Accountability posts
Drafts ready to share. Click to copy, then post. Select Board · Exeter · May 18, 2026.
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Community concerns raised but dismissed/ignored
At the May 18 Select Board meeting, residents voiced strong opposition to expanding the 'no parking' zone on Cast Street from 30 to 170 feet. Neighbors cited lack of safety evidence and personal hardship. The board has moved to... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-05-18/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
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Fiscal responsibility and unexpected budget impacts
Exeter taxpayers: The Clemson Pond CSO project hit unexpected contamination, likely from a former gas plant. The Select Board approved $123,734 in sewer reserve funds to cover the cost overruns on May 18. #ExeterNH #LocalGov https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-05-18/ #MeetingWatch
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Prioritizing technical compliance over community safety evidence
Regarding the SS4A grant: Residents warned the Board that painted bike lanes aren't enough for real safety. A board member acknowledged that 'paint doesn't get it done'—yet the Board moved forward with a letter of support for... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-05-18/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
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Exeter's May 18 Select Board meeting saw significant tension over infrastructure and local regulations. From parking disputes to unexpected sewer costs, here is what you need to know about the decisions affecting your neighborhood and wallet. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
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First: The Cast Street parking proposal. The board held a first reading on expanding the 'no parking' zone from 30 to 170 feet. Residents argued this lacks safety evidence and creates massive hardship for neighbors. The board moved to a second reading.
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Second: Budget impacts. The Clemson Pond sewer project encountered unanticipated contamination (likely from a former gas plant). To cover the resulting cost overruns, the Board voted 4-0 to use $123,734 from the sewer reserve funds.
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Finally: Safety vs. Symbolism. As the Board discussed the SS4A grant, residents noted that painted bike lanes don't offer real protection. Even after a board member admitted 'paint doesn't get it done,' the Board voted to support the grant proposal.
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Stay informed on how Exeter manages your streets and your tax dollars. We will continue to track these items as they move toward final decisions. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-05-18/
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Longer-form draft.
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. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-05-18/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH