Nashua & Pennichuck Water Works

As many of you know, I am a lawyer for the firm of Upton & Hatfield and have spent the last 4 years representing the City of Nashua in its efforts to acquire the Pennichuck Water Works.

The case went to trial during the month of September before the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. There were some 15,000 pages of exhibits and over 25 witnesses. On November 16, 2007, we submitted a 75 page brief outlining the City's case that is hosted on the City's web site: http://www.gonashua.com/. A copy of the brief and can be downloaded here.

I won't promise that it's as exciting as Harry Potter. However, those interested in utility, water supply or municipal government issues may find it interesting.

Gratuitous Pictures of the Kids

I've been woefully inadequate in updating this blog with anything beyond the day to day details of the Newington Conservation Commission's minutes and dealings with the PDA. In my defense, the last two months have disproved the theory that there are only 4.3 weeks in month.... when push comes to shove, I've discovered its possible to work 260+ hours in a single month.

Unfortunately, I'm not prepared to advance this blog just yet. However, some pictures of kids at the Newington September-fest may start to turn the tide.

Balloon time at Fox Point during the puppet show; and "Joser" pointing at a horse while Elsa waits in line in the background with the "big girls".

Commission Meeting November 8, 2007

The Newington Conservation Commission will meet again on November 8, 2007. The package and agenda can be downloaded here. We meet at 7 PM at the Town Hall in Newington, NH.

Unfortunately, the PDA has now completed its legal maneauverings to have the prime wetlands designation for all wetlands on the PDA-owned property invalidated. This places the burden on the Conservation Commission to either appeal the NHDES permit for the 100 Arboretum Drive project adjacent to prime wetlands, or simply recognize that the PDA has no wetlands protections in place.

I won't discuss the NHDES reasoning in detail here as the matter is likely to end up in the courts. However, there are significant flaws with the NHDES's reasoning. Unfortunately, the PDA is extremely well connected both legally and politically, and it is likely to take an independent court such as the NH Supreme Court to resolve the issue.


-Justin Richardson, Chairman
Newington Conservation Commission

Agenda and Package October 25, 2007

A copy of the Newington Conservation Commission agenda and package for October 25, 2007 can be downloaded here. We meet at 7 PM at the Town Hall in Newington, NH.

The meeting will hopefully allow us to catch up on a number of items we have post-poned for far too long due to lack of follow up and time during our once-a-month meetings, including: development of stormwater regulations; use of the air mitigation fund to improve air quality in Newington; town-wide curbside recycling; updates to landscaping plan guidelines, wetlands definitions and other matters.

Hope to see you there.

-Justin Richardson, Chairman
Newington Conservation Commission

Conservation Commission Agenda for October 11, 2007

It's late, I'm tired, so just the agenda and package today without comment.

It's 5 MB total, and several items could not make the final list because of the number of projects.
You can download it here.