Should Exeter's Great Dam Be Removed?

For nearly 400 years, there has a been a dam in downtown Exeter on the Exeter River.

A townwide vote in March could change that.

State officials have said the dam, which is 100 years old, must be removed because it doesn't meet safety standards. Officials notified the town about the matter in 2001 and set a 2011 deadline for action.

Last week, the Board of Selectmen defeated the removal plan by a 3-2 vote. Selectwoman Julie Gilman said the dam is an important part of the town's history and should be repaired.

"The loss of it will affect what attracts people to town," she said. "One of the things that's beautiful about (the downtown) is the sound of water falling over the dam."

Selectman Frank Ferraro voted for removing the dam.

"The removal of the dam is the most cost-effective, most environmentally friendly ... alternative before us," he said.

A group of citizens filed a petition asking for the dam's removal, at the cost of about $1.8 million. The petition will appear on the March ballot durin the annual town election.

On Monday, Selectmen approved a measure to start the request-for-proposal process for repair or removal based on the result of the March vote.

"We should prepare for all eventualities," said Selectman Matt Quandt.