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Planning board approves two takeout kiosks, public restrooms and Newbury Way tie-in at Gillies site
Summary
The Portsmouth Planning Board approved site-plan changes at 175 Fleet Street to add two takeout structures, new restrooms, a licensed trash compound and streetscape work tying into Newbury Way, with conditions including a lumen-level lighting plan and restrictions on amplified outdoor music.
The Portsmouth Planning Board on Jan. 22 approved a site plan for enhancements to the Gillies Restaurant property at 175 Fleet Street that will add two takeout food-service structures, public restrooms and on-site landscaping as part of a coordinated Newbury Way streetscape plan.
The board voted to adopt staff findings and grant site-plan approval for Ralph 1912 LLC’s application, subject to technical conditions and several items to be satisfied before building permits. The planning staff had forwarded the project with a recommendation after the Technical Advisory Committee reviewed the proposal and recommended approval with seven conditions.
John Changen, representing the applicant, described plans for two takeout kiosks, a gated trash compound to be licensed by the city for use by nearby businesses, new bike racks, and lighting and safety upgrades that will align with future Newbury Way improvements. “We’re showing Newbury Way being lowered to its future elevation as part of this project,” Changen said, describing the project’s role in advancing adjacent public improvements.
Board members focused on lighting, restroom access and trash management during the public hearing and deliberations. Project architect Tracy Kak said the new structures will be illuminated on all four sides with recessed downlighting and corner sconces to avoid dark spots. Kak also confirmed the applicant provided a night-illumination rendering and said the team will submit a lumen-level lighting plan for staff review. “We provided the night illumination exhibit,” Kak said, and agreed to deliver the lumen plan before building permit issuance.
On restroom access, the project team said the restrooms will be publicly accessible on site without a kiosk key while businesses are open; the board asked that hours and operations be clarified in licensing and permit documents. On trash, the board required that any work or improvements proposed on city property — including the proposed trash compound and kiosks — must be reviewed by legal and planning staff and be approved by City Council under a license agreement.
The board added three applicant-proposed conditions during deliberations: a construction management mitigation plan, a shoring plan stamped by a structural engineer for Newbury Way work, and a lighting/lumen plan addressing illumination in the rear restroom area and adjacent alley. The board also added a condition prohibiting amplified outdoor music on the site.
The decision directs staff to confirm final wording of the conditions and to carry forward the Technical Advisory Committee’s recommendations; the applicant must record any required easements and obtain Council approval for improvements on city property before building permits are issued.
The board’s action was unanimous on the motion to grant site-plan approval. The project will next proceed to licensing and final permitting steps with city staff and City Council involvement.
