Council votes to request interlocal commission with Bristol to seek ferry parking solutions for Prudence Island

Prudence Island residents told the Portsmouth Town Council on Feb. 10 that a parking shortage at the Bristol ferry landing is causing hardship for year‑round residents and commuters, and they asked Portsmouth to pursue an interlocal cooperation commission (ICC) with the town of Bristol.

Robin Weber, speaking for the Bristol Parking Work Group, said parking within a half‑mile of the ferry landing in Bristol has effectively disappeared and that the change affects island residents’ ability to commute to work, access services and remain living on the island. Weber said the loss of convenient parking has forced some residents to consider selling homes, move off‑island or change jobs.

Weber asked the council to request an ICC with Bristol so island residents, Portsmouth and Bristol would have a structured forum to explore parking solutions and to quantify needed spaces. Weber also referenced the town’s comprehensive plan (cited in the request as “T 3.2 b”) and asked the council to act.

Councilors discussed next steps and noted an ICC requires both towns’ buy‑in; several councilors and staff said an official request from Portsmouth carries more weight. The council voted 6–0 to request establishment of an interlocal cooperation commission with Bristol to explore parking options specifically related to Prudence Island ferry access.

Councilors asked the administration to gather prior studies and options explored in earlier years for potential ferry landing/parking alternatives and to report back. Councilors and speakers also discussed possible long‑term alternatives, including evaluating alternate Portsmouth sites for a ferry terminal or landing, but agreed any relocation or infrastructure change would be a multi‑year undertaking requiring grants and intergovernmental coordination.

Action: motion to request an ICC with Bristol passed 6–0.