$170M nursing home proposal amid high bond rates expected to draw fire tonight

Proposed nursing home at a cost of $170 miillion+ (Courtesy rendering)

DOVER - A public hearing to discuss the county commissioner's proposal to build a $170 million nursing home to replace Riverside Rest Home will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the Strafford County Courthouse.

The proposal has drawn considerable criticism from many in the Strafford Delegation, who feel it is far more extravagant than need be.

The $170 million cost doesn't include the cost of solar and other "green" initiatives that are to be included in the construction.

Many in the delegation like State Rep Cliff Newton of Rochester say the lavish nature of the proposed project is simply unnecessary for a nursing home that is charged with housing the county's most needy elderly residents.

A statement from the Dover Republican Committee sent The Rochester Voice on Wednesday labeled the project as "exorbitant."

"We need taxpayer pushback on this exorbitant project," the statement reads. "This proposed county nursing home is estimated to cost $170 million initially ... and current 30-year bonding rates would total that for taxpayers to over $300 million. This is for approximately 212 beds; please do the math on that (over $1 MILLION per bed!!??) This is not the time to bond anything with interest rates as high as they are.

"This is an out-of-touch proposal from elected county commissioners in Strafford County, all while citizens are suffering with exorbitant costs most have never experienced in their lifetimes, from ridiculous interest rates, energy costs, groceries, gasoline, personal necessities, and on and on, is beyond irresponsible."

The public hearing will be held in the Cafe Conference Room on the lower level in the Strafford County Superior Courthouse, 259 County Farm Road, Dover.

The Dover Republican Committee is urging citizens to attend and voice their concerns.

To watch the meeting on zoom use this link:

https://www.co.strafford.nh.us/event-detail/eventdetail/1102/-/notice-strafford-county-commissioners-are-holding-a-public-hearing-and-meeting-to-discuss-the-proposed-new-nursing-home