EDA outlines waterfront, Link District and small-business programs and requests steady city funding

Malcolm Mitchell, chair of the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, told a joint work session of the City Council and EDA that the authority wants a regular allocation of city funds to continue property acquisition, demolition and development support as it advances waterfront, Link District and entertainment‑district projects.

Mitchell said the EDA’s programs include three grant tracks for small businesses, a new working‑capital loan program and a pop‑up retail program called Bloom that showcases locally made products. “We are pleased to launch the first small business working capital loan program, a low interest loan to businesses up to $50,000,” Mitchell said. He also described business development grants (up to $2,000 for startups), business‑acceleration grants and real‑property investment grants used for improvements.

The EDA presented conceptual plans for a mixed‑use waterfront development that Mitchell described as a possible Phase 1 build with roughly 300 multifamily units, a 180‑room boutique hotel, about 60,000 square feet of retail, roughly 40,000 square feet of office and on‑site parking. He said consultants AECOM had been retained to support the solicitation process and that the EDA expects to select a developer in November 2026 if the schedule holds. “We have procured AECOM to help us in the development of the consulting services,” Mitchell said.

Why it matters: the EDA is asking the City Council to provide ongoing funding so it can continue property assemblage and prep work that its leaders say are prerequisites for attracting private development. Council members repeatedly raised questions about zoning, blight removal and infrastructure capacity — items that could affect the timing, scope and viability of private investment.

Council members and staff discussed next steps and concerns. Vice Mayor Moody asked staff to look into whether the city can adopt a higher tax rate for blighted properties to fund cleanup. Councilwoman (first name not provided in transcript) Thomas asked how the EDA’s work aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan; Brian Donahue, Portsmouth director of economic development, said planning staff are part of project committees so developments will be measured against the future land‑use map. Council members also pressed for clarity around how Minority‑ and Women‑owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) goals, contractor capacity and workforce development will be incorporated. Steven Carter, city manager, and staff said MWBE considerations will be built into procurement and that a new staff person will monitor goals and reporting. “MWBE is a part of our DNA,” Carter said.

Mitchell described EDA ownership and activity in the Link District (high‑street properties purchased for assemblage and demolition), and said the authority is considering targeted acquisition, demolition of eyesores and temporary uses such as a proposed Link Mural Park to activate sites until permanent development occurs. Joe Harmon, participating EDA member, said the intention is to repurpose materials and create a temporary public art and event space at 1028 High Street and neighboring parcels while larger redevelopment proceeds. Harmon said some buildings on that parcel would be demolished by year‑end if demolition plans stay on schedule.

The presentation summarized the casino development agreement tied to the Rivers Casino project and adjacent parcels conveyed March 11 (the transcript refers to a developer agreement with Rush Street/BrushStreet). Mitchell said the EDA will have rights to solicit development partners for remaining parcels beginning four years after conveyance (around March 11, 2026) and that after eight years the EDA could terminate the casino agreement for parcels Rush Street has not acquired. He characterized the casino developer as open to EDA outreach but focused on its hotel project for the near term.

Council members asked for specific dollar figures for the EDA’s request; Mitchell said the board would provide a more detailed funding ask later. Several council members said they want public milestones and clearer communications about project phases. Councilman Campbell, who joined a recent visit to Greenville, S.C., urged the city and EDA to use that city’s downtown investments as examples for streetscape, façade grants and placemaking. “They said the key to their growth and development was getting people into downtown,” Campbell said.

Ending: The EDA will provide a detailed funding request to council and continue work on the city‑EDA cooperation agreement and developer solicitation materials. Council members signaled support for active property assemblage but asked staff and the EDA for greater specificity about funding amounts, zoning adjustments, infrastructure needs and MWBE implementation plans before any appropriation.