NO: 3- August 28, 2026

Hilltopper News & Happenings

Welcome to the City of Somersworth Newsletter!

Thank you for being an engaged member of our community. We're glad you're here, and we hope you'll join us every two weeks to stay up to date on what's happening in Somersworth!

In Honor of Anthony “Tony” DeFrancesco, Jr.

The City of Somersworth would like to acknowledge the heartfelt tributes to Captain DeFrancesco and messages of support given to the Somersworth Police Department and colleagues of Captain DeFrancesco. The outpouring of kindness and compassion from residents, local organizations, local businesses and neighboring communities has been a great tribute to Tony’s widespread impact in his life of service.

A link to his obituary can be found here and a message from the Mayor can be found here.

Proposed Amendments to Chapter 19. Zoning Ordinance

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. These changes were introduced to the Planning Board at their August 19, 2026 meeting. The Planning Board will hold a workshop to review the redline proposal of the Zoning Ordinance amendments at a special workshop meeting in September.

If you are interested in learning more about the proposed changes, please reach out to the Office of Economic Development and Planning at 603-692-9516 or email Dana Crossley at dcrossley@somersworthnh.gov

Other ways to learn more:

Visit the City Website, Planning Office Page see the 2024 Land Use Regulation Audit & 2026 Draft Zoning Recodification Report
Watch the recorded 8/19/2026 Planning Board meeting on Channel 22
Visit the Office of Economic Development and Planning at City Hall

Maple Street Sidewalk Expansion

GMI crews working on Maple Street sidewalk improvement. Crews are installing base course material first as part of preparation for final asphalt surface.

Water Main Replacements Update

The City is replacing water mains on Old Rochester Road and Indigo Hill Road Work on Old Rochester Road, from Blackwater Road north about 1,500 feet, is expected to be substantially complete by mid- to late September. Work on Indigo Hill Road, from Main Street to Rita Road, is expected to continue though the end of the year. Residents may experience temporary water interruptions, traffic delays, and road closures during construction. These projects are part of the City's onging effort to replace aging water mains and address areas with a history of water main breaks.

Pedestrian Island Improvement

The City recently completed improvements to the pedestrian island at the intersection of Cemetery Road and W. High Street. The modifications were completed by SUR Construction and are now finished.

Reminder Notice of Labor Day Holiday Trash and Recycling Schedule – One Day Delay

Labor Day is on Monday, September 7^th. Trash and Recycling collection services will be delayed one day.

Please follow the schedule below:

Monday, September 7: No collection
Monday’s collection: Tuesday, September 8
Tuesday’s collection: Wednesday, September 9
Wednesday’s collection: Thursday, September 10

Metal Pick-up

The Department of Public Works reminds residents that metal pick up occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. The September collection will occur on Tuesday, September 8 and residents wanting this service are asked to call Public Works no later than 3:00 pm on Friday, September 4^th to be placed on the pickup schedule for September. 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.

Follow the Flow Walk

The Somersworth Recreation Department and Water Division teamed up to host the Follow the Flow Walk, where residents enjoyed the outdoors while learning about how Somersworth’s public water system works and what we can all do to help keep our watershed healthy and clean.

Calling All Local Artists!

Somersworth Public Library is looking for local artists of all experience levels to showcase their work at the Next Chapter: A Community Celebration on September 19!

Interested? Fill out our art submission form online: Form

Library Next Chapter Event: September 19th

Join us on Saturday, September 19th for The Next Chapter, an after-hours open house celebrating the launch of the public fundraising campaign for the Somersworth Public Library Addition and Renovation Project.

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's New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad

Interested in local railroad history? Learn about the history and significance of the New Hampshire Northcoast Railroad, including its origins, the former Boston & Maine Conway Branch, and the rebuilding of the rail line. The presentation also highlights the major New Hampshire Northcoast Infrastructure Project, funded in large part through a Federal Railroad Administration grant.

Watch the presentation here.

School Board Seats Vacant in Ward 3 and 5: Here is the process for filling them

The School Board has recently had two resignations. Under the Charter, the City Council will appoint individuals to fill the vacancies until the next election, when voters will elect candidates to serve the remainder of the terms.

What Happens Next

1.Applications are being accepted.

The City Clerk is accepting applications from qualified Ward 3 and Ward 5 residents interested in being appointed to the School Board.

2.City Council will make appointments.

The Council will appoint individuals to serve until the November election.

3.Candidate filing begins September 9.

Candidates interested in appearing on the Special Municipal Election ballot must file between:

September 9, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
September 24, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Special Municipal Election

A Special Municipal Election for School Board Ward 3 and Ward 5 will be held in conjunction with the November 3, 2026 State General Election. Voters will elect candidates to serve the remainder of the unexpired terms.

For more information or to apply, contact City Clerk Kristen LaPanne at (603) 692-9511. Additional information will be shared as the process moves forward.

Get Involved!

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

Job Opening- Utility Billing Clerk

Provides administrative support to the water/sewer billing office by compiling data, responding to customer inquiries, preparing invoices, bills, and permits and performing a variety of related paperwork. Knowledge of bookkeeping, customer service, computers, office practices, equipment and procedures required. The City offers a competitive benefit package including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, NH Retirement System, and optional 457 retirement plans. Pay Rate: $23.87 - $31.40 Closing Date: Open Until Filled with first review 09/16/26. EOE.

To apply click on the link

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Safety Resources

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Text, call, or chat if you need to talk to someone. Life brings challenges and can be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, substance use, or just struggling with the stresses of family and life, call 988, and someone can be there to help, so you are not alone. https://988lifeline.org/