HOUSING PIPELINE BLUES

Dear Portsmouth resident,

Some promising zoning changes and proposals on the horizon (thank you, Planning Board and Housing Committee). We want the city to turn the housing pipeline blues (listen and weep) into a happier song.

REMINDER!!!: TONIGHT'S MASTER PLAN KICK-OFF 5:30 AT THE LIBRARY

A once-in-a-decade chance to help shape future Portsmouth. 

NO SUGAR-COATING: WE'RE STILL IN A HOUSING HOLE

In the end, the ONLY measure of housing success are new units showing up in the pipeline, which spans first planning application to actual occupancy. Reminder:

• We need 2,800+/- rental units by 2030 to address unmet demand
  
• Rental units in pipeline now: 1,215 market-rate + 396 "affordable"
• Current waitlist of 340 families will absorb nearly all affordable units planned before 2030

NOTES FOR PIPELINE GRAPHIC

Excludes projects not on city radar (i.e. 80+ potential units on Durgin Ln).

A household with median income of $106,000 should spend no more than $2,200 on rent, single person earning $75,000, no more than $1,800. Portsmouth offers very little housing at those rents

HELP US MOVE THE NEEDLE

A quick email with a brief message to decision makers reminds the city you're paying attention. For example, tell them you support moving faster on housing. Our elected officials always appreciate hearing from more constructive voices.

✅ Contact all Councilors here.

✅ Planning Board here.

✅ Housing Committee here.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

⭐⭐⭐ Planning Board Sept 18 at 7pm Council Chambers

Agenda, full meeting packet, quick glance at zoning amendments
A chance to support proposed co-living solution at 134 Pleasant St.

RECENT MEETINGS

Quick-glance summary of Sept 11 Housing Committee meeting
Kudos: some much-needed movement on zoning reform.

IN THE NEWS

Seacoastonline (subscription required)

Article: 8 Co-Living Units Proposed for 14 Market Square
Article: 43 Co-Living Units Proposed for 134 Pleasant

Article: 40 Market-Rate Units at 361 Hanover

EVERY CRISIS NEEDS A THEME SONG: CLICK TO PLAY