Downtown Height Limit: Where Do You Stand?

On Monday night, the Portsmouth City Council voted 5-4 to approve the second reading of a repeal to the conditional use permit system.

The issue is scheduled for a final reading at the council's next meeting. If it passes, the Historic District Commission would no longer have the option of allowing developers to exceed the 45-foot downtown height limit and build up to 60 feet.

The height limit debate has been an extremely divisive one in Portsmouth, with many wanting to preserve the character of the downtown area, and others believing that progress requires some compromise.

What do you think? Do you think the city should have the ability to allow developers to exceed the 45-foot height limit downtown? Or do you think 45 feet is tall enough? Let us know your thoughts in the comments field below.