Tag: unhoused

Covered Bridge Trail

On By TonyIn Politics, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Earlier this week I wrote about the proposed warming station for Strafford County. Last night we had our public forum on the warming station at the Dover City Council Meeting.

More Than Just a Walk in the Woods

Wooden sign marking the entrance to Don Black Trail, surrounded by autumn foliage and fallen leaves.


Last night’s City Council meeting got pretty lively when the conversation turned to the Don Black Trail—better known around here as the Covered Bridge Trail at County Farm. Several residents stood up to describe it as a mess, overrun by people using drugs and littering.

This morning, I decided to see for myself. I grabbed some gloves and garbage bags, figuring I’d do a little cleanup along the way—if there was any “paraphernalia” to be found.

Well, I did find something unexpected.

Skeletons. Bats. Gravestones. Ghosts hanging from the trees.
But not the kind the council was worried about.

A scenic view of a dirt path leading through a wooded area during autumn, decorated for Halloween with carved pumpkins and a sign for a Haunted Trail.

It turns out the Riverside Rest Home has set up a full-blown Haunted Trail for their residents and for the daycare center next door. When I ran into one of the employees out decorating, she told me how much she enjoys walking the trail on her breaks and how they’ve been having a great time putting the spooky display together.

A little further down the path, I met another woman walking her dog, Elsie (a very good dog, though a little wary of the carved pumpkin near the bridge). She told me she walks the trail nearly every day and hadn’t noticed any problems either—just the usual peace and quiet that makes the Trail such a gem.
Interestingly enough, I also learned that Police Chief Terlemezian had been out that same morning, checking things over.

A spooky Halloween display featuring a skeleton under a black umbrella, a decorative sign for 'Riverside Haunted Trail', and a carved pumpkin, surrounded by autumn leaves in a wooded area.

So while there’s always room for community concern and vigilance, what I saw on the Trail wasn’t danger or decay—it was life. It was community. It was people caring about the same public spaces we all share.

And, at least for this week, it’s also a pretty good place to get a Halloween scare.

A wooden sign welcoming visitors to a Haunted Trail, adorned with a straw hat and a carved pumpkin, set amidst autumn foliage and grass.

A Legal and Moral Imperative: Support the Emergency Warming Shelter

On By TonyIn Hope1 Comment

When we talk about community, we mean more than shared streets and town meetings. We mean shared responsibility for neighbors who are most vulnerable when New England winters turn brutal. The proposed Emergency Warming Shelter—transitioning from the temporary warming center at 30 Willand Drive to a purpose-built facility funded by the Tri‑City partnership and operated by Strafford County—is not only practical; it is our legal and moral duty.

Extreme cold events are not occasional inconveniences. They are life‑threatening emergencies for people without reliable shelter, heat, or access to hygiene. The existing temporary site—a former martial arts studio—was always intended as a stopgap. It lacks adequate bathrooms, showers, a kitchen and the design features needed to safely and humanely support people during extreme cold. Building a dedicated warming shelter corrects that deficiency and reduces foreseeable harm.

The resolution before the City Council is clear about scope and accountability:

  • The Tri‑Cities (Dover, Rochester, Somersworth) will fund construction.
  • Strafford County will operate the facility once built.
  • Opening the shelter during extreme cold will be decided by local Emergency Management Directors using established emergency‑sheltering criteria developed with state and federal input.
  • The facility’s use will be limited to a county‑wide, seasonal warming center unless and until a mutually agreed, suitable replacement is found.

Those guardrails matter. They ensure that taxpayers’ money is used for its intended, life‑saving purpose and that operational responsibility rests with the county agency best positioned to run a county‑wide service. They also create transparency and a clear path for public engagement if future uses are proposed.

Funding that honors past intentions and responsible stewardship Dover’s share of construction funding comes from two sources tied to charitable intent: proceeds from a Guppey family‑donated parcel (with a requirement that proceeds help those in need) and the sale of the current warming center (which was purchased with ARPA funds—no Dover property tax dollars). Using those funds to create a safer, more functional shelter respects donors’ intent and maximizes the impact of one‑time resources on an urgent human need.

Legally, municipalities and counties have emergency‑response duties and public‑health responsibilities. Morally, we have an obligation to prevent foreseeable harm. When a safer, better‑designed shelter can be built with clear operational oversight and limited, defined use, choosing inaction risks lives. The proposed facility addresses that risk directly.

Practical improvements that matter A purpose‑built warming center will provide:

  • Adequate bathrooms and showers for dignity and public health;
  • A small kitchen to meet basic nutritional needs during activation;
  • Design features for safety, privacy, and efficient operations during extreme weather.

These features are not luxuries; they are basic elements that reduce the spread of illness, protect privacy and safety, and allow staff and volunteers to provide services effectively.

No project is perfect. I share the desire for a site that’s even more accessible and closer to wraparound services. But the reality is that this proposal represents the best, feasible option now: funding is secured, operational responsibility is defined, and the timeline addresses an urgent need. As I tell my business teams: do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Approve a safe, dedicated warming shelter now—and continue advocating for improvements, better locations, and stronger supportive services going forward.

Support doesn’t mean we stop asking for better placement, more services, or continued transparency; it means choosing life and safety for neighbors in crisis. The agreement’s conditions also ensure that any change in purpose or location will require full vetting and public input—so approving this plan does not close the door on future community‑driven improvements.

Building the Emergency Warming Shelter is responsible stewardship of charitable funds, a practical step to prevent needless suffering, and a fulfillment of our legal and moral obligations to protect residents in extreme cold. Let’s move forward—compassionately, transparently, and with a commitment to keep improving.

Tri-City Agreement for Winter Emergency Shelter Explained

On By TonyIn PoliticsLeave a comment

Last week, the Dover City Council faced a critical decision regarding the approval of the Tri-City Agreement for the operation of an emergency warming center during the upcoming winter months. The vote to table this agreement reflected our commitment to ensure that all our concerns were addressed before proceeding. A special meeting had been scheduled for October 29 to further review the necessary information and cast our vote.

In preparation for this meeting, I had the opportunity to tour the Willand Pond Warming Shelter, where I had a productive conversation with the directors in attendance. This visit was invaluable, as it allowed me to assess the services that will be available to those in need.

While the initial contract presented last week focused primarily on the business agreement between cities and subcontractors, it left many unanswered questions regarding the guidelines for service provision. Fortunately, I received this year’s guidelines just before our meeting, which detailed the essential services to be offered at the shelter. After reviewing these guidelines and considering my observations during the visit, I am now confident that they will provide a safe environment for both staff and guests.

The shelter is currently undergoing necessary improvements, such as the installation of alarms and security cameras along with routine maintenance. Despite the ongoing renovations, it is clear they are dedicated to meeting the basic needs of individuals who rely on their services, including addressing concerns related to staffing and staff training.

I am pleased to report that the shelter has made provisions to meet the fundamental needs for food, shelter, and beds during inclement weather. They have established various sleeping arrangements depending on the distinct needs of individuals and have a plan in place for overflow when capacity is reached. Per the fire code, the maximum capacity is set at 87 individuals, but it is important to note that adding more beds may limit the flow of traffic necessary for safety.

City Manager Joyal and the management team assured me that this emergency shelter is committed to not turning anyone away. If capacity is reached, guests can remain indoors until transportation can be arranged, ensuring they are placed in safe environments.

As a councilor, I understand the weight of voting on such agreements. Sometimes it is difficult to support a proposal when one envisions more comprehensive solutions. However, I firmly believe we cannot allow the pursuit of perfection to hinder our progress.

The Willand Pond Warming Shelter is a vital emergency resource for our community during harsh winter conditions. Nonetheless, we must also advocate for the State and Federal Government to collaborate with us in securing more permanent and stable solutions to homelessness and shelter needs.