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Planning staff backs Newport Phase 3; schools say they can accommodate growth but request clearer plans
Summary
Planning staff recommended approval of a 394‑unit mixed‑use residential phase in Newport (Use Permit 2603). Portsmouth Public Schools said it can absorb projected students but pushed for transparent, timebound plans — including mobile classrooms and a new PK–8 — to address capacity during buildout.
Planning staff recommended support for Use Permit 2603 on June 2, a proposal to develop Newport phase 3 at 109 Missy Elliot Boulevard in Portsmouth, a roughly 30.5‑acre site envisioned for mixed residential use. Bill Landfair, principal planner, told commissioners that the concept now shows about 394 total dwelling units, a reduction from the 2006 master plan, and that multifamily buildings were revised to four stories to meet stormwater management needs. Staff concluded the design is consistent with the comprehensive plan and city design guidelines and recommended approval.
School capacity was the central concern at the work session. Denzel Kendall, building services coordinator for Portsmouth Public Schools, said the district has historically absorbed students from new housing and that the site is on existing bus routes, adding, “we can accommodate,” though he did not have detailed projections at the table. Michael Quick, the district’s project manager, outlined short‑ and long‑term steps: the district is pursuing adding 12 mobile classrooms at each middle school to move sixth graders out of elementary buildings and is planning a new PK–8 facility near Waterview Elementary; he said rezoning will likely be required for some school site adjustments. A staff member noted the development’s buildout will take about four years, giving the district time to phase accommodations.
Commissioners who identified themselves as parents and nearby residents pressed the district for more transparent, timebound plans to give confidence to prospective homeowners, noting existing portables at Victory Elementary. Commissioners and staff agreed the public hearing should include school‑generation detail; staff has coordinated with the district and said the application was deferred from the May 5 meeting to clarify student‑generation rates. The commission is expected to set a special meeting date before the June 9 city council meeting so the applicant is not further delayed.
