[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6206869,"mediaKeyId","3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee","parentId",3760181,"title","Portsmouth council advances plan for one free 15‑minute resident parking session via ParkMobile; debate over impacts continues","audioSeconds",1339,"startMs",1355000,"endMs",2694000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee&start=1355&end=2694","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee/thumbnail_1355000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6206869/New-Hampshire/Portsmouth-council-advances-plan-for-one-free-15minute-resident-parking-session-via-ParkMobile-debate-over-impacts-continues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206869-90ebfbf9ea76f57ec7ae31442fcccb0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200673&Signature=klwjt3tdYTOirUkSAjg~htviHSet~yIJJpH~DJAnIHGSF0mKgfFIOQShDIylbkKnHRQ8e1953ktoSUdYTpcArEH2V1dOU3YGHe3TtHlbHDOeY7yYFwD-fck-WoSAnuSv~ybHxIHEmJNdyDw-g2m9-V3~yQYl6LY4-NVNMEB3V2d6jqzbufKlF289SA-EVGkULPm4Cd6xP93v7b4Zwa6mRol2QGsb1lwOemmo7PlaiUaf6SeHoklYijght7bl3BnNleJ6cxALlIjmk~~RRPA-fkdwTGGJ0cjj-RYFzg0NECzjW1x1CKMtklOxko1A0i65bSJ8tLUSWZED6wfPUFXslg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-10T04:19:56Z","article","Portsmouth City Council moved forward Monday night on an amendment to a proposed change in limited downtown parking, directing staff to return the revised ordinance for reading and a public hearing on July 14.

The amendment replaces an earlier proposal to convert selected 15‑minute meters to 30‑minute resident‑only spaces with a program that would let Portsmouth residents claim one free 15‑minute parking session per calendar day anywhere on city metered streets using the ParkMobile smartphone app. Councilors framed the change as a way to let residents “pop in and out” of downtown businesses without searching for quarters or risking paying for longer minimum increments on the app.

Why it matters: The debate touched on three city priorities—supporting downtown businesses, keeping turnover for short‑term parking, and limiting costs to city parking funds. Business groups and the city’s technical advisory panels urged more study before altering parking rules; proponents said a single daily 15‑minute session tied to ParkMobile would be simple and encourage resident patronage without removing short‑term spaces.

Council debate and committee input
The measure followed weeks of discussion in the Parking, Traffic & Safety Committee (PTS) and the Economic Development Commission (EDC). PTS voted to recommend further study, and the EDC reported mixed results from a low‑response survey of downtown businesses: roughly a third said a change would help, a third predicted no impact and about 28% said it could harm business. The EDC suggested pilot ideas such as 15‑minute free parking via ParkMobile and off‑season garage discounts.

At the council meeting, resident speakers said the change could help people running quick errands or picking up curbside orders. Tyler Garza, 62 McKinley, urged the council not to treat short‑term resident parking as “a PR stunt,” and warned that the proposal could cannibalize spaces residents already use. Eric Anderson of 38 George’s Terrace said the step should be studied alongside the parking plan consultant’s recommendations.

Councilors who backed the mayor’s amendment said tying the free session to ParkMobile matters because users can extend time from their phones if they stay longer, and because the app already handles the city’s resident discount. Opponents cited PTS and EDC concerns that the change could reduce turnover and cost the city in transaction fees.

Costs and mechanics
City staff and councilors discussed technical details: the ParkMobile per‑transaction processing fee (discussed in hearing as roughly 25¢–35¢ per initiation) and an early staff estimate that implementing the revised resident free‑15 program at current signup levels could cost roughly $400,000 annually; staff said they would refine that estimate for the July meeting.

Key action and vote
Councilor action began with an amendment to strike the 30‑minute resident concept and replace it with the ParkMobile‑tied 15‑minute resident session once per day. On a roll‑call vote the mayor’s amendment passed 7–2 (Yes: Mayor McCachern, Councilors Tabor, Denton, Blaylock, Bagley, Monroe, Lombardi; No: Councilors Cook and Assistant Mayor Kelly). A second amendment to codify free metered parking of up to three hours for veterans, active military and Gold Star families passed 8–1; that provision was added to the package. The council then voted to move the main ordinance as amended to reading and a public hearing on July 14.

What’s next
Staff will provide a more detailed fiscal analysis (including likely transaction fee impacts and potential offset strategies) and a notice for the July 14 reading and public hearing. Councilors and committee members asked staff to return cost scenarios and possible pilot designs so the council can evaluate alternatives before final adoption.

Ending note
The proposal highlights competing priorities in Portsmouth’s dense downtown: encouraging resident access for quick trips, preserving turnover for businesses, and protecting parking revenues that subsidize resident tax credits. The council’s July hearing will give business groups, residents and advisory committees another opportunity to weigh in.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","6.9.2025 City Council","oneSentenceSummary","Portsmouth City Council moved forward Monday night on an amendment to a proposed parking ordinance to give residents one free 15‑minute metered session per day through the ParkMobile app, and scheduled a public hearing for July 14.","taxTitle","Portsmouth City Council, Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire","taxId",68330,"location","New Hampshire","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6206855,"Council approves transfer of surplus bond funds to school security upgrades; accepts several easements and other administrative items",236,8086000,8322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee&start=8086&end=8322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee/thumbnail_8086000.jpg","/articles/6206855/New-Hampshire/Council-approves-transfer-of-surplus-bond-funds-to-school-security-upgrades-accepts-several-easements-and-other-administrative-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206855-a3254bb26ea10ede8ee21fd85814c4bd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200673&Signature=mjkGSITYCH4ZSOjCQ0l2OTi5GQcenI9rmhL~pcz9tFqFY8eFGq5V-aOt7fIx7v~1Pyzyffvv1aPqykwo54cKrD~d-VTeDP1Wha0yzUh3qQrvZ1IZW05~3JMsGM4gef4b40Wth7s4vdkq9~y00clE0S7~ZNxAQWqOrWNCvD9SoyiD7FQgTVNalH8PF9s32r6dbMx4tcb7jGofDeK~H7A-aWpV7yfsT30TGYLICRk6GpMTjqP4xsh~s0TPol8woxd~fB2XcnBqupHXCABn7zQ-v7l17CFQeD6miOtf~ZmALwiJDh-eNjP8z~RHbn5GvU~SW~uI4vUxAZCbfB2tIKmFIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portsmouth City Council approved a suite of administrative and capital housekeeping items Monday, including a resolution to transfer surplus bond proceeds to school security upgrades and multiple easement acceptances related to ongoing development projects.

Reallocation of bond proceeds for school security
City staff reported that a completed school capital project returned approximately $551,000 in unspent bond proceeds. The council voted unanimously to reappropriate those funds for district security upgrades identified through periodic Homeland Security reviews and school‑system needs. The school district described the planned uses as a mix of access control, camera upgrades and other secure‑entry measures to improve safety at multiple facilities.

Easements and CIP actions
The council authorized staff to accept a series of easements tied to development projects and infrastructure: drainage easements on Islington Street (work tied to the Islington corridor project), access and water service easements at 635 Sagamore Avenue (former Luster King site), community space and drainage easements for 0 Raines Avenue, and access/community easements for 100 Durgin Lane and 2 Russell Street. Legal and planning staff indicated the documents conform to previously approved site plans.

Donations and other approvals
The council accepted several donor gifts: two memorial granite benches (one for Pierce Island and one for the skate park) and a $20,000 donation to the fire department. The council also scheduled public hearings for proposed CIP bond projects and moved several CIP programs forward for July hearing and adoption as part of the FY26 bonding calendar.

What it means
The transfer directs available capital toward near‑term school security needs rather than leaving proceeds idle or returning them to the general fund. The easement acceptances and CIP scheduling clear administrative steps needed to move several development and infrastructure projects forward.

Votes at a glance
- Transfer ~$551,000 in unspent bond proceeds to school security upgrades — Roll call: unanimous approval.
- Acceptance of Islington Street drainage easements — approved.
- Acceptance of multiple site easements (635 Sagamore Ave, 0 Raines Ave, 100 Durgin Lane, 2 Russell Street) — approved.
- Donations (memorial benches and $20,000 to fire department) — accepted.

Ending
Staff will begin implementing the approved security upgrades and proceed with the easement recordings and CIP public hearings as scheduled.","Portsmouth City Council approved a resolution to reallocate unused bond proceeds to school facility security upgrades, accepted multiple donated benches and memorials, and approved city easements and minor CIP scheduling items during the meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6206859,"Council keeps FY26 public hearing open; residents push for spending restraint while some propose shifts for police and schools",1787,5595000,7382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee&start=5595&end=7382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee/thumbnail_5595000.jpg","/articles/6206859/New-Hampshire/Council-keeps-FY26-public-hearing-open-residents-push-for-spending-restraint-while-some-propose-shifts-for-police-and-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206859-3b351780e4b4aa9d98142b61e7c673c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200673&Signature=M3rgEgEWlYv9qO61-5oVEmAKMTc5UhhV-nKanF4psgAobYaPBzOtNoB5vlyyC32a7NL5QQZLr3UaqWtBCFszA2GS5~BYYk8jrizCFQnp2xBEkYDC5EFFnijEG9firUe~qR-TrRWszFpB9XCs8mOc7yhTughot7uLEeSZhU09v1PRPKH0srj2DW4I55XLdH1jX1gmLTwepkkBPI3vJn-vXye9mPGZxwNevrALZ5Ml8tbdlWUX577w3~PXhhYKLtdtx~HRP1PhskEma8Z2VgDgPntCv~1EiXuGRFXUL0oMtjLPI-~AKUEXDnzTxPJeFGbDsZCfG0Y7eYAxX4OWKsNuoQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth City Council extended the public hearing on the fiscal 2026 budget Monday and asked staff and councilors to return with more detailed analyses before a final vote.

Why it matters: The FY26 package contains major items that affect property tax bills: proposed increases for schools and public safety, operating additions across departments, and a proposed bond program. Residents at the hearing urged the council to hold the line on taxes and seek revenue options or deeper cuts.

Public comment highlights
Speakers included long‑time residents, business owners and district advocates. Rick Beckstead, a former mayor, criticized recent multiyear budget growth and urged council scrutiny of “where we spent money,” while Esther Kennedy and others pressed the council to consider revenue options and reductions in middle and upper management.

School and police spending were recurring topics. Cameron (last name not specified), a public commenter, cited a recent independent study saying the police department was efficiently staffed and questioned claims that cutting four vacant police positions would lead to increased violent crime; he urged investment in youth mental health in schools as a prevention measure. Nathan Delaney, speaking in his role with the school district governance, described the school department’s priorities, including requested paraprofessional positions tied to students’ individual needs.

Council discussion and next steps
Councilors previewed amendments they may bring to the final vote. One councilor said he planned to reduce the proposed police increase to 2.01% from the city manager’s number; another suggested a modest increase to the school budget (from 2.89% to 2.94%) to fund specific positions such as middle‑school counseling and several paraprofessionals.

City manager and staff response
The city manager told councilors staff had already trimmed general fund growth and identified more than 15 full‑time positions removed from the manager’s proposed budget. Staff said they would supply fiscal analysis requested by councilors, including the tax‑rate impact of any proposed amendments and any revenue options to offset increases.

Action
The council voted to continue the public hearing and to take further public comment at the next council meeting before final adoption. Councilors asked that any amendments be submitted as early as possible (ideally a few days before the meeting) so the public and staff can review the proposals.

Ending
The extension gives residents and councilors more time to weigh alternatives and for staff to produce the fiscal scenarios necessary for an informed final vote.","Portsmouth extended its public hearing on the fiscal 2026 budget after multiple residents and stakeholders urged scrutiny of staffing and spending increases. Councilors previewed possible amendments to police and school budgets and asked staff to provide options before the final vote.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6206864,"Council postpones final vote on Foundry/Hill/Hanover zoning changes; moves revised proposal to July hearing",5511,7831000,13342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee&start=7831&end=13342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3760181-6009b23928ee33072d0b30b4ec810bee/thumbnail_7831000.jpg","/articles/6206864/New-Hampshire/Council-postpones-final-vote-on-FoundryHillHanover-zoning-changes-moves-revised-proposal-to-July-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6206864-cc9068cb97a349df5ca7dbe88dcf074c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771200673&Signature=PbaK7yC1XbUjmQlf6YbxNHhtY2WyIpXdpMQu2kncilbG3J73EWuaz3JBipxKOKNqJZSXekOldHuzB59Cs3cbpzALVKj0NAYcWJQg-1aVmwtQw5eAYIL8ob5tiriU18oiFIcAfE1ZKKse5prwFCv-MXipOdShYChHC0Yo-jB9LCir15yMdUDhn~PeTOdx~2PcKrH8XFnIB2I1Qlui9iLEgLBWd-rZl49N6pzo5mKcI82P1bWMi25hE87wgdUKfIe7kzVKjU1JfUujO9j5twI4Up-oFIA-pFWCz6aXTIPIKYnojpupSsDY8S92mZeiraZUQphHuH2B8ASbv~CsB5KnPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Portsmouth City Council on Monday agreed to continue consideration of a set of zoning amendments affecting the Foundry Place, Hill Street and Hanover Street area and set a renewed public reading and hearing for July 14.

The proposals would amend the zoning maps in several places: change four parcels now zoned CD‑5 to lower‑intensity character districts, alter the boundary of the Downtown Overlay District and the North End Incentive Overlay, and change building‑height limits along portions of Foundry Place, Hill Street and Rock Street.

Why it matters: The parcels under consideration sit between recently constructed multi‑story condominium and garage projects and a long established Islington Creek residential neighborhood. The amendments would reduce allowable density and building coverage on several undeveloped parcels and change permitted uses; supporters said the revisions would restore a transitional buffer, while developers and some property owners warned the changes could sharply reduce property value and future housing units.

Public hearing and competing views
The council heard detailed testimony from neighbors and property owners during a long public hearing. Neighbors described a two‑decade pattern of large projects encroaching on a small, older residential neighborhood and favor stepped‑down height and fewer intensive uses. Robin Hesselidge, 27 Rock Street, said correcting the zoning is “long overdue” and urged the council to approve the changes to preserve the neighborhood.

Owners and developers urged caution. Attorney John Bozen, representing the owners of 361 Hanover Street, said the proposed district rules would severely reduce the economic value of several properties and reduce potential housing units: he said a 40‑unit project on 361 Hanover could be cut to 14 units under the draft. Co‑owner Steve Wilson said his project already had multiple variances and concessions and that the change could penalize owners who worked with staff and the zoning board.

Technical details and staff history
City planning staff traced the amendments’ history to draft proposals first discussed in 2019–2020, revised after intervening projects (including the Foundry garage and parcel subdivisions) and referred to the planning board for review in 2024. Differences between district categories hinge on dimensional standards (lot coverage, footprint, and a lot‑area‑per‑dwelling requirement that currently does not exist in CD‑5). The main technical change at issue is that the draft adds a CD‑4W (West End) district, which includes stricter lot‑area‑per‑dwelling formulas (2,500–3,000 sq ft per unit, depending on subcategory) and lower allowable footprint than CD‑5, creating nonconformities for several properties.

Council action
Hearing extensive testimony and receiving a planning board recommendation that the matter be considered as part of the city’s master‑plan update, the council voted to continue the reading and public hearing to July 14 and approved an amendment to the noticed language: where staff had proposed CD‑4W designations for certain lots, the council asked staff to replace those with CD‑4 for the July reading (the CD‑4L1 frontage designation proposed for the Hanover street face was left in place).

What’s next
Staff will return a revised zoning map and ordinance language implementing the council’s amendment, together with any planning‑board commentary and technical analyses (including potential economic impact and nonconformity counts) for the July 14 reading and hearing. The council explicitly asked that the matter be coordinated with the forthcoming master‑plan process but decided not to delay further while the master plan begins.

Ending
The continuation gives the public another chance to comment; it also gives staff time to produce the comparative analyses councilors requested — including how many dwelling units and what footprint changes the rezoning would allow or restrict on each affected parcel.","After a lengthy public hearing with neighbors and developers, Portsmouth City Council agreed to carry proposed zoning amendments for the Foundry Place / Hill Street / Hanover Street area to a July reading and public hearing, and directed staff to change several proposed CD‑4W designations to CD‑4 for additional review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Portsmouth council advances plan for one free 15‑minute resident parking session via ParkMobile; debate over impacts continues

Council approves transfer of surplus bond funds to school security upgrades; accepts several easements and other administrative items

Council keeps FY26 public hearing open; residents push for spending restraint while some propose shifts for police and schools

Council postpones final vote on Foundry/Hill/Hanover zoning changes; moves revised proposal to July hearing