Dover Board of Health Approves FY27 Budget, Flags 40B Housing Site Concerns

DOVER — December 10, 2025 — Dover Board of Health raises groundwater and wetlands concerns over a proposed 20-unit 40B development at 43 Strawberry Hill Street. The three-member board — Chair K. Peterson, member John Quackenbush, and member Stephen Kresco — spent the bulk of their December 10 meeting reviewing GIS maps and perc test data showing groundwater as shallow as 18 inches below grade and extensive wetlands surrounding a pond at the roughly 10-acre site. Health Agent Jason described the parcel as "probably one of the most brutal, environmentally challenged sites we may have in town," with the proposed 10 individual private wells — one per duplex building — drawing the board's sharpest scrutiny given a neighboring property on Strawberry Hill Street already reportedly struggles with well recharge in summer. The board unanimously approved a proposed fiscal year 2027 budget of approximately $294,000, down from $298,000 the prior year, with the reduction driven largely by consolidating the administrative assistant role from 48 to 35 hours per week. Members plan to submit written comments on the 40B project before a deadline expected in late January and will take up PFAS testing concerns at their next meeting, set for January 5.