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Portsmouth Council Advances Market Square Splash-Pad Funding After Public Back-and-Forth
Summary
After mixed public comments urging both caution and support, Portsmouth City Council advanced a first-reading ordinance (as amended) to fund splash-pad equipment at Market Square Park; council amended the ordinance to change the funding source and recorded one abstention and one dissenting vote.
Portsmouth City Council advanced an ordinance on first reading Tuesday to assist with purchase and installation of splash-pad equipment for Market Square Park, after residents and councilors debated the size, source and optics of the city’s contribution.
Public speakers pressed both sides of the issue. Laurie Swain urged council to amend the proposal because it would provide a $125,000 grant, a $125,000 zero-interest loan and a $125,000 water-bill credit to a private entity, arguing that the package looks poor “given parks that need support, affordable-housing shortfalls and residents who face water shutoffs.” Michael Graves, presenting a group proposal and reading a prepared statement from donor Jared Brandcamp, said the package was designed to pair private investment with city…
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