posted on: 05/20/2014
Many people know that Dover was founded in 1623, and is the oldest continuous settlement in New Hampshire. People know that Dover added more residents between the 2000 and 2010 census than any other New Hampshire community. But do they know how many books were checked out of the Dover Public Library in 2013? Do they know how much paper was recycled in 2013, compared to tons of trash collected?
Beginning in 2013, this information and more has been made available in one newsletter-style document. Dover’s department of Planning and Community Development has compiled statistics and demographic information about the City and in January it began updating that report. This community profile offers a glimpse into Dover’s population growth and other demographics, such as vital records, housing starts and ages, vehicle registrations, income and cultural and recreational activity.
Also included is climate information, and general geographic information about Dover and southeastern New Hampshire.
Finally, there is information about Dover’s economic health and municipal operations.
The updated profile focuses on calendar year 2013, and includes information about the 2013/2014 municipal budget. The profile is updated annually in January based upon data about the previous year.
Christopher Parker, AICP, Dover’s Director of Planning and Community Development assembled the document and believes it has many uses.
“I can see citizens using it to learn more about their community,” Parker said. “I also see people from outside of Dover who want to learn more about us, as they plan to relocate or are investigating Dover as an option, using this resource to find out more about the community.”
Parker stresses the document is a good one source document for basic community information.
“It is a foundation piece,” he said. “If you like what you read, you can then make calls or send emails to appropriate offices or departments to learn more about the City.”
The report, titled “Detailing Dover, Demographically,” is available on the City’s website. It is one of many reports on the Planning Department’s Document and Reports page, http://www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/planning/planning-documents/index, and is listed as Dover’s Demographic Report (2014). Readers may also view last year’s report to compare information. Additionally, it is available in the Planning Department’s office.
For more information, contact the City of Dover Department of Planning and Community Development at 516-6008.
