Portsmouth City Council voted unanimously to deny a use permit (UP-2509) for a proposed drug- and alcohol-treatment group home at 21 Royal Street.

The clerk read the resolution and noted the Planning Commission recommended denial. Applicant Joe Hector described the proposed 3.1 group home as a follow-up program for individuals leaving inpatient care: up to six residents would stay roughly 90 days and participate in psychoeducational groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, case management and employment services. Hector said staff parking would be in a yard on site and that programming, not visitation, would be the focus.

After the applicant’s presentation the public hearing record showed no public speakers. Council moved to deny the use permit; the clerk called the roll and the resolution to deny UP-2509 was approved by a 6-0 vote.

The council did not provide additional findings on the record during the meeting beyond the Planning Commission's recommendation and the applicant’s presentation. The applicant and property owner (identified in the clerk’s reading as IKEA Investments and Holdings, LP) were present at the meeting. Council members did not take additional testimony at the dais before the vote.