Say No to Hanover Zoning Change

On Tuesday, May 10, Dartmouth College is asking Hanover voters (voting 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the high school) to approve a zoning change (Warrant Article 10, amendment 9) to the zoning district near the Thayer School of Engineering. This zoning change would allow for a building to be 60 feet tall and be constructed very close to the lot lines. Why am I opposed to this zoning change? Consider the following:

1. Dartmouth is requesting a building permit for a 70,000-square-foot indoor practice facility to be built next to the Boss Tennis Center. The permit documents show no evidence that there will be any solar electric or hot water sourcing, and no sustainable heat sourcing. Compare this to Harvard University, which has over 1.5 megawatts of solar electricity generation, including 600 kilowatts from the Gordon Track and Tennis Complex.

2. Dartmouth has once again proposed a zoning change that would allow a parking garage near the Ledyard Bridge. This proposal was rejected by the Planning Board.

3. Dartmouth students and community members continue to pressure the college to divest its holdings in the fossil fuel industry.

Why am I recommending a no vote on Article 10? A no vote will align us with the students who are requesting that the college divest from the dirtiest of the fossil fuel companies. A no vote says that voters want the college, institutions, industry, Planning Board and zoning office to work toward net zero zoning and building codes. Until there is evidence of a codified, comprehensive effort to fight climate change in our community, we should vote no on any up-zoning requests that allow for expansion of local institutions. Until the college starts producing solar-based electricity, we should vote no to zoning changes that benefit the college. Until the college supports the students who are asking for divestment from the fossil fuel industry, we should “Just Say No.” I join the students in saying, “Hey Phil, don’t you know? Fossil fuels have got to go”! Article 10 is a NO.

Douglas Deaett

Hanover

Support Hanover Zoning Amendment

I write to urge Hanover voters to vote yes on Amendment 12 this Tuesday. Area residents strongly support this step addressing how the town measures the height of a structure to assure we maintain the character of our neighborhoods. Many of us who frequent the Howe Library have been distressed to see a huge building, totally out of character for the neighborhood, looming above. It was permitted because of the way the town measures heights. This very reasonable amendment will be consistent with 95 percent of residential housing in Hanover. By measuring from the ground to the peak (35 feet), this can be accomplished.

Please vote yes on Amendment 12 — it is good for all of Hanover.

Sandra Hoeh

Hanover

An Honor to Serve Voters

I write to express my profound gratitude to the citizens of Canaan, Charlestown, Claremont, Cornish, Enfield, Hanover, Lebanon, Lyme and Plainfield for allowing me to represent them in the state Senate for the last two terms and Hanover and Lyme, in the House for three terms previous to that. It has been one of the highest honors to serve.

I tried my best to make sure the New Hampshire Legislature works to ensure everyone gets a fair shot at a decent, fulfilling and economically secure life. That is why I worked to raise New Hampshire’s minimum wage and to pass legislation so that everyone who does his or her fair share to build their life through education, personal responsibility and hard work has a chance to succeed.

I was proud to fight against efforts to restrict access to the ballot box for voters who are constitutionally qualified to vote. While some worked to stop citizens from fully participating in our democracy, I advocated to make it easier to vote, not harder. One of the most important rights we have is our ability to stand up and have our voice counted on election day. Indeed, it is the only way we have to keep our government accountable to the people.

I was also honored to help pass marriage equality into law without a court telling us we had to, and to champion the issue of curbing the government’s power generally to treat its citizens differently because of their sexual orientation, because LGBT Granite Staters deserve to live their lives free from discrimination. Freedom means freedom for everyone and LGBT Granite Staters should be able to work, learn, marry and live just like everybody else.

I have made the decision to not seek another term for the state Senate. It was, of course, a very difficult decision, but I have no doubt the Upper Valley will continue to have excellent representation no matter who that may be.

David Pierce

Lebanon

Seeking Oldest Hartford Resident

The Hartford Historical Society is currently seeking the eldest resident of the town of Hartford so that he or she can be presented with the Hartford Cane. So far, we are aware of three people who have reached the age of 96, but it’s possible that there is someone older. We need a person’s name, date of birth, contact information and village of residence.

The Hartford Cane will be presented on July 4, and the recipient will be interviewed for a brief bio to be printed in the society’s newsletter.

Please help us find that special person!

Mary Nadeau

Hartford Historical Society

Exactly What I Would Say

Regarding Ernie Amsden’s Forum letter of May 4 about solar vs. agriculture, I have a one word response: Exactly!

Stephen Raymond

Sharon