"A principal land use policy of Exeter has been that land development should occur in those areas that present the fewest possible constraints and will result in the least harm to the environment... It continues to be the policy of Exeter to strongly discourage development in areas that have poor natural development suitability or which have significant resource values which should be protected. In general, these areas include wetlands, steep slopes, flood hazard areas, immediate shoreland environments and aquifer recharge areas.” -Exeter Master plan
|
The Rose Farm property includes all of the significant resources outlined above and should be conserved, not developed.
Watershed: Norris Brook runs through the steep property and drains directly into the Squamscott River and ultimately Great Bay. The property also contains wetlands, vernal pools and a natural spring. Wildlife Habitat: It is a wildlife habitat for turtles (possibly including the endangered Blanding’s Turtle), eagles, butterflies, salamanders, deer and myriad other valuable species. Natural Greenway Appropriate for Conservation: Adjacent to the Town Forest, the property is currently enjoyed as part of the recreational resource in the town by hikers, dog owners, mountain bikers, birders and other community members. Placing this parcel in conservation would create a contiguous greenways for wildlife and a protection zone for the sensitive Norris Brook. |
|
Toxic & Hazardous Waste: The Rose Farm property contains arsenic, coal ash, lead and solid waste contaminants, which are remnants of previous farming activities. Clean up would mean, among other things, 400 dump trucks of hazardous coal ash being driven through the adjacent neighborhoods and communities, past children playing in the street and at playgrounds.
Remediation isn’t always fool proof. What about the health risks to the future families who purchase houses that were built on top of former hazardous waste? Can we as a community knowingly endorse putting our future neighbors in harm’s way?
Learn more about why the Rose Farm development is bad for the neighborhood and the community.
Remediation isn’t always fool proof. What about the health risks to the future families who purchase houses that were built on top of former hazardous waste? Can we as a community knowingly endorse putting our future neighbors in harm’s way?
Learn more about why the Rose Farm development is bad for the neighborhood and the community.
