At the Public Forum discussion (starts when the RCL meeting closes), there was a discussion about the many challenges facing Rye and the pace of action and progress. THIS IS FROM THE PUBLIC DISCUSSION and NOT the RCL.
Standing on the sidelines and hoping our elected and appointed officials take action is not enough. For a community with so many well educated and experienced people, many more must be more active and involved.
The below list just reflects the discussion from the RCL discussion and does not imply priorities or that this is a comprehensive list:
A) No Facilities Master Plan
– Town Hall building and space needs, 5 years, $356K+ and no agreed upon plan
– Utilizing the space in the Safety Building
– Transfer Station needs maintenance, improvements to help with recycling and it is in the Aquifer protection district
– Rye Rec. recreation needs and space
– Parsonage Apartments and the expiring lease with the Housing Partnership
– Old Police Station 11 years with no actions
– Two school buildings that are becoming underutilized as enrollment continues to drop
– Coordination is needed with neighboring towns for youth sports and facilities/fields
B) Parson’s Creek Polution – 35 years since the State confirmed human waste is a contributing factor
C) Rye Water and Water Protection – relates to the Cancer Cluster discussion and a $1.3 million dollar business paid for by 2/3 of the town.
D) RJH Structure – Flat budgets, fewer students, and under-challenged students (11 6th grade students are at Private Schools, 4 RJH switched in January to a private school). Principal just resigned.
E) Communication Improvements from Planning and Land Use Boards. There is room for much improvement for communicating, education, engagement and driving more involvement from everything from Zoning Ordinances, Master Plan, etc.
A) Climate Change – current Long Range Planning will not use the term “Climate Change”.
F) Fire Department Consolidation with Portsmouth? While there are opportunites to improve “Service” and lower taxes, this should be a community discussion
