Select Board — May 18, 2026
The meeting featured significant public pushback regarding local parking regulations and debate over the efficacy of proposed safety infrastructure.
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The May 18 Select Board meeting in Exeter highlighted several growing tensions between town officials and residents regarding safety, parking, and unexpected costs.
On Cast Street, a proposal to expand the 'no parking' zone from 30 feet to 170 feet from the intersection met significant pushback. Residents testified that the change lacks empirical safety evidence and would create significant hardships for local families. While the Board moved to a second reading, they have been tasked with reviewing resident petitions and photographic evidence provided during the hearing.
Financially, the town is facing rising costs related to the Clemson Pond Combined Sewer Overflow project. Due to contamination—likely linked to a former manufactured gas plant—the project has encountered cost overruns. On May 18, the Board voted 4-0 to tap into $123,734 of the sewer reserve funds to cover these unanticipated expenses.
Finally, the debate over 'safe streets' continues. While the Board moved forward with a letter of support for the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant, community members pointed out the gap between 'technical' bicycle infrastructure (like painted lanes) and infrastructure that actually makes residents of all ages feel safe. One board member acknowledged that 'paint doesn't get it done,' raising questions about whether future projects will prioritize real physical separation or just meet minimum grant requirements.
Public impact
Significant reduction in available street parking for neighbors.
Utilization of $123,734 in sewer reserve funds due to contamination.
Infrastructure project with bids ranging from $4.8M to $5.8M.
Topics discussed
A report on the construction progress of the new $17.5 million police station and fire substation on Continental Drive, including its projected completion in early spring 2027.
An overview of the town's America 250th birthday celebrations and the creation of a limited edition commemorative poster by artist Sarah Kauf.
A feature on the local handbell choir that meets weekly at the Congregational Church.
A resident provided updates on the successful use of a densifier for recycling and announced an upcoming art show at Rain's Barn on September 26th.
The board reviewed four bids for the School Street improvement project, ranging from approximately $4.8 million to over $5.8 million.
A first reading regarding a proposed change to expand the 'no parking' zone on Cast Street from 30 feet to 170 feet from the intersection of Park Street. Residents expressed strong opposition, citing potential hardships for neighbors, lack of safety evidence, and allegations of a resident obstructing the roadway with dirt and rocks.
The first of three readings concerning a proposal to change traffic control signage (potentially a three-way stop) at the Wadley Street and Forest Street intersection due to driver behavior concerns following the Rose Farm development.
An update on the cleaning and inspection of CSO barrels. The project encountered unanticipated contamination, likely from a former manufactured gas plant, leading to cost overruns and a request for additional sewer reserve funds. Discussion also covered proactive maintenance and relining of large sewer siphons.
Presentation of a multi-million dollar federal grant proposal focused on improving pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity along the Route 27 corridor.
Discussion and appointment of Jennifer Shupe (currently Deputy Town Clerk) to serve as Town Clerk to fulfill the remainder of the term until the March 2027 election.
The Board reviewed and voted on multiple tax abatement requests for various units in Map 110 and Map 111 across different tax years.
Acceptance of $5,250 in donations for the design and construction of Pairpoint Park.
The Town Manager provided updates regarding the upcoming arrival of Paul Cohen as the new Town Manager and thanked staff for support during the interim period.
Reports from the Housing Advisory Committee, Wreck Advisory, and Planning Board, including upcoming fundraisers and case updates.
A board member addressed inaccuracies regarding the history of Pairpoint Park raised during a recent ConCom meeting.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Cast Street Parking Regulation Change
Wadley Street Traffic Control Signage
Clemson Pond CSO Project Cost Overruns
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-31.
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