Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: council approves multiple municipal licenses, name change and lease actions
Summary
The Portsmouth City Council took a number of routine and item-specific actions on March 17, approving easements, licenses and other manager items that affect public access, private construction and municipal leasing.
The Portsmouth City Council took a number of routine and item-specific actions on March 17. Below are the principal motions recorded and their outcomes.
99 Bow Street — public deck easement and license The council authorized the City Manager to accept and approve a quitclaim deed of easement and a license for public access at 99 Bow Street (Martingale LLC). The license accommodates a deck that extends over the Piscataqua River; the underlying fee interest is held by the State of New Hampshire and the license reflects that nuance. Council discussion confirmed a requirement that public access include signage and that ADA access will be provided through the building while the building is open. Motion carried on voice vote; a recusal was noted in the discussion record.
70 Maplewood Avenue — third extension of temporary construction license The council authorized a third 60-day extension of the temporary construction license for work at 70 Maplewood Avenue (extension through May 31). Staff cited delays from seasonal asphalt-plant closures, weather and a delayed brick replacement. Motion carried on voice vote.
Haven Court private street name change to Newbury Way Council approved renaming the private street between High Street and Fleet Street from Haven Court to Newbury Way. Public-works, 9-1-1 and emergency dispatch reviewed the request and had no objections. Motion carried on voice vote.
Farmers market license — Seacoast Eat Local (upper lot, City Hall) Council authorized the City Manager to execute a license agreement with Seacoast Eat Local to operate the farmers market on Saturday mornings from May 3 through Oct. 25, 2025; staff noted a modest increase in accessible parking and relocation of the city tent to Connor's Cottage steps. Motion carried on voice vote.
Players' Ring lease amendment authorization Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a lease amendment (extension) with the Players' Ring to allow more time to finalize a 10-year capital-improvement plan; staff said a full lease renewal will be returned to the council before June 30. Motion carried on voice vote.
Consent agenda and revocable license to Chris Adams (66 Coakley Road) The council adopted the consent agenda and authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute a revocable license for 66 Coakley Road (see separate article for background). Assistant Mayor Kelly abstained from the related vote; the motion carried.
Dinah Chase Whipple memorial donation Council accepted a donation from Appledore Marine Engineering to support a memorial and headstone for Dinah Chase Whipple in North Cemetery; a dedication is scheduled for June 13 at 1 p.m. Motion carried on voice vote.
Why it matters: these routine and site-specific actions affect public access, municipal property naming, ongoing construction projects and city leases. Most motions passed on voice votes; several items included requested reporting back to council or conditions (signage, ADA access, final lease terms).
