Business & Tech

Portsmouth Officials to Review Development Ban

One city councilor wants to put a freeze on big commercial and residential projects.

The City Council tonight will review a plan to halt big development projects in the city.

Earlier this month, City Councilor Esther Kennedy proposed a one-year moratorium on all projects bigger than 5,000 square feet.

Kennedy made the move after a group called Portsmouth Now! launched an online petition demanding a slowdown in such projects.

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"As historic vistas and open space disappear, large new developments dwarf streetscapes," the group said. "We feel that Portsmouth’s world-renowned historic character—its unique but fragile flavor—is at risk."

The council will hold a work session on Kennedy's proposal tonight at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

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City Attorney Robert Sullivan previously said that such moratoriums are permitted under state law but not necessarily encouraged. He said one would have to be carefully written to avoid lawsuits from developers.

RELATED

  • Esther Kennedy Calls for Development Moratorium
  • Group: Stop Big Development Projects in Portsmouth


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