The city manager’s office sent out the City Manager’s Newsletter last Friday. The full newsletter can be found by going to concordnh.gov and clicking the “Newsletter” button. Here are some highlights:
Hoyt announces retirement
Concord Housing and Redevelopment Executive Director John Hoyt has announced his decision to retire after nearly two decades of serving the housing needs of the greater Concord area and leading the charge in the Capital City’s redevelopment efforts. During his tenure, John presided over the transformation of the organization from the Concord Housing Authority to what we know it as today – Concord Housing and Redevelopment – administering both public housing programs and pursuit of redevelopment opportunities.
Shortly after creating the redevelopment arm of Concord Housing, Hoyt presided over the development of Parmenter Place, a 25-unit workforce housing development. In addition, he commissioned the construction of CH+R’s headquarters on Green Street. During his time as Executive Director, John has renovated numerous underperforming properties in the city’s heart, returning them to market-rate apartments and retail or office opportunities while expanding the organization’s overall portfolio to over 580 household units.
Concord Housing and Redevelopment has received multiple recognition awards under John’s leadership. John’s accomplishments leading CH+R have also led to numerous national housing leadership positions, including serving on the Board of Trustees of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA).
“John has lead Concord Housing and Redevelopment for the past 19 years,” says CH+R board chair Jackie Whatmough. “He has brought quality leadership, redevelopment growth, program expansion, and consistent accolades to our organization. It won’t be easy to replace John. The Board will begin the process immediately, grateful to have John as a resource for a smooth transition to new leadership.”
“The last time I didn’t have a job, I was 15 years old,” said Hoyt. “So, in June, I made a decision to retire. I want to step back, recharge, take time for family and friends, while setting my sights on what comes next. Golf for one.”
Hoyt has offered ample time for the Commissioners to identify a replacement. Hoyt will assist in a smooth transition to a new Executive Director, making certain the organization, its mission and its staff, will have the resources to continue to advance. He will retire at the Board’s discretion, but no later than March 31, 2022.
First skate park donation
A huge shout out and thank you to Sharon and Nylora from Seekers and Sellers Realty Group for their generous donation of $1,000. Their donation went directly to the group of advocates who are working on creating a 501(c)(3) to help build a new skate park. The group is working with City staff, members of the Arena Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee to plan and develop a new skate board park for the community.
Municipal election filing period
The city’s next municipal election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2. The municipal filing period ended Sept. 13. Candidates wishing to file by petition may do so through Friday, Sept. 17.
The filing fee to run for Mayor or member of City Council is $5. The filing fee for a ward official position is $1.
Filings will be taken for the office of Mayor, Councilor At-Large, Ward Councilor, Ward Moderator, Ward Clerk and Supervisor of the Checklist.
The City Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office via email at cityclerk@concordnh.gov or by phone at (603) 225-8500 with any questions. For additional election-related information, visit our Election web page.
Storrs Street legislative parking garage work
The state has a contractor team working on rehabilitating the deck and supporting structure of the Storrs Street Legislative Parking Garage. This work will involve intermittent lane closures and maintenance of one-way traffic underneath the garage, as well as parking space and sidewalk closures. Work is expected to continue through September.
Everett Arena ice skating
Ice skating hours are Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday hours will begin on Oct. 9 and will also be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $6 and free for kids ages 3 and under. Skate rentals are available if needed for $5 at the arena’s pro shop. Ice skating lessons will be offered by Concord Parks & Recreation. Session one will be available November through December and session two will be January through February. Classes have limited registration that must be completed with Concord Parks & Recreation by mail, fax, online, or in person starting in October. Registration for skating lessons cannot be done at the Everett Arena.
Adult stick practice (ages 14 and up) hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Additional hours will occur Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. through November 24. Admission will be $10.00 and free for goalies. Helmet and gloves are required and full equipment is recommended.
Youth stick practice (ages 13 and under) hours are on Friday afternoons from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. starting September 10 through November 26. Admission will be $10 and free for goalies. Full equipment is required.
Ice season will continue through mid-March. Lace up those skates! Find more information at concordnh.gov/skating.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Concord’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Douglas N. Everett Arena, located at 15 Loudon Road.
Concord and Penacook residents can bring their unwanted household hazardous waste to the event to safely dispose of harmful materials. Household hazardous wastes are leftover household products that are toxic, ignitable, corrosive, or reactive, such as – cleaners, paint, pesticides, adhesives, polishes, and fuels. Hazardous materials should not be disposed of in the trash, down any drains, in storm sewers, or on the ground. Improperly disposing of these materials can seriously impact public health and the environment. It is important to carefully dispose of dangerous materials to avoid any potential risks of hazardous wastes.
Residents can bring up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds of household hazardous waste to Concord’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day for proper disposal. Acceptable items to bring include items such as oil-based paints (no latex paint), gasoline, transmission fluid, swimming pool chemicals, insecticides, fertilizers, and furniture cleaner. Decisions to accept or refuse material will be made on-site. Please do not bring fluorescent bulbs, fire extinguishers, radioactive waste, industrial waste, ammunition, prescription medication, regular trash, or latex paint. Latex paint is not hazardous and can be disposed of in the regular trash when completely dried out. A full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be found at concordnh.gov/hhw.
Proof of Concord residency is required. Residents must remain in their vehicle and attendants will safely remove materials for them. Items should remain in their original containers with tightened lids and be packed in sturdy upright boxes to avoid spills. Never mix chemicals or smoke while handling hazardous waste.
Do your part to keep the Concord community safe and clean by attending this year’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day.
Parks and Rec fall programs
The Parks and Recreation Department’s fall classes for youth, adults and senior citizens have started. They are very happy to report most of the programs are back to pre-COVID numbers. The department stills has a few spaces remaining in several of the adult fitness classes and adult language classes starting next week. For more information on what programs have space, please call the office at 603-225-8690 or better yet, stop into their offices at the City Wide Community Center at 14 Canterbury Road.
Concord Multicultural Festival
The Concord Multicultural Festival will be held on Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Keach Park.
Capital Arts Fest
The Capital Arts Fest will return with indoor and outdoor events that showcase the best of the region’s culture, arts, and food. The 2021 Capital Arts Fest will be anchored by a Fine Art and Craft Fair presented by the League of NH Craftsmen.
