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Residents urge cemetery repairs and expanded youth programming at Portsmouth City Council meeting
Summary
Public commenters asked council to repair the 1850s Oakrove/Portlock Cemetery wall and iron fencing and called for year-round youth engagement; council members directed staff to prepare options and highlighted Portsmith United programs for spring break.
Several Portsmouth residents used public comment on March 10 to raise neighborhood preservation and youth-programming concerns.
Lindseay Jones, a West Park View resident, urged the city to repair and preserve a brick wall that runs along Pennsylvania Avenue at Oakrove/Portlock Cemetery and to maintain iron fencing along London Boulevard. Jones said the wall — constructed in the 1850s — is deteriorating, has experienced dumping and vandalism, and provides a historic boundary and a sense of security for the neighborhood. "The wall at present creates a feeling of security and peace for the residents of West Parkview," she said, and asked the city to adhere to code-enforcement standards and to treat repairs as a historical conservation priority.
Vice Mayor Moody and other council members acknowledged the cemetery's historic value and asked City Manager Steven Carter to return options and cost estimates for repair versus replacement. Council asked staff to evaluate remedies that would preserve historic character where feasible.
Sergio O'Neal urged more year-round youth programming, not only concentrated spring- or summer-break activities, and proposed a youth-focused town hall to gather young people's views. Council members and staff described Portsmith United activities, including a multi-organization 'Peace Week' and an app called Portsmith Buzz that lists programs and schedules. Councilwoman Bryant said Portsmith United is finalizing plans and that community organizations are coordinating free programming for youth during spring break.
A public commenter, David Whitfield, attempted to raise concerns about police records and FOIA responses; council members reminded him that some legal matters may be outside the council's direct authority, enforced decorum and time limits, and encouraged use of established FOIA and internal-affairs channels for detailed investigations.
Next steps: city staff will prepare options and cost estimates for cemetery wall repair or replacement and report back to council. Portsmith United organizers will continue to publicize spring-break and year-round youth programming through advertised channels including the Portsmith Buzz app.
