HOUSING UPDATE #21 A WIN FOR PROPOSED NEW CO-LIVING PROJECT
Dear Portsmouth resident,
A big thanks to young advocates, Bella Romero, Logan Roy, Marcio von Muhlen, and Ellie Cokely for speaking so eloquently at the January 16 Planning Board meeting, on behalf of affordable co-living units in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. [Many ways you too can help.]
The board granted parking relief to the project, opening the door to a desired co-living project to house 82+/- individuals, many close enough to work to walk there. Bella and Ellie deserve special thanks. How many people in their early 20s do you know who would spend an evening at a Planning Board meeting? 👍 Respect!
Meet Portsmouth resident Logan Roy. A former submariner, Logan is happy to call Portsmouth home. He understands the challenges facing the creation of affordable housing but has educated himself and is lending a hand to local efforts. Thanks, Logan!
YOU DON'T HAVE TO ZONE OUT ON ZONING
This national zoning atlas is a very quick and graphic way to grasp zoning in Portsmouth, and how complicated it has grown over the years.
WORKFORCE HOUSING SETBACK
A bump in the road for the Christ Episcopal Church workforce housing project on Lafayette Road. Some of the original land owner's wishes appear to conflict with the church's current plans. A lot of people want this project to happen, so we're cautiously optimistic.
NEW MASTER PLAN PROCESS TO START SOON
Heads up! The City will soon announce the process for updating our Master Plan. The Master Plan represents our overall vision for the City and its future. Our Zoning Ordinance - all 355 pages of it - is the regulatory mechanism meant to make this happen. Currently, they are out of sync; our zoning often conflicts with our housing needs. This is a critical time for the future of housing. Jump-start your thinking here.
ZONING IS NOT CHILD'S PLAY
Not child's play but in just 240 seconds, you'll be able to explain it to your children. Watch our short info-animation 😀.
In the coming weeks PROGRESS PORTSMOUTH will launch a resources page on our web site, where you find everything you need to know to advocate for housing in Portsmouth. Regardless of skills and available time, there's something for everyone who wants to lend a hand.
CONSIDER A SMALL DONATION
We run on 1,000+ volunteer hours a year. We reach out to Portsmouth residents via a very modest budget for social media ads; $35 buys a weeklong Facebook ad. If you can help us with that, thank you.
