River Park West Lebanon

02/28/2025

When the River Park project was first introduced to West Leb neighbors in 2007, Duff & Sandy Cummings stood to be the most adversely affected, with the northern entrance to be built by their home on N. Main Street.

But they came to the early Neighborhood Planning Process meetings, heard my Dad out, and instead became outspoken supporters of the project through its arduous approval process in 2007-2010.

Over the past 15 years, Duff went from neighbor, to friend, to “damn near family” to the Clems as he liked to say. It certainly feels like we lost a family member.

If you walked the trails at River Park, you appreciated Duff’s work. He helped build and maintain miles of trails, happily perched atop an orange tractor waging a never-ending war against poison ivy. First as just a friend and neighbor volunteering his time/ideas/energy to help improve West Leb, and eventually as a founding board member of Friends of River Park.

He was the connector who made the LOH Hootenanny @ River Park happen, and I will forever remember the look of pride on his face that day as he watched three great bands perform alongside the River he cared so much about.

Maybe you knew Duff from his work as Stage Manager at LOH, or as the bass player in Reckless Breakfast. Maybe you never knew him at all. He loved being behind the scenes making things happen, and took a deep appreciation in things running so smoothly that you’d never know he was there.

Prior to his passing, and selfless to the very end, he made casual mention of “maybe” an acknowledgement on-stage at LOH. Classic Duff, downplaying his 56 years of contributions to the theater he helped re-open in the late 1960s.

I hope you’ll join us at Lebanon Opera House this Monday 3/3 at 5pm to celebrate the best neighbor & friend you could ever ask for.

02/26/2025

🙄

LEBANON — The Planning Board delayed its decision on whether to grant the developers of River Park an extension on its site plan, saying that it wanted “additional information” first.

12/21/2024

After a year spent trying to start 1 River Park for a local Life Science tenant, only to have the City revoke our permit, the City appeal board give it back, the Staff appeal their own Board, the State Board define the word “work” for Lebanon, and the Attorney General’s office direct us to file a “Municipal Estoppel” lawsuit against the City, and the Grafton County Superior Court judge OVERTURN the Lebanon Planning Staff and OVERRULE the Lebanon Planning Board…

…the City Administration has now APPEALED the Judge’s decision, requested and received another $100,000 in legal budget from the Council to keep fighting us, and have failed to comply with a NH RSA 91-A RIGHT TO KNOW request for 190 DAYS…

…what is it they don’t want the public to see in the files/emails (they’re legally required to disclose) about River Park, Lyme Properties, and my family?… Is it evidence of their intentional obstructionist attitude and efforts to cause delay and work AGAINST the taxpayer?

Meanwhile, we are trying to build a project that 74% of West Leb and 65% of Lebanon VOTED in favor of, bring new jobs and housing to 03784, and help grow the tax base to offset this City Administration’s skyrocketing budget…

….but, sure, believe what City Hall has been telling the public all year: that we “let our permits expire” amid their delay tactics. Claims that have been disproven in Court!

City Hall has accomplished nothing of note in Old West Leb for 30 years and taxes are projected to go up 50% over 5 years. I’ve had enough of these Bureaucratic Shenanigans, cut the B.S.

Any questions? We’re an open book, and have nothing to hide…unlike the City apparently.

12/18/2024

1920s Worcester Lunch Car. Location TBD but ≠ River Park. Open to ideas.

12/07/2024

All I want for Christmas is… the files and emails that the City of Lebanon is legally required to make publicly accessible under N.H. RSA 91-A.

11/02/2023

A great 1-sheet from on guidance for Zoning Board members. In addition to their great choice in company color, they really hit the nail on the head when it comes to the disconnect between smart growth and status quo.

10/25/2023

Last winter we were in talks with ARMI about being a satellite in this initiative. An opportunity to capture part of this once-in-a-lifetime funding for building the future…

…instead, we got an attempt to revoke our building permit and another year of defending ourselves from bureaucratic bullsh*t…

In 2022 we laid out to the City a framework for public-private partnership that aligned with Build Back Better, positioning shovel-ready infrastructure to enable economic development, public transit improvements, and publicly accessible trails & open space…

…and what got prioritized in West Leb for federal funding instead? A $4-million roundabout at Main/Bridge/Dana…

…what an unbelievable missed opportunity and fundamental failure by the City Administration.

10/12/2023

surprise visitor last night

09/19/2023

Providing my comments to the Valley News today here in their entirety, as the Planning Staff’s backpedaling has begun and I’m aware they are pointing the finger at us and saying we are overreacting.

09/12/2023

07/15/2023

Link in profile

07/14/2023

The 3rd annual Rocktails & Streams S**o River paddle and N.H. outdoor industry “networking event” is next Wed 7/19 with spots still available. Great people committed to great things in NH, hanging out in canoes and on the beach with a food truck, fire, beer, and swag. Tix via