Council advances Islington Creek zoning changes after neighborhood debate; third reading set for Sept. 24

Portsmouth City Council on Monday advanced an amendment to the city zoning map affecting the Islington Creek neighborhood between Bridge, Rock and Hill streets, approving second reading and setting a third and final reading for Sept. 24. The ordinance would remove several parcels from the North End Incentive Overlay District and the Downtown Overlay District, and reclassify some lots from Character District 5 (CD‑5) to Character District 4 (CD‑4). Planner Peter Stith described the changes as modest boundary adjustments that “remove that ability for those lots to take advantage of that incentive” in exchange for clearer front‑door commercial requirements and parking standards. He summarized the measure as narrowing overlay boundaries, aligning the incentive overlay with Foundry Place, and connecting a 2–3 story (40‑foot) height standard along a segment of Rock and Hill streets. Supporters at the public hearing said the rezoning corrects longstanding mismatches between intense downtown zoning and adjacent historic neighborhoods. Robin Huslidge (27 Rock Street) and K. Waldwick (Parker Street) urged the council to approve the changes now rather than wait years for the master-plan process; they said CD‑4 provides a transition that is “better than CD‑5.” Property owners in the Ferguson Building (Map 125 Lot 16) opposed the proposed overlay boundary, saying the current plan would “cut through part of that building” and create uncertain development restrictions; several speakers asked the council to exempt 126 Bridge Street from changes. Brad Gray and John Grama, property owners, said the proposed line is “confusing” and could limit future options for their building. Councilors and staff emphasized the changes affect mostly already‑developed lots and will be revisited in the upcoming master‑plan process. Councilor Denton, who supported advancement, said the changes would not increase density and in some places decrease it; others noted that removal of the incentive overlay would eliminate the extra-story option that required workforce housing and community space in exchange. Planner Stith confirmed the proposed change does not alter maximum heights for the affected lots but does remove certain incentive allowances and changes where ground-floor commercial is required. The council recorded a roll-call vote after discussion; one councilor was recused from the vote. The council directed that the third and final reading be scheduled for Sept. 24, 2025, when the ordinance will return for final action.