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PPIC and city staff outline waterfront redevelopment plan, cruise/tall-ship needs and harbor‑master considerations
Summary
Staff briefed commissioners on two waterfront redevelopment zones including the Crawford Bay site and a longer-term civic center redevelopment, discussed infrastructure needs for cruise and tall-ship visits and advised adding harbor‑master functions to manage increased waterfront activity.
The Portsmouth Port and Industrial Commission received an update Tuesday on waterfront redevelopment plans, docking needs for cruise and tall ships, and related operational gaps.
Port staff described Crawford Bay — the six‑acre site of the former Holiday Inn — as a priority for private redevelopment. The consultant’s market analysis identified potential for mixed‑use development including more than 300 residential units, a 180‑room hotel, retail and entertainment, and replacement parking. Staff said it hopes to issue a solicitation package to the development community by the end of the calendar year and target a developer selection in 2026.
Staff and Council members also discussed the Civic Center complex as a longer‑term, more complicated redevelopment opportunity requiring relocation of active city functions including City Hall and the jail. "That is a 3 to 5 year plan in the second phase of development," staff said, adding that early planning and relocation work is underway.
Commissioners raised operational needs for visiting vessels. Councilmember comments and port staff noted that recent waterfront improvements did not include shore hookups for potable water, sewage or electrical connections that visiting cruise or tall ships may need. The city has engaged with American Cruise Lines about increasing calls to Portsmouth; staff said American Cruise Lines asked mainly for a potable water connection and that addressing shore‑side hookups could increase ship calls.
Several commissioners suggested creating or formalizing a harbor‑master function to coordinate arrivals, hookups and short‑term docking rules. A commissioner said the police department currently handles harbor issues as a low‑priority item and recommended a standing harbor coordinator or commission to manage berthing, connections and enforcement of time‑limit rules for vessels.
The commission discussed the need to include specific waterfront ‘desirements’ in the EDA’s request for proposals so developers would plan for vessel access and shore infrastructure rather than retrofitting later. Commissioners asked staff and the EDA to incorporate those requirements as the solicitation is developed.
