Page 9

Somersworth Announces 250th
Celebration Street Dance
by Amy Minzner

The City of Somersworth invites you to join us for a Celebration of the city's 250th anniversary on Saturday July 31st starting at 3 pm at the Somersworth Plaza, in downtown Somersworth. Activities include a BBQ; a Kid's Carnival featuring games and a chainsaw artist; antique cars; and New England Patriot cheerleaders signing autographs! The Street Dance, featuring The Twighlighters, will start at 7 P.M. and will continue 'til you can't boogie no more!

Participating downtown businesses will be open until 6 P.M. so come to the Somersworth Main Street booth between 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. for your "I Shop Downtown Somersworth" bag and take it to participating downtown stores for special discounts.

Other 250th Celebration events include:

• Fire Engine Parade August 7th 11 A.M.

Come to the Holy Trinity Church early and see the engines up close, or meet at the Fire Station after the parade and enjoy hotdogs with the fire department.

• Pride Day August 21st at St. Laurent Park

A traditional picnic, including BBQ, a live band, hayrides, and a fire works display.

• Home Decorating Contest July 1st to August 31st
• Commemorative T-Shirts and license plates also available!

Visit Great Falls Cleaners, Somersworth Chamber, City Hall, Police Department, and American Legion Post 69 to purchase your commemorative shirts and license plates!

Join the fun and celebrate our proud past and bright future!

For more information, contact the mayor's office at the Somersworth City Hall; 692-9501

Downtown Plans Go Forward
By Robert Gibson

The Somersworth Housing Authority continues with plans for major improvements to the downtown area. Speaking with Bob Crichton, a process that started over two years ago may be nearing the final leg.

Unfortunately, it may not be the major project originally planned. Due to financial constraints at the state and federal level, not all the monies needed will be available. The only part assured at present is the Eagles building. This would still be a combined residential/commercial use.

The other properties are unsettled at this time. The Alman building is apparently on the auction block. Unless contingent monies become available the SHA may not be able to move on the property. At present, Mr. Crichton, is working to pull together the necessary funding to meet the timeframe.

The biggest blow so far has been the reduced funding, causing a scale back of plans, at present, eliminating the two Rouleau buildings and the Race building beside them. This means the plans for a new bridge access to the Mills will be on hold. Mr. Crichton stated that SHA would continue to work toward acquiring the properties if the necessary funding becomes available.

The Eagles and Alman sites will be developed as upscale residential. This includes remodeled interior and exterior. First floor spaces will remain retail/commercial. Even with the requirement for workforce income housing, a more upscale resident could be pulled into the units. Under new standards for income and cost of living in the seacoast, singles who earn up to $37,000 and couples up to $50,000 yearly would be qualified under updated guidelines.

He also reaffirmed that the downtown business upgrade funding will still be available under existing programs. As shown by the Nard, Dumont, and TriCity Flooring facade improvements, these are excellent programs, bringing a new historic look to the downtown. Businesses are still able to apply.

Feedback?
Somersworld is the Hilltop City's electronic "front porch" - we are interested in your opinions and ideas. Please submit comments regarding
what you have seen on this page to admin@somersworld.com.
Requests for confidentiality will be honored.

Did you miss an issue?
Want to see a certain article or feature again?
Go to our archive search page!