1) Did Councilor Wayne Hemingway suppress CCTV coverage of Policy Committee meetings?
2) The problems with 56 Opera House Square may only be beginning!
3) Central Collections Or Center of Chaos?
Also who's got eyes on Mike T and the den of snakes?
1) Manale Administration announces new hours for Central Collections.
2) New problems puts Opera House Elevator Out of Commission until further notice!
3) Exodus of Claremont City Employees continues.
4) The Wall That Heals Project Update.
Check out my friend @
Press NH Now on YouTube
The fact you address fake poster insider like he is truly means that and it is not a game says a ton. Not a full deck up there I see.
You misunderstood everyone's point. For a guy who has not directly paid taxes ever you cost more than any single citizen. You are a piece of shit.
Most of my Right to Know Requests are for pre-existing public documents that either have to be photocopied or uploaded to a flash drive. It certainly does not take staff the number of hours they claim to either photocopy or scan a few pages worth of documents or the people doing it are grossly incompetent and should not be working for the City in the first place and paid by the taxpayers.
Living in an apartment is not a crime as many people do it. Apartment dwellers do pay property taxes within their rent to their landlord, who has to pay property taxes to the City. Suggesting otherwise infers that you believe that citizens who live in apartments are second-class citizens and should be considered as such. That sort of discrimination as with any form of discrimination is reprehensible!
Penny, what HR Scandal are you are referring to?
Talk about someone’s job or business is really bad you Mormon. Watch your d*m* mouth. I said watch it. People with money sue all the time.
2. Koloski according to you must be the most powerful person in the state to not only publicly recuse himself during any prior discussion but somehow seamlessly get himself a deal with not only 3 prior assessors, 3 city managers, numerous councils, the epa, the department of environmental services, the state fire marshals office, local inspectors which to my count must be at minimum 4 at this point. Plus the environmental outside contracted agency to get them all to sign off on his own personal endeavors. I do recall your posts going after him for recusing himself as required by law. If he did you attack. If he didn't you attack.
All of this information came from sources that I stated. I am not the one who says that the Topstone property is rated at only 2% good; that is the determination of the Claremont City Assessor.
I am not the one who says that the property is classified as a Brownfields Site that is the determination of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
I am not the one who says that most of all the studies and all of the cleanup efforts were never completed and there is several toxic hazards on the property. That is the determination of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The Property Assesspment Process in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, property assessments are carried out by either a local assessor or a contracted appraisal company. The assessment aims to reflect the property's market value, which is essentially the amount a buyer would pay for the property in an open market. Several factors influence this value, including:
Location: Properties in desirable areas with access to amenities, good schools, and services generally have higher assessments.
Property Type and Use: Residential, commercial, and industrial properties are assessed differently based on their usage.
Physical Characteristics: The size, age, and condition of buildings on the property, as well as the land itself, affect the assessment.
Market Trends: The overall real estate market conditions in the area are considered, with rising or falling property values impacting assessments.
Assessors typically use one or more of the following approaches to determine a property's value:
Sales Comparison Approach: This method compares the property with similar properties that have recently sold in the area. Adjustments are made for differences between the properties to estimate the fair market value.
Cost Approach: This approach calculates what it would cost to replace the building with a similar one at current construction costs, subtracting depreciation and adding the land value.
Income Approach: Used mainly for income-producing properties, this method estimates value based on the income the property generates.
Determining Usable Internal Space
A key factor in property assessments is the determination of usable internal space. Usable internal space refers to the area within a building that can be used for its intended purpose, whether it's living space, office space, or retail space. Understanding how this space is calculated is essential, as it directly affects the assessed value.
1. Gross Living Area (GLA):
The Gross Living Area is the total finished, livable space within a property, measured in square feet. GLA includes spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. However, it does not include unfinished basements, garages, or attics unless they are finished and meet specific criteria for livability, such as having proper insulation, heating, and sufficient ceiling height.
2. Basements and Attics:
While basements and attics are often part of a home’s square footage, they are usually assessed differently. Finished basements and attics that meet building codes for living space may be included in the GLA, but they are typically valued less per square foot compared to above-grade living areas.
3. Unfinished Spaces:
Unfinished spaces like garages, sheds, and storage areas are generally not included in the GLA but may still add value to the property. They are often assessed separately at a lower rate per square foot.
4. Floor Area Ratio (FAR):
In some cases, municipalities use the Floor Area Ratio to regulate the amount of usable space on a property. FAR is the ratio of a building's total floor area to the size of the lot. Understanding the FAR can help property owners understand how much space they can legally develop or renovate.
5. Usability of Space:
The usability of a space can also be influenced by factors such as layout, natural light, ceiling height, and access. Assessors consider these factors when determining how much value the internal space adds to the overall property value.
Challenges and Considerations
Accurately determining usable internal space can be challenging. For instance, discrepancies between actual measurements and what is recorded in municipal records can lead to disputes over property assessments. Property owners should ensure their property records are up to date and reflect any renovations or changes in the usable space.
Furthermore, understanding local zoning laws and building codes is essential for accurately assessing usable space. Changes in zoning or building regulations can affect what portions of a property are considered usable, which in turn impacts the assessment.
The city assessor has declared this building to be only 2% good. 98% bad means the building is a wreck. The other building the city torn down was 27% good and 73% bad and a menace to society because it was a public hazard or at least that was what city leaders said to justify its demolition. How can a 2% good building be better than a 27% good building?
The property is a Brownfield's site and home to a restaurant and other businesses all owned by a city councilor. This is crazy.
Did you read the EPA information about the buildings condition? It's bad and nothing has been finished to clean up the place and seven years have gone by. Merrill and the city leaders are looking the other way and you have got to think that Koloski's status as a city councilor has something to do with that.
We'll need 200 volunteers all told throughout the week the wall is here, and maybe 50 ideally to assemble it.
We do not need them all at once, and it's just an estimate. We don't even know if we'll be selected to host The Wall That Heals, so it doesn't make sense to push to get volunteers, and assign them their specific duties if it's not coming. We'll know next month, and I hope you will help make it a success.
We've received many offers to help, and are getting more offers as time goes on.
I absolutely no doubt we can do this project, and do it well.
Jim, this article is a serious slap in the face of every volunteer, and veteran of the Vietnam war, and in general. You could have written about it in a positive light, but you chose to take another path.
1) SAU #6 Officials announce new Assistant Director for the Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center.
2) Opera House Elevator to be reopened to the public.
3) Another One bites the dust!Another City Employee Quits!
4) Mayor Girard & Councilor Limoges continue to hide the truth from the public!
5) Disturbing new information discovered regarding the Topstone Property!
Three new articles published today on the News Flashes page of this website.
1) New City Planner introduced to the Claremont Planning Board. Is he qualified for the position?
2) Claremont City Council shows their contempt for the Citizens of Claremont at their August 14 Council meeting!
Little Mike attempted to sneak this charter amendment in, under the radar of the majority of citizens in Claremont in order to abuse its function.
Your cards are easy to read. All you cucks that enjoy watching from a safe distance not participating in real time are the same.
You only thrive in hindsight.
I believe this charter amendment has very rotten origins and was brought forth by misleading citizens to ultimately play favor to those with agendas easier to implement by propaganda, Gas lighting and lies.
Copy and paste press releases? You are getting lazy and fat Jim.
Whining about someone with more balls than you? Complaining about the most known person on a board or highest supported is like attending a comic book festival and announcing you hate comic books. No one believes your spin or cares.
Jim has no clear understanding of private property and investments. Just because something is for sale doesn't mean it failed you dumb ass. It's called real estate.
All the tax dollars wasted so you can report to 6 readers who bought what. Who cares need.
Imagine being such a narcissist that you make your own newsletter and name it after yourself.
1) Another one bites the dust! Here we go again!
2) Shots fired at McDonald's in Claremont!
3) Claremont Planning Board to consider Proposed Recycling Facility Zoning Amendment.
4) New Hampshire Department of Transportation issues a Temporary Bridge Closure for Route 12 A over the Sugar River.
5) City Auction Preliminary Results.
6) US Senator Jeanne Shaheen convinces U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee to approve funding for a Claremont Development Authority Project.
7) A Claremont Success Story?
City councilors were expected to meet with the city manager for a private discussion. That is not breaking any rules because it is one councilor speaking with the city manager. Nick Koloski, Andrew O'Hearne, and three passe councilors all disrespected Jamie De Rosa by ignoring her emails. They all disrespected Yoshi Manale by not scheduling a meeting with him. They all disrespected all of us by not living up to their responsibilities as city councilors. That is the take away message.
1. Jim proves he has no idea how anything works as he is shocked the city doesn't instantly revieved payment for a tax auction with 35 seconds of the auction in order to be used to pave Washington Street.
2. Your outdated emails are just that. Certain Counilors publicly stated they would have their chats with the manager in public at a meeting and not in closed doors meeting. Jim reads that as skirting duties. You would be a whiny bitch and write about these closed door meetings but instead spin in to fit your narrative. Nobody cares what you think.
4. Keep telling us how the longest serving councilor is lazy etc. Only showing how just opposite the both of you are. It is clear you are very butt hurt that you got 2 years and he has what 20? I don't even know.
1) Route 12 & North Street Construction Update.
2) Another one bites the dust redux!
3) City Property Auction Update.
4) Some Councilors shirking their duties!
1) Temporary Bridge Closure.
2) Claremont City Officials ignoring the truth that they depleted the City's Cash Surplus Account as they seek to withdraw even more!
In a Tuesday press release headlined “Warmington Challenges Craig to Televised Debate,” the executive councilor suggests Craig is trying to avoid a direct contest between the two candidates.
“WMUR has traditionally hosted a gubernatorial primary debate in advance of the September primary election. To date, Warmington has been the only Democratic candidate conducting regular media interviews across print, television, and radio,” the campaign said in a statement.
In addition to challenging Craig to a televised debate before the September 10 primary, Warmington added, “While participating in the WMUR TV debate hasn’t been a question in past election cycles, I’m concerned by recent events that my opponent may not give voters the opportunity they deserve to hear from both major candidates on the debate stage.
“I’ve been campaigning the New Hampshire way for over a year, meeting voters all over the state, taking tough questions from reporters, and participating in countless forums,” Warmington said.
(Editor’s note: Warmington has declined to respond to more than 50 requests for comment on current news stories from reporters at NHJournal.)
Warmington’s campaign also pointed out Craig’s refusal to participate in a bipartisan forum hosted by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, as well as a recent incident in which Craig’s campaign had a New Hampshire Public Radio reporter ejected from an interfaith forum.
1) Lead Testing Notification Claremont Middle School.
2) Senator Jeanne Shaheen secures funding for two Claremont projects.
3) Claremont Development Authority still in financial trouble despite good news!
IT’S HARD not to get cynical about our national politics these days. But here in New Hampshire, Senate Republicans have led the way to get things done for New Hampshire working families. We are proud of what we’ve done this year to keep New Hampshire the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Our top priority is always to keep Granite State families safe. For several years, we have worked to fix the state’s broken bail system. This year, we have finally gotten meaningful bail reform over the finish line. While no one will be denied bail simply because they cannot afford it, we have set up a system that requires violent and repeat offenders to go in front of a judge or magistrate before being released.
We’ve taken proactive steps to address our nation’s border crisis by making sure the Northern Border Alliance has the tools and resources to stop illegal immigration into New Hampshire and the resulting drug smuggling and human trafficking that comes with it.
Lack of affordable housing continues to be a major hurdle, both for New Hampshire families and our state’s economy. Last year, we dedicated $35 million to the Affordable Housing Fund, an additional $10 million to InvestNH, $5 million for Housing Champions, and $10 million in state aid for homelessness programs. This year we worked to lower bureaucratic hurdles that stifle housing development and allocated $2.5 million to increase rates for shelter programs. We also protected the rights of property owners by prohibiting squatters’ rights.
During the last legislative session, the Senate led the way in passing more than $500 million in property tax relief for cities and towns. We built on that record this session, sending nearly $2.7 billion in state aid to cities and towns, including $683 million in new state aid. That includes the $169 million increase to local school districts under our Student-Centered Education Funding Formula, $90 million for water and wastewater infrastructure and treatment programs, $40 million for municipal roads and bridges, and $260 million in local Rooms and Meals revenues over the biennium, double the amount going back to towns from just four years ago.
We stood up for vulnerable New Hampshire children, putting new protections in place for kids placed in the state’s care, increasing penalties for child pornography and violations of privacy involving minors, and banned life-altering and irreversible gender reassignment surgery for children.
We kept our promise to fight for New Hampshire families, passing a Parents Bill of Rights that would guarantee every parent has a right to know what’s going on with their children in New Hampshire schools. We voted to protect girls by allowing schools to distinguish bathrooms, locker rooms and sports teams based on biological sex. We passed legislation to provide a clear complaint and appeals process for parents who believe school materials are inappropriate. We also expanded eligibility for New Hampshire’s wildly successful Education Freedom Account program, which is already helping 4,200 working families choose the best educational path for their children.
We will always protect the New Hampshire Advantage. We blocked big spending bills that would force us into an income tax, sales tax, increased property taxes, or the return of donor towns. We will never tax our way to prosperity. Instead, we passed a balanced budget that has produced a revenue surplus of $146.5 million through the end of June.
This fiscal discipline and common-sense policy making has helped make New Hampshire not only the freest state in the nation, but the safest, the healthiest, the best for economic opportunity, and the best for child well-being in the nation.
Former City Councilors Apartment Building Sold - Free Rent?
Former City Councilor James Sullivan could potentially be on the receiving end of discounted rent on his Factory Street apartment.
Recently an out of town investor purchased the property and began renovations. Copies of permits have been researched but have not been found as of the writing of this news flash.
Given James status within the city and his ability to email councilors demanding his agenda be forwarded it begs the question if permits were actually obtained or if James had a hand in skirting the permitting and inspection process.
Does James living unit have a sprinkler system? Does it have smoke detectors? Does it have carbon monoxide detectors? Did the city allow James domicile to have a free pass in regards to the safety of the building and its occupants?
If someone doesn't pass the smell test then it needs to be looked into.
Did James use his experience to pad his own narcissist pockets.
1. I call the council a special kind of stupid.
2. I point out I email the same group expecting they read those messages, give a shit and do my bidding.
3. That does not happen and I don't know why.
4. Koloski read a list of properties into record and I call that stupid. If he had not read them I would have cried foul.
5. I am an adult virgin.
6. I think name calling makes me a big man.
1) Route 12 A Bridge Temporary Daytime Closure in Claremont.
2) Route 12 & North Street Road Construction Update.
3) Authenticity of non-profit claiming Abenaki Tribe ties in
question.
4) Reporter Damien Fisher writes article about New Hampshire State Representative Jonathan Stone being fired from his Prison Guard job.
Today’s article by InDepthNH.org, written by Damien Fisher, shares an irresponsible and one-sided article to garner fear and cause alarm. For starters, the article references inspection reports going back five years, however, fails to make any mention of the monumental steps that the Department has taken to correct issues. In fact, the Department has no open violations in the October 2021, September 2022, May 2023, July 2023, or September 2023 reports.
The article states “the Department of Corrections did not respond to a request for comment.” Mr. Fisher sent an email to the Department’s public information officer inbox around 1:15PM without indicating any deadline for a reply, a standard practice among journalists writing a quick story. Yet the article was published on InDepthNH.org around 3:30PM offering the department a little more than two hours to reply.
Mr. Fisher writes that the facility has been cited “for violations at every inspection since 2019” which is inaccurate. Due to the hard work of NHDOC staff, contracted agencies and resident workers, the kitchen has corrected every noted violation on all kitchen inspections.
Rodents have been a significant issue at the NH State Prison for Men, one the department has spent a great deal of time and resources mitigating. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department was not experiencing a rodent issue. When many restaurants in downtown Concord closed down due to the pandemic, the prison became one of the only operational food sources and the rats sought out food at the prison.
Further, I have not been shy about publicly sharing my concerns and the tremendous efforts made by department staff to mitigate the rodent issue. For months, I shared updates at Governor & Council meetings about the progress made in both the kitchen and with the rodents throughout the men’s prison while also providing tours to legislators that have asked to see the kitchen firsthand. The department, along with the assistance of pest control vendors, has identified several exterior points of entry for rodents to enter the kitchen area and these holes have been sealed.
The department currently has its pest control vendor visiting the prison weekly to assist with checking the traps and making recommendations for additional remediations. The department’s vendor has even utilized rat terriers in an effort to capture rodents in the kitchen. While this attempt did lead to several captures, it was not the most successful method utilized thus far. The department began using a product called ContraPest in 2023, which has proven to be the most successful tool in battling the rodent issue in the kitchen. ContraPest, while not a poison, is a form of birth control for rodents, and we have noticed a significant decrease in the amount of rodent activity since the use of this product began. The department has implemented every idea presented to us by the vendors.
Starting in September 2023, the department began contracting with professional cleaning companies to provide deep cleaning services for the kitchen, not to replace the daily cleaning that occurs. At present, this contract ensures the kitchen is deep cleaned on a quarterly basis.
There is water leaking from the ceiling in the kitchen, which the department is currently managing by using tarps with hoses to divert the water into trash barrels, this has been frequently presented as imagines in the department’s request for capital budget resources. The leaking of the roof is currently being worked on as part of a separate capital project, where we are replacing the existing concrete walkway/plaza deck above the kitchen which doubles as the kitchen roof, which was a poor construction decision originally given our four seasons. This will include the removal of the existing walkway surface and insulation layers, repairs to existing drainage, and installation of new insulation and lock-down pavers.
While our current conditions in the kitchen at the NH State Prison for Men are challenging, the department takes this issue with the seriousness that is requires and is making every effort to address any concerns as quickly as possible while also recognizing we have a responsibility to serve more than 3,000 healthy and safe meals to residents every day.
We are excited by today’s Governor and Council vote to contract the existing $10 million allocated to begin the process of replacing the NH State Prison for Men. We are encouraged by the Governor’s continued strong advocacy, and the legislature’s recent approval of $40 million in bonding authority given to the Department of Corrections that will enable us to complete the planning and engineering for a replacement for the NH State Prison for Men. Prison design has come a long way since the NH State Prison for Men was built in 1878. The Department is excited that we are one step closer to providing a better environment for staff, as well as a more rehabilitative space for residents.
Thank you for your interest in our project. I’m sorry that you feel the need to insult and disparage with negative intent people who are working with only great intentions and care for the community. We are very proud of the responsible and smart ways that we have leveraged the limited resources we have to do something incredible for the community. All of the correct information about these projects is readily available, publicly reported, and in full compliance with requirements. Some of the funding sources and project details are very complicated- though quite common for those experienced in this area- it is easy to be confused, and easier to be mislead by those that feed off of negativity and arrogance. The actual information is available from credible sources. I would urge you to consider why you feel the need to spend your time spreading negativity in a community that is trying to overcome decades of very difficult economic and social challenges. We need to move past toxic attitudes and see just how far we have grown in the last few decades. It’s truly staggering, and we should be very proud of the work we have done in Claremont. Is there more to do? Surely. Is it good to watch and keep people accountable? Absolutely. But that’s not what this report is about. Maybe try to not judge from ignorance or your desire to feel powerful through hurting others. We’re all on the same team trying to live and thrive in this lovely community. Please do not continue to misrepresent me, my organization, or this project that I and my incredible team of colleagues have spent 10 years laboring with great love over. This is a time to celebrate and support this incredible new asset in Claremont.
Please note: I will not be monitoring this forum, and so if there are actual questions for us you should use our official channels.
Should Robert Merrill realize he is running for state rep and states reps Gage nothing to do with the local parks and rec or city fees?
Should Robert Merrill move back to Newport where he cried about all kinds of issues that he didn't understand?
Should Robert Merrill live in Claremont for more than 3 months before trying to pretend he can represent all of us and the region?
Should Robert Merrill use complete sentences?
1) City Officials scheme to swindle the Citizens of Claremont out of promised Property Tax Relief!
2) Sullivan County Delegation approves 9.63% Budget Increase!
If you read one article every 6 to 12 months you get the basis idea.
1) Claremont City Officials hide from the public the discovery of toxic site on City Land!
2) The Claremont City Council caves in to public pressure by voting down Special Assessment Proposal for Washington Street Paving Project!
3) Mayor Dale Girard and Councilor Wayne Hemingway both seeking higher political office; New Hampshire State House Representative Jonathan Stone seeking reelection!
4) Another one bites the dust! This time it's city planner Christina Warner!
5) Broken Promises!
6) Update regarding 56 Opera House Square.
Lets guess: Bill offers absolutely zero value to his community but wants everyone who has a slightly higher position than him in life to work harder for it.
Bill is jealous. Bill is sad.
You suck Bill. Direcrors, assistant directors, life guards, front desk people work a JOB just like you (assuming you work and dont suck the system and pretend to be oppressed by it)
The people who you think are obligated didn't agree to protect and serve in time of "emergency" as part of the CSBCC JOB or is that shit included in the pay for position.
That sir, would be the individuals role stepping forward to help above and beyond the salary.
Having free / open access to the CSBCC pool and AC until 9pm is a significant effort. Im sure some half wit wothout a membership will complain that it might inconvenience work out time.
Livingston Pool, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Sheehan-Basquil Splash Pad open every day 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Crystal Lake, weekends only noon – 8 p.m.
Milford:
The Wadleigh Memorial Library will be the designated cooling center during daytime hours only.
Nashua:
Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter — 2 Quincy St. will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Pheasant Lane Mall — 310 Daniel Webster Highway — will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Nashua YMCA — 24 Stadium Drive — will be open Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nashua Public Library — 2 Court St. — will be open on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Nashua Senior Activity Center — 70 Temple St — will be open Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Public swimming pools open from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. throughout this week:
PS. Jim your worse for Claremont than any special assessment, charter amendment, unfilled potholes, or tax hike.
Today's article is now published on the News Flashes page of this website.