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Select Board schedules July public hearing on Dan McDonald signage, residents raise design and funding questions
Summary
After debate over design and who will pay for lettering and a portrait honoring Dan McDonald, the Select Board set a public hearing for July 6 to show vendor layouts and gather public input. Staff said the lettering will be privately funded but because current signage exceeds the sign code the board must hold the hearing under RSA 674:54.
The New Boston Select Board on June 15 scheduled a public hearing for July 6 to consider proposed lettering, a plaque and a portrait honoring Dan McDonald at the town's fire station. Board members and fire-ward representatives reviewed vendor renderings and discussed where lettering and a painting would be placed; staff said the lettering would be brushed-aluminum letters matching existing building signage and that the work would be privately funded.
Town staff advised the board that because adding or changing signage on a municipal building that does not conform with the local sign code requires a public hearing under RSA 674:54. The board agreed and asked the fire-ward coordinators and the sign vendor to provide detailed layouts, sizes and pricing for the July 6 hearing.
Public commenters voiced varying concerns and support: Kelly Social thanked volunteers and said she supports the project; a nearby resident asked how the lettering and colors had been missed in earlier grant documents and questioned whether private donors or the campground would cover costs. Town staff said grant funds originally used for the project were exhausted and that the current lettering and a commemorative portrait would be privately funded if approved.
The board also clarified procedural steps: donations will need formal acceptance by the Select Board at a future meeting, the design must be presented at the public hearing and the board will vote after receiving public input.
Next steps: staff will secure vendor layouts and exact quotes for the July 6 public hearing notice; the board will hold the hearing and then vote on whether to accept donations and permit the signage.
