Historic commission backs continuing Water Street survey and will send letter for 2026 preservation grant

At its July 16 meeting, the Exeter Historic District Commission agreed to prepare a letter of intent to the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources (DHR) to pursue certified local government (CLG) funding for a continuation of a Water Street historic-survey project.

Commissioners discussed survey materials and the value of updated, photo-rich documentation for decision-making, noting many earlier surveys date to the 1980s and lack photographic evidence. The DHR-administered CLG grants were described as a typical source for such surveys; commission members said the program had about $25,000 available and that towns can sometimes receive leftover funds if they meet DHR priorities.

"We have to send a letter of intent by August 5," one commissioner said during the discussion. Members agreed it would be appropriate to send a letter to preserve eligibility and to finalize details at the next meeting, when commissioners will decide which streets to include in the 2026 application.

The commission also discussed the CAMP training offered by the National Association of Preservation Commissions, a regional training opportunity staff and commissioners could host or attend; members considered piggybacking on other towns' workshops to reduce costs.

A motion was made and seconded to recommend preparing and sending a letter of intent to the Division of Historical Resources in Concord to continue the survey project; the commission voted in favor by voice vote. Commissioners recorded no public comments and then moved to accept minutes from the prior meeting before adjourning.

Next steps: staff and commission members will prepare the letter of intent by the August 5 deadline and return the matter to the commission for finalization of the survey scope and any required match or logistics.