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Issues

Land Use

As Wolfeboro Town management evaluates its land use regulations and approach to the issue of housing affordability and availability, data collection and analysis is critical to the process. Only then can reevaluation of land use regulations and development of creative solutions be tailored to the desires of the community. Neighborhood integrity is a valued part of the quality of life in Wolfeboro and should be considered. 

 

Land use issues include the creation and enforcement of zoning ordinances that do not dramatically increase density. Analysis of the housing market data should include, at a minimum:

  • The impact of short-term rentals (STR) on the long-term rental (LTR) market, including absentee ownership

  • Annual registration and tracking of the number and location of STRs and LTRs, along with landlord and renter guidelines/checklists 

  • Accessory dwelling units (ADU) to help house multi-generational families 

  • Ways to attract and retain younger families with more affordable housing options

  • Serving our retirees by not pricing them out of the market

  • Analysis of the housing and salary data in Wolfeboro and surrounding communities  

  • Understanding that not everyone who lives in Wolfeboro works in Wolfeboro. Conversely, many who work in Wolfeboro live in surrounding communities

Water Quality

Studying the impact of development on our existing infrastructure (i.e. Town growth vs. capacity of our water and sewer) is critical to the protection and preservation of this important natural resource. Further, implementing best water management practices requires attention to the design of storm run-off management system protections for any change in land use. As always, enforcement of regulations is key. 

 

Regulations were recently revised to maintain the integrity of the existing shorefront residential district and protect the shorefront from over-development. Implementing and enforcing water quality protection standards to protect the shorelands within the Town of Wolfeboro, is critical since our shore fronts are among its most valuable and fragile natural resources. The protection of these shore lands is essential to maintain the integrity and exceptional quality of the waters.

 

New stormwater management regulations also have been revised to protect, maintain, and enhance public health, safety, environment, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures. The purpose is to control the adverse effects of increased post-development stormwater runoff, decreased groundwater recharge, and non-point source pollution associated with new development and redevelopment.

Rural Character

Wolfeboro’s historic character requires thoughtful planning and preservation of public and green spaces for citizens and tourists to gather. Its New England village charm is enhanced by improving streetscapes, planting trees, maintaining gardens, adhering to architectural design standards, improving pedestrian, bike, and vehicular connectivity, and ensuring lighting and trash issues don’t distract from the overall beauty of our natural resources. Encouraging the Identification of and enhancement of public green spaces is good for everyone.

 

Citizens overwhelmingly voiced the desire to preserve Wolfeboro’s historic character in an October 2021 Design Charette meeting with Plan NH.

Accountability

Democracy is a participatory and collaborative process. Citizens should be prepared to do more than just vote. We have the power to shape policy and financial investment decisions by participating in public hearings and deliberative sessions, making our voices heard, asking thoughtful questions, and contacting those that represent us in Town government. 

 

Without data and clear disclosure about how an issue impacts Wolfeboro’s future, it’s challenging for citizens to parse through the facts of often complex issues that the Town faces.

Financial

Wolfeboro’s Board of Selectmen (BoS) have a fiduciary responsibility to the Town to implement the decisions made by the voters at the Annual Town Election and to carefully manage the Town’s financial affairs.  As such, citizens seek to better understand the following: 

  • How the Wolfeboro’s Capital Improvement Programs (CIP) components process works

  • That a cost benefit analysis has been done on capital investment projects and is shared with the public

  • The impact of capital projects and programs on taxes

  • That salary surveys are linked to Town employee salary increases

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