The City Council meeting held on September 24, 2025, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, featured a significant public comment regarding proposed changes to the downtown area. Christina Leski, a resident of Chevrolet Avenue, addressed the council, urging caution against plans to widen sidewalks and reduce travel lanes in the downtown district.

Leski expressed her concerns by referencing opinions from local residents published in the Portsmouth Herald, including Alan Norelli, Duncan McCollum, and T. Stephen McCarthy, who argued that the current sidewalk width is sufficient and that the proposed changes could lead to increased traffic congestion. She highlighted the views of James Youit, a retired New Hampshire Department of Transportation engineer, who also raised similar concerns during discussions with the parking, traffic, and safety committee.

In her remarks, Leski pointed out that she has not witnessed any incidents of pedestrians colliding on the downtown sidewalks, suggesting that the existing infrastructure is adequate. However, she noted that the roads are often too narrow for the large SUVs prevalent in the area, particularly during winter months. Leski referenced a master plan from the Beta Group, which recommended reducing vehicle congestion rather than increasing it, and warned against the potential negative impact of pedestrianizing downtown, citing an example from Burlington, Vermont, where such changes led to a decline in business activity.

Leski questioned whether the council had adequately surveyed downtown business owners about the proposed changes and suggested trial periods to assess the impact before making permanent decisions. She also raised concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers, especially in light of the city's plans to allocate over $40 million for a new police station, questioning the wisdom of investing further in a project that may not be necessary.

The meeting underscored the importance of community input and thorough analysis before proceeding with significant urban planning changes, as residents voiced their apprehensions about the potential consequences of the proposed downtown modifications.