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Residents urge city repair William Pond Trail and spotlight litter, needles on Somersworth streets
Summary
Public comments urged repairs to the William Pond Trail after washouts and highlighted growing litter and discarded needles; councilors and the city manager directed public works to inspect and follow up, and volunteers urged more community involvement.
During the public-comment period at the Somersworth City Council meeting on May 19, residents asked the city to repair erosion and washouts on the William Pond Trail and volunteer leaders described widespread litter and discarded needles in city neighborhoods.
The nut graf: One resident requested that Public Works stabilize a washed section of the William Pond Trail where sand and trail material have been washed away, and leaders of the volunteer group Don’t Trash Somersworth described frequent roadside litter and discovery of used needles in encampments and along walking routes; the city manager asked staff to have Public Works inspect and follow up with the resident who provided contact information.
Kim Faustino (address given as 7 Lakeview Drive, Dover) said she pays Somersworth taxes where part of her property lies and asked that Public Works replenish sand and repair the washed section of the trail between the High Street liquor-store parking lot and the boat-launch parking lot on Route 108. City Manager Scott Bellmore acknowledged the request during the meeting and asked Public Works to inspect the site and have the Public Works Director contact the resident.
Jason Barry, co-founder of Don’t Trash Somersworth, said volunteers have collected roughly 200 bags of trash in the past year and described encountering multiple encampments and a “mother lode” of needles during a recent cleanup. Barry urged the council to help with public education and volunteer recruitment; he said the group meets monthly and needs more volunteers. Councilors including Cameron and Michu thanked volunteers and encouraged neighborhood-level responsibility, and Councilor Pepin said Public Works and police have been addressing some panhandling/pedestrian enforcement issues and can coordinate on trail and litter matters.
City staff will have Public Works inspect the William Pond Trail washout and contact the resident who offered photos and location information; no specific timeline was provided at the meeting.
