Concerns over parking and density variances dominated the Portsmouth Planning Board meeting on August 14, 2025, as board members scrutinized a proposal from Church Community Housing. The discussion highlighted the stark differences between two lots involved in the project, raising questions about the feasibility and practicality of the proposed plans.

The North Lot, which is seeking a significant density variance of 28,000 square feet, has drawn particular attention due to its configuration and the number of bedrooms—34 in total. Board members expressed concerns about the adequacy of parking, noting that while the proposal includes 17 parking spaces, the standard requirement based on the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) guidelines would only necessitate 12 spaces. This raised eyebrows, as some members questioned why the North Lot required a larger density variance compared to the South Lot, which appeared to meet parking requirements without issue.

One board member pointed out the potential for parking overflow, suggesting that residents might park in the South Lot and cross the street rather than using designated crosswalks. This speculation underscored the need for careful consideration of pedestrian safety and traffic flow in the area.

The discussion also touched on the goals of Church Community Housing, which aims to create two separate buildings while adhering to various design standards. However, the complexities of the lot configuration and the resulting need for variances prompted calls for minimizing the number of requested exceptions to zoning regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized the importance of balancing development goals with community needs, particularly regarding parking and density. The outcome of this proposal remains to be seen, but the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by planners in accommodating growth while ensuring safety and compliance with local regulations.