The Planning Board through the Decades: A Conversation with Ron Cole about the 1990s

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ron Cole, former Planning Board chair who served from the 1990s through 2011. Cole, who passed away shortly after recording this interview, shares his journey from Gloucester, Mass. to Dover, noting both cities were founded in 1623. He discusses how he unexpectedly joined the Planning Board after initially applying to be a library trustee, and how his people skills and experience with gavels made him well-suited for the role.

Cole emphasizes the importance of respect in the planning process and respecting board members and community members who appear before the board. He recounts stories of significant community developments, including a notable interaction with a pharmacy developer and the acquisition of the Children's Museum of New Hampshire. Cole also highlights the vital importance of master planning, stating, "If you don't know where you're going, you're not going to get there."

Cole reflects on his pride in having helped shape Dover's development, noting that nearly 75% of the streets and projects in Dover during his drive around town were ones he had been involved with. He recommends Planning Board service as a way for citizens to learn about and contribute to their community.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn more about Ron Cole's life and contributions to Dover.