Exit 4 A

The special meeting has some interesting debate over funding for the final EIS studies that are mandatory before going to the State and Feds for monies to make exit 4A a reality.

As a councilor who has been here for almost 6 years, I can tell you that I thought I knew most of the 4 A history and how it has become the single biggest political issue in Derry for well over 20 years and Just like the delaying of the widening of I93 because of legal stalling tactics, the projects end up costing us more in the long run. But lets stop for a second and really look at the issues and not the same old scare tactics the ADT group applies to grow their own ranks. I realize now that after a meeting with a Boston North representative and all the documents they possess and the town does not ( whole new story there) that I can say with certainty the following statements.

#1) The town has already obligated itself to spending $5 Million Dollars back in the late 80's by two prior Mayors and boards of selectman. There is documentation to prove this.

#2)Just because the total costs which is estimated to be around $30 million to complete the off ramp DOES NOT mean Derry will have to pay any more than its obligations. ( That is, IF no lawsuit comes up on the town for reneging on its obligation. Then in my opinion, we could be on the hook for a whole lot more.)
Lesson learned is Londonderry tries to back out and was sued and lost in a court of law which cost the Londonderry taxpayers an additional 1.5 Million in damages and told they must contribute their $5 million.

#3)The new exit will allow for Rte 102 downtown to escape heavy traffic burdens now and in the future. Projections for future growth in Derry and Auburn/Chester will effect the flow of traffic in our downtown.

#4) Southern NH Planning Commission has exit 4A as a high priority on its list. This is the regional planning board which is important to gaining fed dollars.

So, no matter how you slice it, whether or not you personally support or don't support 4A, it comes down to the fact that we are obligated to pay for this. We have not expended the 5 Million dollars and the last vote was for $600K which comes out of the total we owe to this project.

Lets stop kicking this political football around to scare townspeople and understand its not in our best interest to halt funding until we have reached our obligations because to do so would place a burden on the taxpayers of Derry.

And lastly, why some councilors were quick to criticize others for going to this meeting with Boston North is beyond me. 4 councilors went ( not 3 as the UL reported) Why would any councilor NOT want to go to see the full history, look at all the documents and make a judgement based on knowing the FULL story is beyond me.
Janet said in the meeting on the TIFF that she didn't do her homework when she voted for it and then voted against, why would she make the same mistake by not viewing the whole issue herself and follow Kevins lead by refusing to go? Only they can answer that question.

What are your thoughts on this subject?

Derry Housing Market

The Derry Housing market is starting to come back! The above chart shows the inventory levels that we presently have today. A 5.8 Months supply is truly amazing from where it was over a year ago. The above chart shows inventory levels from 8/08 to 8/09.

Now, this in no way means that times are not tough but lets look at the facts. The housing market crash of 2006 led the demise of the economy. From there banks started having trouble, credit lines tightened, retail and hospitality services suffered and end results with unemployment being the last of tough times. Now we still need to create jobs in this country, what I would like to point out here is that the end is near for this recession. Housing had 6 months in a row of growth! Retail sales were unexpectedly high in Aug, and the Feds are saying its over in the papers.

This is good news for us! We need to stay positive and just like the new England weather, its bound to change for the better.

What the real data reveals!

Depending on who you listen to in discussing the local economy, one will get different opinions based on that persons perceived view on the economy of Derry. Last week, I had a few e-mails and phone calls about the recently approved TIF bonding the council unanimously approved and how crazy the council must be to approve such a bond in such a down economy.

I usually start with the fact the if you buy into the national media outlets, one would start to see all the negative aspects of day to day living, such as the unemployment figures, more foreclosed home coming etc etc.. and would leave some to believe that the sky is falling and we must hunker down.

For those that feel this way, I can respect that under some circumstances that is a true reality. Some even go as far as blaming all the foreclosed homes issue on the town council themselves...and in one case a person claims that a bank is telling people not to come to Derry because of the property taxes. Very interesting and I highly doubt that a bank would "red line" a community because that would be illegal!
Yes illegal! So when someone tells you this, consider the source and re-think about it.

Anyway, Lets look at the real data. We all know that New Hampshire fairs much better than the rest of the country as far as the economy goes..not perfect but not gloom and doom as some want you to believe.

Next, many of you know that Real Estate is my profession.

Take a look at these facts about Derry Housing. The facts are based on MLS readings of today. I took Single family homes only. Not Condos, Not commercial or Land listings.

Number of Houses currently on the market in Derry: 132 properties

Number of home Pending: 22 properties

That's a six months supply! Six months supply! Way down from the high of 10-12 month supply.

Now out of those that are pending: 1 is 300K or over, 10 are 200K to 300K and 11 are under 200K.

Now for the people who are complaining about the TIF and commercial development in Town... I see Tractor Supply come in to Hood Plaza, The completion of the Goddard school on Tsienneto Rd as well that Tire Warehouse began building on the same road. The new butcher shop on 28 and the news that the Fire Hall pub has new owners..

Lets start focusing on the positives in our town instead of the negative. Seems the same negative messages come from the same people over and over..

Lets look at the facts when we talk folks.. and make em positive ones for a change please!

Council in Full Agreement!

The stars have finally aligned! Its a win for the people of the Town of Derry!
Yes its true, In a 7-0 vote at last nights town council meeting, the council voted to move ahead with plans on making improvements to the Manchester Rd area from Tsienneto Rd to the Londonderry line in the councils attempts to attract business and lowering residential taxes.

The 2006 planned project came to a halting stop when Walmart pulled its plan off the table and therefore not contributing the $900,000 it promised if approved. Those plans never stopped completely as the town spent $400,000 to do the pre-lim engineering work that needed to get done.

Almost three years later, after goal setting and identifying economic development as its number one priority ( which has not changed for the six years Ive been sitting)
The council came together as a whole to get the plans moving forward.

I wish to commend my fellow councilors who voted in favor in seeing that this project is a step in the right direction in trying to help offset residential tax burden on the single family home owners of our town.

This was a very satisfying moment for me as a councilor because it shows once the council puts personal attacks behind them and concentrates on goals and shows the town that its elected officials can actual get things done.

What do you think? Will the plan work in attracting business? Let us know how you feel!

Derry has its elected Charter Commissioners

Another election is almost complete here in Derry and all the buzz that I'm hearing is the big upset of the ADT's slate of major candidates not getting elected. With all that money that this group spent on getting their people in, not to mention all the time and effort that they spent spearheading the cause.

The only members that did get elected were Kevin Coyle and Doug Newell, both whom placed 5th or lower in total vote count out of nine possible slots.

The winners are:

Brenda Willis, Jim Mceachern, John O'Connor,Chris Reisdorf,Paul Dionne,Kim Cyr, Kevin Coyle, Doug Newell

and a tie between Mike Gill and Pam Lynch will be decided on 8/12 after a recount.

Congrats to all the winners and let the meetings begin.

The question here is what do you feel that the new charter commissioners should look at for changes in the town's charter? Should they look into changing our government style..ie town vs city? and what needs to change if anything at all.

Lets discuss!

Replays of the council meetings

Replays of the council meetings link is again running the very current up to date meetings. I will try and stay on top of refreshing these as they are available. Please check out the link at the right of this post and there you will find these public meetings.

Organized Mobbing?

It is 8:30 Am on Tues morning 7/14.

Are you all ready to see and hear the organized Mobbing scene for tonights council meeting? I'm sure you will see its stars come out tonight to speak of council members being removed.

We will hear from the same people who have said this over and over again and to make sure their message and political scoring points get the most mileage possible.

I'm sure we will see many members of the ADT group as they are headed up and organized by Doug Newell ready for the cameras tonight. In fact, Doug most likely has his new story line all set and ready to go.

When you get a chance readers, Go to Google.com and look up the word " Mobbing". See if you think that this applies to this group. Let me know what you think.

The sad thing here is that this group has learned that this is how you gain political power in the town of Derry. People in town must wake up to the fact that if this is how you want your town officials to act and operate, instead of focusing on the work that needs to get done, well then, thats what you'll get.

Please don't get me wrong, I understand that the conversation was innapropriate. Mr Benson has apoligized directly to MS Rose and I called to tell her that we never said the word fired or even thought that. It was a tongue and cheek comment that was said in a matter of 30 seconds.

Look I have been a councilor for 6 years and I have seen politics that i believe are above board, which concentrates on the positive, and on the issues at hand. AND I have seen the politics of personalities and dirty politics. I know, what i see. I know the players involved and I know that this town is going backwards.

Well enough said for today... Lets watch to see how tonight goes.. Seriously Folks, the word got out last week at what a circus it's gonna be.