Gov. Sununu should fire Frank Edelblut; Rochester zoning changes alarming: Letters

Rochester zoning changes proposed for Granite Ridge are alarming

May 12 — To the Editor:

On May 17 the Rochester City Council reviewed a drastic zoning ordinance change in the Granite Ridge District, most commonly known as Route 11.

The city, last fall, contracted with an outside firm to the cost of over $12,000, to issue a memorandum regarding a dramatic change to allow high-density, multi-level residential units. This, I believe was not the idea of the Planning Board per se, but by an owner or owners of land which lies in this district, through the economic development commission. Cleverly, the change is for the entire district, so it can’t be considered spot zoning which is illegal. However three parcels are called out as examples, which total nearly 1,000 proposed new units. What is even more interesting, is that the city allows you to petition yourself for zoning ordinance changes, but these landowners convinced the city to spend our money and make this proposal to keep their hands clean of controversy. Ironically, if you decide to protest by submitting a protest petition, the city requires a $100 fee and other costs, which I argue we should be able to do freely. However, freedom is not free.

The Granite Ridge zone was established after careful consideration and our money was spent for the betterment of these landowners. This was for the economic benefit of the city of Rochester and may I remind you, Rome was not built in a day. Once this land is gone, it is gone. Development takes time and patience.

The Granite Ridge zone is abutted primarily by the agricultural zone. These properties along Ten Rod Road, Capitol Circle Area, and Little Falls Bridge Road will be affected. Agriculture along Ten Rod Road has increased considerably in the last few years, primarily by the horse industry. There are many references in the current zoning ordinance to encourage and protect this use. The initial proposal was to allow these buildings to be built within 50 feet of the property lines and was subsequently amended by a motion of David Walker to a 100-foot setback. Experience tells me that the complaints of agricultural uses, noise and odor, will soon flood in. However the setback from Route 11 is 500 feet. Abutters are not given equal consideration.

But of greater importance is the fact that an estimated two-hirds of the Granite Ridge District has a special overlay district. Overlay districts are in my opinion, a red flag to protect, respect and utilize this land carefully, prudently and wisely. This overlay district is the city of Rochester’s aquifer protection area. This area serves as a recharge area for our groundwater and someday this area may provide the drinking water for our city. It might not happen in our lifetime, but it should not be taken lightly. Water is our most precious resource and if a municipal well were to ever be needed, a 1,000-foot well head radius would be needed. This needs to be reviewed and kept in mind.

There are wetlands, I have not researched if Rochester designates prime wetlands or not. Wildlife is abundant in this area and should be taken into account as well.

As for municipal services, by placing such high impact residential units within this entire district have  we considered the fragmentation from schools, accessibility to the library, downtown, fire, police, water and sewer.  Another issue is the traffic onto Route 11, but because this is controlled by the state, where would this be placed on the State’s improvement list. Route 11 is not exactly a walkable route.

Currently, I am aware of two high-density residential projects that have been approved giving our community some much needed housing relief. They have not been started that I am aware of. There is also a single-family development that was approved, but the developer requested an extension due to high construction costs.

I urge the city council to take its time and really study the impact. Perhaps, inviting personally your constituents and listening would be a good start. We all live in this community. Let’s make it enjoyable for all.

Susan Rice

Rochester

An open letter to Gov. Sununu re:  Education Commissioner Edelblut

May 17 — To the Editor:

Dear Governor Sununu,

I have questions I would like you to answer — why have you not called for Frank Edelblut’s resignation yet? His continued attacks on the very teachers who dedicate their lives to educating the students of New Hampshire are disrespectful, unwarranted, and heartbreaking. In fact, why are you allowing the teachers of this state to be attacked by anyone — let alone your commissioner of education?

Governor, I am proud fourth-generation public school teacher. I am a product of our public education system, and have spent nearly 20 years of my life educating the youth of this great state. And like so many others, teachers have been some of the best influences in my life. So let’s get a few things clear: The people who enter the profession do so knowing we will never get rich, we will work tirelessly to help to educate someone else’s child, we will rightly be held to a higher standard than most, forego privacy, and live under constant scrutiny — not just for what happens in our classrooms but also in our personal lives. That we now have to suffer attacks from the very person you appointed to lead us is utterly incomprehensible and shameful.

More: NH education chief Frank Edelblut assailed for 'bigotry.' He sees family 'value system.'

I am lucky enough to teach in a district that believes in decency, respect, open-minded thinking, and helping students to be welcoming, kind, caring, critical thinkers and global-minded citizens. You see, teaching students to be open-minded, open-hearted, and to think critically and independently almost always in no way contrary to how most parents want their children to see world. We introduce students to various cultures, texts, and concepts to broaden their understanding of their world, in part so that when they encounter people like Frank Edelblut — they know that he’s just scared. He’s afraid that when we show the courage to make more room in for people who are not like us, there may be less room for people like him who hate what’s different.

Governor Sununu, another thing I teach my students is that who they surround themselves with matters. The people you surround yourself with and appoint to represent you also matter. Until you terminate Frank Edelblut and end his dishonest, divisive attacks, you leave New Hampshire voters no choice but to conclude you have zero respect for your teachers and the students they educate.

You have an obligation to stand up for what’s right for New Hampshire’s students, their families, and our teachers: Fire Frank Edelblut.

Do what’s right — you’ll make your teachers proud.

M. Louise White, MST

Somersworth

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Sununu should fire Edelblut; Rochester zoning changes alarming: Letters