Down to Business: An Update from the City of Dover's Office of Business Development

Welcome from the Deputy City Manager

From time to time, I hear “Why did you allow X business to open?” or “We don’t need any more Y businesses; can’t we put a limit on any more from opening?” The simple answer is that city staff does not decide if businesses can open (the market does), and Dover can’t place quotas or caps on businesses.

In New Hampshire, municipalities have significant authority to regulate where businesses may locate through zoning and land use regulations, but they generally cannot prohibit an otherwise lawful business simply because the community dislikes a particular company or business model. Local governments derive their regulatory authority from state law and must exercise that authority in a manner that serves legitimate public purposes such as protecting public health, safety, and welfare.

Communities may use zoning ordinances to determine which types of commercial uses are permitted within specific districts. For example, a municipality may establish districts where restaurants, retail stores, manufacturing, entertainment venues, or industrial uses are allowed, either by right or through a conditional use permit. They may also regulate building size, traffic impacts, hours of operation, parking, signage, buffering, and other site-specific characteristics. These regulations must be applied uniformly to similarly situated businesses and cannot arbitrarily target a single retailer or brand.

What municipalities generally cannot do is ban a specific lawful retailer or refuse a permit solely because residents oppose that particular company. Likewise, a community typically cannot establish a numerical cap on bars, restaurants, or retail stores unless the restriction is supported by state law or is implemented through a legally defensible zoning framework rather than by singling out individual businesses. Alcohol licensing in New Hampshire is administered primarily by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, although municipalities have an advisory role during the licensing process and may raise concerns regarding location, neighborhood compatibility, and public safety.

Courts generally require that land use regulations be reasonable, consistent, and based on legitimate planning objectives rather than economic protectionism or subjective preferences. As a result, communities seeking to shape their commercial landscape are most successful when they focus on regulating land uses and development impacts instead of attempting to prohibit individual businesses. Thoughtful zoning, design standards, and comprehensive planning provide municipalities with effective tools to encourage desired development while remaining consistent with New Hampshire law and constitutional protections for property owners and businesses.

A final thought: if local government could ban businesses, whose to say which ones get banned? What I like and what you like might not be the same. Better to have the consumer support those businesses they want and let the market decide what succeeds. 

Have a great week,

Christopher G. Parker

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

Maya and Paul Halthore-Kelley want to help you explore the Cochecho River.

Connecting Dover Back to the Cochecho River

By Reid Bickley

Business Development Specialist

One of the most exciting things about the Cochecho Waterfront Development is watching an entirely new piece of Dover begin to come to life. New homes and businesses are certainly part of that story, but equally important is creating opportunities for the entire community to experience the waterfront.

Paul and Maya Halthore-Kelley, owners of Cochecho River Recreation, are hoping to do exactly that. Located at the pavilion in Nebi Park, Cochecho River Recreation is bringing kayak and canoe rentals, education, recreation, and eventually community programming to the banks of the Cochecho River.

When I connected with Paul and Maya, I quickly realized how perfectly their backgrounds complement one another. Paul describes himself as a “boardgame nerd and outdoor enthusiast” whose very first job was working on the docks of a kayak rental company. His career eventually took him to Outward Bound, where he led weeklong expeditions in New Zealand, and later to Mass Audubon, where he ran an urban nature center along the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for nearly a decade. Maya’s path includes work as a pricing analyst and consultant, time in the biotech industry, and most recently, managing a restaurant and event space. She also loves to cook, which may eventually come in handy as they develop snack bar offerings at the park.

Interestingly, opening a waterfront recreation business in Dover wasn’t a longtime plan. As Maya and Paul put it, “the concept found us.”

Earlier this year, they received the City of Dover’s request for proposals for the Nebi Park pavilion and visited the waterfront while it was still under construction. The City was looking for kayak rentals and a snack bar, and the couple realized their combined experience was almost tailor-made for the opportunity.

But they also saw the potential for something much bigger: creating programming that helps people connect with the river and with one another. They also quickly fell for Dover. They told me that seeing the rainbow crosswalks, with remnants of the Dover 400th anniversary still visible, gave them an immediate sense of the community. Since opening, that first impression has only grown stronger as residents have stopped by to offer encouragement, ideas, and support. And they're actively asking Dover what it wants this new waterfront space to become.

Their Cochecho River Recreation Community Engagement Survey has already received more than 200 responses, exceeding their expectations. Residents have expressed interest in everything from music and food trucks to recreational and educational programming, and several potential community partners have already stepped forward.

For now, they offer kayak and canoe rentals on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Paul leading introductory kayak clinics on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 to 10 a.m. Longer-term plans could include guided paddles, nature programs, a kayak summer camp, partnerships with local organizations, and even one-way paddling adventures connecting the Cochecho with Great Bay.

If you're thinking, “That sounds great, but I'm not getting into a kayak,” I understand. I admitted to the couple that I have never paddled the lower Cochecho myself. Their response was reassuring.

Beginners can start with an experienced friend in a tandem kayak or canoe or attend one of their introductory clinics. Their approach emphasizes knowing your limits, wearing proper safety equipment, understanding the weather and water conditions, and planning around the tides.

But perhaps their best argument for getting onto the river is what you might see once you're there.

Maya told me they regularly spot herons, ospreys, bald eagles, hawks, and kingfishers along the river. In fact, their logo was inspired by Paul’s very first paddle on the lower Cochecho, when he found himself watching an osprey and bald eagle battling for territory overhead. He said he simply froze and took in the aerial display, thinking, “We have to win this proposal so we get to hang out here all the time.”

I loved that, especially because when I went down to check out their setup, I was equally surprised by just how much wildlife surrounds this stretch of the river. My husband and I even watched a heron take flight from near the water, which was such a cool reminder of how much nature there is to experience right in the heart of our city. Dover has spent decades working to reconnect its downtown with the Cochecho River, and Paul and Maya understand the significance of becoming one of the businesses helping activate this new public space. Their goal isn't simply to rent boats. They want people to experience the river, learn about it, appreciate its wildlife, and ultimately care about its future.

When I asked what success would look like at the end of their first season, their answer wasn't about how many kayaks they rented.

They hope more Dover residents understand the Cochecho and the recreational opportunities it offers, that they've developed relationships with community partners, and that they're able to pilot a community event before the season ends.

They did, however, include one additional measure of success on their list: “Reid Bickley buys a membership!”

Touché, Paul and Maya.

After hearing them talk about bald eagles, kingfishers, peaceful paddles and seeing Dover from an entirely different perspective, I may be running out of excuses. More importantly, their enthusiasm is a reminder that one of Dover's greatest natural resources has been flowing through the heart of our city all along. Now, thanks to Nebi Park and businesses like Cochecho River Recreation, we have an entirely new way to get out there and experience it.

What Happens When the Owner is Away?

For many small businesses, the owner is also the manager, problem-solver, decision-maker, and person everyone turns to when something goes wrong. That works until you need a day off, take a vacation, get sick, or simply want the business to operate without your constant involvement. Building a business that can function without you starts with giving employees the information and authority they need to handle everyday situations. Clear opening and closing procedures, documented processes, emergency contacts, and guidelines about which decisions employees can make on their own can eliminate a lot of unnecessary phone calls.

It also comes down to trust. If employees are never allowed to make decisions while you're there, they won't suddenly feel confident doing it when you're gone. Start small. Let someone handle a customer issue, place an order, or oversee a shift, and be available to coach afterward.

Being needed is part of owning a small business. Being needed for every decision doesn't have to be.

Try This: Imagine you couldn't come into work tomorrow. Write down the three things your employees would immediately need to call you about. Pick one and teach someone else how to handle it this week. Your eventual day off will thank you.

Behind the Desk

By James Burdin

Business Development Coordinator

Here's something you probably don't know about me: I darn my clothes. My mom is a quilter and taught me some sewing basics, and a few years ago I borrowed a darning mushroom to repair a favorite pair of socks. I never looked back.

There's a special kind of creativity in mending. It's usually not as simple as covering a hole — you need to structurally reinforce the fabric so it doesn't tear again. Mending also changes the garment. Some repairs can be virtually invisible, but there's a growing trend of "visible" mending, using contrasting thread or fabric to make something new and expressive rather than imitating what it used to look like.

That's the same part of my brain that loves redevelopment projects. Much like a favorite shirt, the fabric of a city can tear — buildings fall into disrepair, businesses close or relocate, priorities shift. The fixes are similar, too. Small repairs that breathe new life into a building are often more sustainable and cost-effective than tearing it down and starting over, and creative reuse can preserve a building's history and character while adapting it for new markets. But sometimes the tear is too big to fix without help. That's where Brownfields come in.

A “Brownfield” is any property where real or perceived contamination is preventing redevelopment. Think old gas stations, dry cleaners, or industrial buildings. Sometimes some simple testing can overcome this perception and allow redevelopment to proceed. In other cases, testing and cleanup will be more involved. Fortunately, there are resources available to help.

Strafford Regional Planning Commission has operated a Brownfields Assessment Program since 2015 to help eligible landowners conduct environmental assessments and plan for potential cleanup and reuse of the property at no cost. The program can’t fund cleanup itself, but it can identify additional funding or strategiesto get you there. If a Dover property you own, or are considering, has possible environmental concerns holding it back, reach out to SRPC's program staff to see if it qualifies.

Put Your Business on the Library Card Perks List

The Dover Public Library is partnering with local businesses for Library Card Sign-Up Month this September, and businesses across the city are invited to participate. The idea is simple: offer a special perk to customers who show their Dover Public Library card. That could be a discount, free item, complimentary upgrade, small giveaway, or another promotion that works for your business.

It is a fun, easy way to welcome new customers, reward existing ones, gain added visibility, and show support for a valued community resource. Participating businesses will also be included in the library’s September promotion, helping residents discover new places to shop, dine, and visit throughout Dover.

Businesses interested in joining should reach out soon to make sure they are included on the list.

For questions or to participate, email Patty Falconer.

Question of the Week



The Office of Business Development seeks public feedback on topics related to our local business community, utilizing the city's polling platform, Polco.

This week's question: As students head back to school, do you prefer to do your back-to-school shopping locally or online?

Let us know

Responses are anonymous, but poll respondents must create an account with Polco to submit answers. Only an email and password is required to make an account.

Last week we asked, What local business would you love to see stay open later during these final weeks of summer? Responses included late night ice cream at Dover Delite, The Nook, and Just the Thing

Open Government: Dover and the Right-to-Know Law Explained

In the latest episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Deputy City Attorney Jennifer Perez about New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A, and how Dover handles public records requests.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Business Event Happenings 

Dover Farmers’ Market, Aug. 19, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

Lower Henry Law Park. Spend your Wednesday afternoon shopping fresh and local at the Dover Farmers’ Market. Browse seasonal produce, baked goods, seafood, locally made products, crafts, and more while enjoying live music in the park. SNAP is accepted for payment with a dollar for dollar match Granite State Market Match.

CowabungaFest, Aug. 21-23, Various Times & Locations

Celebrate Dover’s connection to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird with three days of free community fun! Festivities include a Friday night screening of the TMNT movie, "The Secrets of the Ooze" at Henry Law Park's Rotary Pavilion. Saturday is Pizza Fest at the Cocheco Courtyard, and Sunday is the Skate Jam at the Dover Skate Park. Donations are greatly appreciated and benefit the Woodman Museum’s Eastman and Laird Gallery.

Inferno to Stillness: Movement & Sound Immersion, Sōl Yoga & Pilates, Aug. 23, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

40 Pointe Place. Move from energy to deep relaxation during this two-hour immersive experience combining movement, cardio, Yin stretching, restorative poses, and a closing sound bath with gongs, drums, and crystal singing bowls. Register for the event. Cost is $48 per person.

Complete Calendar Listings

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events. And if you have events, submit them for inclusion.

Launch or Expand Your Business in Dover, NH!

Contact the Office of Business Development for assistance finding the perfect site for your business. Our team can assist you in site selection and provide access to business resources for business growth and expansion. Email us for more information about how to locate or relocate your business with us!

Let us know about your business

Do you have a question, story, or upcoming event related to businesses in Dover? Please get in touch at Dover-BusinessDevelopment@dover.nh.gov to see it featured here!