The Pease Development Authority (PDA) manages coastal development in New Hampshire. It derives this power from Section 12-G:43 – Division of Ports and Harbors. As an expression of this power, the PDA has set its sights on Rye Harbor, which we’ve reported on previously here and here.
In my remarks I expressed concern for the wetlands and the need for disruptive infrastructure.
The development would require significant modifications to the landscape, both on sight at the harbor and inbound, to accommodate traffic in and out. It is not conveniently located. There are no major arteries (Route 1A is not exactly a big road), and expansion would likely require improved access through Rye itself, which is a wealthy little town that otherwise likes its quiet.
I was curious about what the townsfolk thought and a few days later and look at what landed in my inbox. The topic is of significant interest to the people of Rye for all the reasons I suggest, as a recent issue of the Rye Town Newsletter attests.
Excerpted from the Selectman’s Message:
Recently, approximately two million dollars was made available to NH in the form of unused ARPA funds, which have been ear-marked for use by the Division of Ports and Harbors. Originally, this money was proposed by the PDA to be used exclusively for repairs at the Portsmouth pier, but that decision was overridden to split the funds, with half going to Portsmouth and half to Rye – the latter being directed to the redevelopment of Rye Harbor. Roughly a quarter of a million dollars has been directed to Appledore Engineering to study the feasibility and design of the new “retail platform”, the balance to do the construction and some upgrades to the site.
The Select Board feels very strongly that redevelopment of any sort prior to securing the Harbor is a bad idea, and we are engaged with the PDA to ensure that they adhere to Rye’s Land Use Ordinances, beginning with an application to the Rye Planning Board for a site re-development. Of particular concern are the proximity of the new development to both the Shoreline and the Awcomin Marsh, its impact on other nearby wetlands, the increase in traffic and attendant load on our police, fire and safety personnel, and the overall change in character to the Town. There is also grave concern for the livelihoods of the many families in Rye who derive their living from the Harbor, which is an historical use of the entire Seacoast, beginning with the first European settlers, who – literally – came to fish.
The PDA has held several hearings on this matter, but to date has not made application to the Planning or Zoning Boards. Select Board Chair Bill Epperson has been instrumental in making our voice heard, as has Selectmen McGrath and Wright, and our State Representatives Jaci Grote, Peggy Balboni and Dennis Malloy, who have met in private and public with PDA Board members and executive staff. The Select Board feels that this is an existential challenge to our way of life, and the very nature of our community. We will continue to engage with all our energy and resources.
The PDA should work through the town planning board, with the presumption that this board will look out for the townspeople’s interests ahead of the PDA. However, that does not address the problem of a likely review by Sununu’s developer-top-heavy statewide zoning board. It has the power to overturn local planning and zoning decisions, whose creation we opposed vociferously for reasons like this.
Or perhaps Sununu will put in a good word for Rye before his retirement. He has been known to flip-flop on the subject of local control. And while the developers and the PDA are not required to listen to him, I bet the Sununu’s could protect Rye Harbor if they wanted to.
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