Ward 5 Newsletter - April 2025
- Stacey Brown
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Items of Note for Monday’s April 14th City Council Meeting:
City Council will hear an ethics complaint against Beaver Meadow members for serving on the Golf Advisory Committee in roles dedicated for general public representatives. An $8+ million, taxpayer-funded clubhouse recommendation might not have been made if it weren't for the majority of Beaver Meadow members making it. Reports
*In comparison, the clubhouse proposal did not receive the same scrutiny as the Council-approved and bonded project to install lights at Keach Park, which was recently voted down by the Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee that has a vacant seat for Ward 9/Keach Park.
Public Hearings
increase the Veterans' Tax Credit from $300 to $400;
appropriate $84,000 from the Community Development reserves for a project manager in support of Concord's Plan to End Homelessness. Reports
Upcoming Budget Schedule and participation Guidelines. May 9 - June 5. Join in!
Issues I am following:
HB452 would prevent noncitizens from having a drivers license, which is critical for working in NH. Many people who would be impacted by this bill were afraid that speaking out would hurt their citizenship efforts or endanger family abroad. I felt compelled to testify on their behalf. https://www.youtube.com/live/AcPl2C5p6U0?si=IFowSDjCvIdvprRR&t=9682
The School Board recently approved spending $3 million for the design of a new $164 middle school to be built within three years. The MA-based architect justified the expense, saying the Board would be "shovel ready" when School Building Aid is funded. NH Legislature has given no indication Building Aid will be funded anytime soon.
City of Concord, NH Earth Day Community Conversation
sponsored by the Energy & Environment Advisory Committee
April 21, 6-8pm, Heights Community Center
Keynote: Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander
Let's Connect!
In conjunction with Earth Day festivities, Councilor Jeff Foote is organizing trash clean-up on Saturday, April 19th, 8:30-10am. Two groups will work from opposite ends to the middle on Constitution Ave. The Rowley Agency will supply trash grabbers and gloves. Wear bright clothes and boots. See you there!
Intown Concord's Downtown First Fridays are back!
The May 2nd theme is Petals & Pedals
Concord's first Landscape Architect, Bob Pollock and I are hosting the free downtown tree tour at 4:30pm. Meet at the State House arch.
Does Community Service, the Arts, Conservation, Education, and International Affairs interest you? Check out the Woman's Club of Concord!
Annual meeting is May 2nd at 5:30pm at the beautiful Chamberlain House on 44 Pleasant St.
Calling all lifeguards!
It's that time of year again when we are all dreaming of long, sunny days splashing in cool, clean, community pools with our family, friends, and neighbors. Lifeguards are the heroes of summer. Apply today!
Think there should be public access to the new Legislative Garage? Ron Raynor has been following this project, gathering information, and coming up with ideas for public access. Want to know more or be involved? Email Ron at eiwm@comcast.net
Central Park, NYC feels like Concord, NH:
Celebrating a birthday in the Big Apple, reminds me of home.
The Sheep Meadow shows how many people can enjoy greenspace when it's not dedicated to one sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJBrTIhSgSY
Books I am listening/reading for the Ultimate Book Nerd 2025 Challenge:
The Shock Doctrine: the rise of disaster capitalism by Naomi Klein. Audiobook and physical book available at the Concord Public Library.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Book, ebook, and audiobook available at the Concord Public Library.
"It is, Sir, the people's government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the people". -Daniel Webster
Hello Stacey: 1. How can Parks & Rec reverse a decision made and funded by the City Council? 2. I favor the increase for the veteran's credit. 3. The Homelessness program needs to set measurable goals if they are hiring someone for $84,000. i.e. 50% decrease in homeless people in 12 months, no unsightly camps as you see at exit 13 by northbound on ramp, etc. 4. I advocate repairing Rundlett, not building new. 5. I believe the public should have access to the legislature's new garage at all times except when the House is in session. it is easy to block off for sessions.