Patrice Branch

The council addressed several public hearings, including the adoption of resolutions regarding Project-Based Section 8 Vouchers at Ansell Apartments and the proposal for the construction of a new City Hall and parking garage. Use permit applications for multi-family dwellings in the West Cradock area and townhouse units in Prentis Place were reviewed and adopted. The consent agenda included the acceptance of funding for the Behavioral Healthcare Service Fund and sewer pump station improvements, as well as the authorization for negotiation of an interim agreement regarding the City Hall and parking garage project.

This strategic plan outlines the City of Portsmouth's direction from 2026 to 2030, focusing on five key pillars. These pillars include prioritizing efficiency and accountability ('Get Stuff Done'), ensuring fiscal discipline and operational integrity ('Financial & Operational Excellence'), driving urban development and economic diversification ('Economic Growth & Citywide Revitalization'), fostering a secure and well-maintained environment ('Safe, Connected, and Thriving Community'), and strengthening educational and workforce development partnerships for future success ('Education, Workforce & Partnerships for the Future'). The plan aims to achieve visible progress, enhance financial stability, stimulate economic growth, improve community well-being, and prepare residents for future opportunities.

The meeting involved a public hearing and discussion regarding a use permit request (UP-16-03) for a duplex at 1413 de Moes Avenue, which staff recommended for approval, noting it aligns with comprehensive plan goals for rehabilitating existing housing stock in a high-density area. A second public hearing covered request UP-16-04 for a flea market at 5,000 Portsmouth Boulevard. Staff recommended denial, citing inconsistency with the comprehensive plan's goals for visual improvement along a major corridor and inappropriate transition to adjacent residential areas. Public comments focused heavily on communication failures by city departments regarding public notification for the proposed flea market. Discussions also clarified setback requirements for the flea market proposal.

Key discussion points included a commitment to expedite the meeting due to a concurrent event. Financial discussions covered the June 30th unaudited fiscal year-end statements, noting a net position of $13,698,280.92 and a net income of $8,135.27 for the year. Detailed reviews were conducted on development properties expenses, grant breakdowns, and responses to treasurer inquiries regarding pledged taxes, accounts payable timing, stormwater fees, and industrial bond revenue fees. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the status of various properties, including 710 Lincoln, 333 336 Victory Boulevard where due diligence concludes on September 30th, 335 Victory (former BK site), 312 5 Victory (perennial stream), and 409 McLain (32 acres). A major focus for 409 McLain and the 3.95-acre site behind the authority involved the need for updated wetland delineations, as the existing survey from 2003-2004 is outdated. Interest in the 409 McLain site for residential development (4-5 units per acre, potentially 40-45 units total) and the 700 Crawford site for a multi-family project were noted. The site behind the authority (3.95 acres) presents significant access and egress challenges, with initial interest from warehouse and hotel developers contingent upon resolving infrastructure and access configuration issues.

The meeting was a joint work session with the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to discuss key economic development initiatives in Portsmouth. Discussions covered the status and opportunities related to several EDA programs, including the Business Investment Grant Program (covering business development, acceleration, and real property investment grants), the Small Business Contracting Institute, the new Small Business Working Capital Loan Program, and the Bloom pop-up retail shop initiative. A significant portion was dedicated to major waterfront development projects, specifically Phase One concerning the Crawford Bay waterfront development, outlining projections for investment, housing units, hotel rooms, and retail/office space. The EDA's advisory relationship with city staff was also highlighted. Updates were provided on the Link District properties, emphasizing blight removal and property assemblage efforts, and the Entertainment District's success metrics, including revenue generation and job creation from the Rivers Casino development.