SEABROOK BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION BENCH POLICY
July 2007
BACKGROUND
About 10 years ago Seabrook Beach residents began donating benches dedicated
to family members and SBCA located the benches along the pathways to the beach.
The SBCA has maintained these benches repairing and rebuilding them as necessary
at no cost to the original owners. As of July 2007, 67 benches are in service at
various locations and requests have been received for additional benches.
The purpose of this policy is to manage the number and location of new benches and
to consider approaches for long term maintenance of existing benches.
EXISTING BENCHES
These benches will be maintained for a period of 3 years at no cost to the owner.
After 3 years, starting in 2010 the owner will be responsible for maintenance or may ask SBCA to repair or build a new bench with the owner assuming responsibility for the cost of repair or rebuild. In order to minimize damage to existing benches that are fragile SBCA requests that owners allow SBCA to relocate benches to minimize storm damage and minimize damage by owners moving the benches.
NEW BENCHES
The location and placement of new benches will be determined by the availability
of bench sites at the various locations.
1.) The number of benches at each street beach entrance shall not exceed a total of 4.
(Examples: Hooksett; 1 roadside, 3 on beach; Tilton; 2 roadside, 2 on beach)
Locations with more than 4 benches will not be changed at this time.
2.) Benches will not be located on the top of dunes unless they are placed on existing platforms. Top of dune placement may cause environmental concern and has drawn criticism from Town officials in the past.
3.) Benches will be placed near the beach in permanent locations to minimize storm damage and the need for moving them.
4.) SBCA will determine the type of bench and will utilize the current 3 inch by 10 inch nameplate.
5.) The SBCA will accept applications for new benches and will select the number and location of new benches. Upon selection the applicant will be informed of the location, placement and cost of the new bench.
6.) Once in place the new bench will be maintained for a period of 5 years at no cost to the owner. After 5 years the rules for existing benches will apply.
This policy was approved by the Seabrook Beach Civic Association Board of Directors
on August 13, 2007.