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West Haven residents tell council city property records and special-exception process are unclear
Summary
A West Haven Civic League representative told Portsmouth council that city property records and the special-exception/zoning process have left residents uncertain about ownership and accountability after tree removals and demolition activity on multiple lots.
Alexandra Westfall, speaking for the West Haven Civic League at the May 12 meeting, urged the Portsmouth City Council to investigate apparent inconsistencies in city property records and to follow up with residents about the special-exception and zoning process adopted in November 2023.
Westfall said neighborhood residents observed a developer conducting tree removal and other demolition activity after the developer told neighbors he owned specific lots. She told council that initial city assessor records did not list the developer as owner, but that records later showed an ownership change as of the end of April. She named specific properties of concern in West Haven — 4108 Scott Street, 4109 Scott Street, 3920 Griffin Street and 3516 Bart Street — and said the city had no record for one address (3516 Bart St) despite occupancy.
Why it matters: Residents said the gap between what is reported in city records and on-the-ground activity is creating a ‘‘gray area’’ for accountability and enforcement. Westfall asked the planning department to meet with neighborhood representatives and to resolve outstanding Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Council response: The chair and other council members acknowledged the concern and the public comment was entered into the record for staff follow-up; no formal action or vote occurred during the meeting.
What happens next: West Haven residents requested a meeting with planning staff; the city manager and planning department were asked to follow up with the civic league and to clarify records or ownership changes cited by the speaker.
Provenance: Public comment by Alexandra Westfall (SEG 572–SEG 655).
