug. 28th)


              New Business


              IV.       Discussion of new Draft Transportation Chapter (Attached)

              V.        Review/Discussion of "Stratham Tax Base Analysis" (for Lan                          d Use Chapter) (Attached)


              V1.       Schedule
                        a.        Meetings in October
                        b.        Final draft for Transportation
                        C.        New drafts for Comm. Facilities, Utilities, Land Use
                        d.        RPC Coastal Program submittals for Oct. 11

              VIII.     Other business/adjourn.





              cc:       Bill Krooss, Planning Board Chair
                        Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                        Joe Derwiecki, RPC Commissoner
                        Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                   TO                                   THAM


                                         NE                                IRE

                                     10 Bunker ii                  a      N.H. 03885


                                                                  4




                                               MEETING NO TICE AND AGENDA


                                          STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                               Wednesday, Septmber 30, 1996
                                                  Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                            7:30 PM




          1.      Approval of Minutes from September 25, 1996 Meeting (to be distributed)


          Old.Business:


          [I.     Resources/Conservation /Preservation Chapter-
                            finish Discussion of Draft Recommendations (copy attached for those not
                          attending Aug. 28th meeting)
          I Cf?   Draft Transportation Chapter, (including Recommendations) --
                          -- Conclude Discussio(copy attached for those not attending 9-25-96 meeting)


          New Business


          IV.     Review/Discussion of "Stratham Tax Base Analysis" (for Land Use Chapter)


          V.      Schedule
                  a.      Meetings in October: Monday, October 7th, and ??
                  b.      Final draft for Transportation
                  C.      New drafts for Land Use, Comm. Facilities, Utilities
                  d.      RPC Coastal Program submittals for Oct. 11

          Vill.   Other business/adjourn.




          cc:     Bill Krooss, Planning Board Chair
                  Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                  Joe Derwiecki, RPC Commissoner
                  Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






                                        TO                                 ATHAM


                                             NE                               'IRE

                                         10 Bunker i                     a       N.H. 03885


                                                                        4




                                                  MEETING NO TICE AND AGENDA


                                             STRATHAM MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE


                                                    Wednesday, October 7, 1996
                                                     Stratharn Municipal Center
                                                                7:30 PM



           1.       Distribution /approval of Minutes from September 30, 1996 Meeting (if available)

           IL       Land Use Chapter

                    A.      Review of Proposed Chapter Content (see outline attached)

                    B.      Distribution/Review of Existing Land Use section

                    C.      Review/Discussion of "Stratham Tax Base Analysis" (distributed in mailing for 9/30
                            meeting)

                    D.      Future Land Use "Brainstorming"

           Ill.     Discussion of revised Community Facilities Chapter (Attached)

           IV       Assembling graphics for Master Plan Document (photographs, drawings, etc.)


           IV.      Schedule
                    a.      Meetings in October
                    b.      Final-Drafts for Land Use and Comm Facilities
                    C.      New drafts for Utilities, Comm. Facilities, Utilities, Land Use
                    d.      RPC Coastal Program submittals for Oct. 11

           V.       Other business/adjourn.




           cc:      Bill Krooss, Planning Board Chair
                    Paul Deschaine, Town Administrator
                    Joe Derwiecki, RPC Commissoner
                    Clay Mitchell, RPC Circuit Rider






               PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION OF STRATHAM MASTER PLAN
               UPDATED: May21,1996

                                                                                                                                         Timeframe
                                                                                                Integrate
                                                                           Responsible Stewardship
                                                                                Party           Rpcornm.         May Jun            Jul      Aug       Sep       Oct      Nov

                      Community Facilities Section
                          Committee finalizes comments                       Subcomm.                X
                          Final Draft                                           RPC
                          Committee Approval                                 Full Comm.
                                                                        Ann- @--                                                                   M
                      Recreation
                          Committee fi aftzes-comments                       Subcomm.
                          Final Draft                                           RPC
                          Committee Approval                                 Full Comm.

                      Conservation & Preservation
                          Committee fi alizes comments                       Subcomm.                X
                          Final Draft                                           RPC
                          Committee Approval                                 Full Comm.
                                                                                W,                                                          MM;W'%@,@.@' W
                      Transportation
                          Committee finalizes comments                       Subcomm.                X
                          Final Draft                                           RPC
                          Committee Approval                                 Full Comm.
                                                                                                                A
                      Utilities                                                                                MM-, "rM.-
                          Committee fi alizes comments                       Full Comm.              X
                          Final Draft                                           RPC
                          Committee Approval                                 Full Comm,
                      Housing Chapter
                          Complete Draft                                        RPC
                          Committee Review                                   Subcomm??
                          Final Draft                                           RPC
                          Commiltee approval                                 Full Comm.
                      Community Profile (Population Chapter)
                            repare Draft                                        RPC
                          Committee Review                                   Full Comm.
                          Final Draft                                           RPC                                               77nmig:
                          Committee approval                                 Full Comm.
                                                                                                                              . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
                                                                                                                                                               ..........
                      Existing Land Use
                          Prepare Draft Map                                     RPC
                          Committee Review /Correct Draft Map                Full Comm
                          Prepare Draft Text                                    RPC
                          Committee Review Text                              Full Comm
                          Final Draft                                           RPC;
                          Committee approval                                 Full Comm.
                      Future Land Use                                                                                         7@-T-
                          Discuss/brainstorm content & map               RPC;/Full Comm.             X
                          Prepare Draft text and map                            RPC
                          Committee Review                                   Full Comm.
                          Prepare Final Draft                                   RPC
                          Committee approval                                 Full Comm

                      Goals/Recommendations
                          Review Goals/Reccs from Sections               RPC/Full Comm.              X
                          Prepare Draft                                         RPC
                          Committee Review                                   Full Comm.
                          Prepare Final Draft                                   RPC
                      Z
                          Committee approval                                 Full Comm
                      Z, W           9
                      Final Document
                          Discuss format                                 RPC/Full Comm.
                          Obtain photographs/graphics                    RPC/Full Comm.
                          Finalize all document maps                     RPC/Full Comm.
                          Prepare camera-ready copy                             RPC
                          Produce review copies; CZP submittal                  RPC
                          Produce Adopted Copies                                Town
                                                                        @`A "k,",@",                                                                           IN
                      Meetings
                          Full MP Committee
                          MP Subcommittees (T8D on 4/24)                                                                                       ?
                          Presentation to Planning Board
                          Planning Board Worksession Q)
                          Planning Board Public Hearing
                      RECUPERATEll


               May1996                                                                         Page I                                                               MPSCHED.XLS




























































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                                          NOAA   Con-c'mi E-7,3-7,-*c-or, Cc,=tcr Library
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