Housing and the Future of Claremont: A Community Conversation
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About 50 community members came together at Vital Communities’ May 31, 2018 conversation on Housing and the Future of Claremont to discuss how we are affected by housing options and conditions in Claremont, then to consider topics to focus on and create recommendations for action. We were successful! Find out more in this brief but detailed Summary of Findings, prepared by NH Listens.
The group collectively identified four key topics for action:
- Housing quality and types
- Planning and growth management
- Zoning and code enforcement
- Community pride and reputation
Recommendations developed in small groups during the conversation are detailed in the summary document.
What Comes Next?
The City of Claremont has obtained a New Hampshire Municipal Technical Assistance Grant to support many actions identified in three of the four topics: housing quality/types, planning and growth management, and zoning and code enforcement. The City has this established this project as a priority over the next 10 months.
Healthy Vibrant Claremont is taking the lead on efforts to enhance community pride and reputation. Healthy Vibrant Claremont is also stewarding a community-based lead abatement effort.
Current Opportunities to Get Involved
- Share this news! Please pass this email and information along to others.
- Claremont Housing Initiative Steering Committee. The Planning Board will be forming a Steering Committee to shepherd the project from public outreach to final proposed changes to City Code. Claremont residents who want to participate in this important project should email or call City Planner Mike McCrory (mmccrory@claremontnh.com, 603.504.0347) to get involved.
- Healthy Vibrant Claremont. To get involved with Healthy Vibrant Claremont’s work on community pride and reputation, call or email David Putnam (davputnam@comcast.net, 603.504.8679).
- Habitat for Humanity is creating a Claremont chapter. People who are interested in providing leadership for this good work for their community and their fellow citizens are encouraged to contact project manager Don Derrick (don.derrick@uppervalleyhabitat.org, 603.277.9135) and find more details online.
- Lead Paint Challenge. Habitat for Humanity is putting together a team that would become certified, licensed, and capable of dealing with the issues of lead paint in older dwellings. If you’re interested in helping with the project, consider joining the now-forming steering committee. Contact Don Derrick (don.derrick@uppervalleyhabitat.org, 603.277.9135) to join.
Finally, a big THANK YOU to all of the engaged citizens who attended, from the hosts of the evening’s conversation: New Hampshire Listens, the City of Claremont, the Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce, Healthy Vibrant Claremont, the Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission, and Vital Communities. We are tackling a tough issue together, and we can’t do it without you!