HOUSING CRISIS CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION
PEOPLE WHO MAKE PORTSMOUTH WORK ARE BEING PRICED OUT

Dear Portsmouth resident,

Welcome to our many new subscribers (catch up on previous newsletters on our webpage). A quick word from the advocates . . . 

CO-LIVING IS HERE: A SOLUTION FOR SMALL-SPACE LIVING

Portsmouth now allows co-living in key parts of the city, including the gateway districts. It's a housing solution for service workers, people in a life transition, seniors who want company, short-term contract workers, and others. Learn more here.

HOUSING CHAT BY THE POND JUNE 16

A great opportunity to chat with other residents and housing advocates. Swing by, enjoy a snack and view of the North Mill Pond, and learn how you can help. RSVP here.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NEEDS TWO ALTERNATES

For the right person, this is a great way to serve the City. The ZBA considers applications that seek a variance or exception to our zoning rules. Once in a while, you even get to decide whether or not someone can keep chickens in their backyard :-) Apply here — your city needs you.

FIVE QUICK STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING THE CRISIS

Sometimes simple data gets to the heart of a complicated story.

1. RENTAL AND HOME PRICES SOARED; WAGES DIDN'T

2. WHAT RENTERS CAN EXPECT TO PAY TODAY

3. IN THE PIPELINE NOW — TARGET = 2,879 NEW RENTALS

4. MOST RENTALS IN PIPELINE OUT OF REACH

But the shortfall of 1,288 doesn't tell the whole story. The 1,115 market-rate rentals already planned will be out of reach for households earning less than $130,000 a year. See below.

5. SO WHO WON'T GET TO LIVE IN PORTSMOUTH?

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Housing Committee  June 12 at 5:30pm City Hall Conf Room A

Agenda to be advised

Planning Board June 18 at 7pm City Hall 

Agenda to be advised

RECENT MEETINGS

Housing Committee May 8. Summary of zoning reform discussion