NO: 5- September 25, 2026

Stay up to date with City news, events, projects, and community updates. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, sign up here to receive future issues directly.

Following the workshop on planned improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, Council members toured the facility with Water Division staff. The tour provided an opportunity to see the current treatment process, learn more about the facility’s operations, and view areas that are being considered as part of the upcoming upgrades.

Mater Plan Changes

At its September 21 meeting, the Somersworth City Council voted to adopt seven chapters of the City’s Master Plan, as presented in accordance with the City Charter. The adopted chapters include Housing & Supporting Data, Natural Resources, Land Use, Historic & Cultural Resources, Transportation, Economic Development, and Vision.

The City Council received a presentation on the chapters at the meeting. The adopted chapters will help guide future planning and decision-making for the City.

Click here to view the Master Plan Chapters and the Presentation

Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance

The Planning Board (PB) held a workshop meeting during their regular PB meeting on Wednesday 9/16/2026 to begin the review of proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Some of these changes include re-zoning certain areas of the City, changes to setbacks, frontage and lot size requirements, and density allowances. The recording of the meeting can be found on the City Website here:

- Channel 22 on Demand

The Planning Board will hold a second workshop to continue the review of the proposed changes, workshop date to be determined.

The Office of Economic Development and Planning has been working with Strafford Regional Planning Commission (SRPC) on Phase III of the Housing Opportunities Grant taking the recommendations from the 2024 Zoning Audit and proposing amendments to Chapter 19. Zoning Ordinance.

Other ways to learn more:

-Reach out to the Office of Economic Development and Planning at 603-692-9516 or email Dana Crossley at dcrossley@somersworthnh.gov

- Visit the City Website, Planning Office Page see the 2024 Land Use Regulation Audit & 2026 Draft Zoning Recodification Report

- Watch the 9/16/2026 Planning Board Meeting

How We're Changing Somersworth Schools (Starting Now)

The kickoff event of the Future of Somersworth Schools series brought community members together to begin exploring new ideas and possibilities for the future of Somersworth schools. Chaired by Superintendent John Shea and initiated by Mayor Matt Gerding, the series focuses on thinking creatively about the future of education in Somersworth and the challenges facing schools today.

Watch the video from the September 16th kickoff event, Permission to Think Outside the Box

Metal Pick-up



The Department of Public Works reminds residents that metal pick up occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. The October collection will occur on Tuesday, October 13th and residents wanting this service are asked to call Public Works no later than 3:00 pm on Monday, October 12th to be placed on the pickup schedule for October. Participants are reminded to place the proper number of tags on the item when setting the item out on the street for collection. Residents may also opt to drop off metal and electronic items with proper bulky waste stickers at the Public Works Facility located at 18 Lilac Lane from 7:30am-2:30pm Monday–Friday. 

Paving & Water Main Improvements

Paving operations have begun on Myrtle Street, Morning Street, Hansen Street, and Nash Parkway

Water main replacement work on lower Indigo Hill Road continues with construction planned to mid-November when the project is anticipated to be substantial complete. Expect lane closures, detours and construction signage and flaggers during the day on Indigo Hill Road from Main Street to Rita Road.

Utility crew and aerial truck installing new poles and wires to support the 200 Main Street project

Highway Department painting no parking here to corner markings and no parking markings in front of fire hydrants along Green Street from Franklin Street to Washington Street.

Blackwater Road & Old Rochester Road Improvements

The City continues to work on traffic safety improvements in the Blackwater Road and Old Rochester Road area. Five new streetlights have been installed near Hickory Lane, and Old Rochester Road was recently resurfaced and restriped with narrower 10-foot travel lanes.



A four-way stop is also planned for the intersection of Blackwater Road and Old Rochester Road with enhanced flashing stop signs.

Salmon Falls Success Safari

Join the Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative on September 30, 2026 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm to explore recent projects in the beautiful Salmon Falls region and share your knowledge and expertise to inform the development of the Salmon Falls River Watershed Plan. To register, please visit Salmon Falls Success Safari. For more information, contact Laura Weit-Marcum at laura.m.weit-marcum@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2862. The event is free, but space is limited. Register today!  

Click here to reserve your spot. View the agenda here 

Somersworth Pumpkin Festival

The Somersworth Festival Association is hosting the 23rd Annual Somersworth Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Somersworth Plaza on Main Street. The family-friendly event will feature pumpkin decorating, scarecrow making, pumpkin crafts, family photos, hayrides, games, a food court, and entertainment throughout the day.

Admission is $10 per child (cash only), and adults are free when accompanying a child. Children in costume will also be entered into a costume raffle. The festival is a rain-or-shine event.

Click on the link to visit their Facebook page to learn more.

Somersworth Fire Department Open House

The Somersworth Fire Department is hosting a Fire Prevention Open House on October 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at 195 Maple Street. Come meet local firefighters and learn practical skills to help keep your home safe from fire.

The event will also feature Somersworth Public Works, Stewart’s Ambulance, Deputy Sheriff Josh Wright and comfort dog Cara, Ready the Prepared Puppy, the State of NH Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Somersworth Police Department Crime Scene Van.

Click on the link to learn more.

City Hall Trick or Treat

Somersworth Recreation is bringing back the City Hall Trick or Treat on Thursday, October 22nd, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at Somersworth City Hall. This Halloween event is for children ages 3–5 and gives little ones a chance to dress up and enjoy some Halloween fun. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration is available through the Somersworth Recreation Department. 

Click on the link to visit their Facebook page to learn more.

Get Involved!

Do you want to be involved in land use decision making? Become a board member. For more information click on the link.

Police Captain – Support Division

The City of Somersworth, New Hampshire (pop. 12,159) is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Police Captain for the Support Division. The Captain of the Support Division plans, coordinates, directs and supervises the Support Division of the Police Department, which includes: Investigations, Communications, Prosecution, Records, Professional Standards, Special Operations, and Facility and IT Infrastructure. Candidates must have strong leadership and managerial skills combined with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A proven success record of experience in progressively responsible supervisory, administrative and command assignments is also preferred. Associates’ Degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Police Science or related field and a minimum of ten years’ experience in police work, with two (2) years in a supervisory capacity required. Police Officer Certification issued by the New Hampshire Police Standards Training Council is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Candidates must have ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public; strong interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy are vitally important. Excellent moral character, good powers of observation and memory required. Supervisory skills are mandatory. Salary range is $93,730.27 to $123,255.31 plus an additional $5,824.00 On Call pay: starting salary commensurate with qualifications. Additional information relating to this opportunity has been posted at:

To apply click on the link

To subscribe to other City Newsletters click on the links below:

• Recreation Department
• Somersworth Public Library

Safety Resources

We send out Nixle Alerts for parking bans and other important information to cell phones and emails. You can sign up for free Nixle at www.Nixle.com. 

Boards & Committee Meetings this Month

To view the City Calendar click on the link

Subscribe to receive agendas right to your inbox