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Study Circle 6: Wentworth
Portsmouth Listens
Wentworth Study Circle
March 14, 2003
The Wentworth Study Circle believes that the new master plan for Portsmouth should be responsive to the interrelated needs and desires of the total community. We understand that particular items of concern do not exist free from their diverse and dynamic interactions within the total community. Portsmouth is not a particular area, event, or person. Portsmouth is the joint force and full result of all of the people, places, and events.
The four general areas that the Wentworth Study Group focused on are:
1. The Culture, Lifestyle and Character of Portsmouth
2. Economics and Commerce of Portsmouth
3. Land Use and Zoning
4. Transportation
Please note: (*) Next to statements or bullets represent some disagreement on the point within the group.
Portsmouth has a lot going for it.
Portsmouth has a deep water port, an airport with one of the longest runways in the country, space at Pease for commercial and recreational development, an interstate highway, nearby state university, strongly supported educational, fire, and safety departments. These combined with Portsmouth's natural and man-made sites, diverse cultural and recreational offerings, result in Portsmouth being one of the most desirable communities to live in, work in, and visit.
Portsmouth is not a collection of isolated people, places, and events.
The Wentworth Study Circle believes Portsmouth's new master plan should be responsive to the interrelated long-term needs and interests of the total community. The vast majority of related items and concerns do not exist in isolation. They exist as a part of the diverse and dynamic interactions of the total community. Portsmouth is not a particular area, event, or person. It is the joint force and full result of the people, places, events, and history that are Portsmouth.
Keeping the Portsmouth we love is not a spectator sport.
Portsmouth should preserve and enhance its remarkable combination of human, natural, and physical assets. These assets so enjoyed by people today are a result of the courage, generosity, and foresight of people throughout Portsmouth's history. It is now our time to actively work to preserve and enhance the Portsmouth we love. We have to keep in mind and defend against those who, for quick profit and short-term interests, would negatively impact Portsmouth.
What's in a word?
People and organizations use words such as progress, growth, and development for their own reasons. Certainly we can all think of positive and negative types of progress, growth, and development. Let us not become lazy in our use or unquestioning of others use these terms.
Local Interests are long term (Beware Special Interests)
The best results for Portsmouth have been designed and developed over time by those with long-term interests in the community. Portsmouth has to be on guard against big government short-term fads and those with short-term financial interests.
Low cost housing should be integrated into the community.
There is a need for more lost cost housing. This can best be accomplished by integrating (in size and style) low cost housing throughout the community. Large developments tend to isolate, restrict, and classify their occupants and decrease in value over time. Housing integrated throughout the community would provide for inclusion and long-term human and financial value.
Long-term and local businesses (small and large) should receive strong continued support.
It is important that Portsmouth retains and promotes those who have contributed throughout the years.
Portsmouth should retain and promote artisans (artists, woodworkers, glass workers, etc.)
A location to serve as an incubator for the development and presentation of their work should be developed.
The young adult population needs welcoming (non-alcoholic) locations within the Market Square area.
Young adults should be included in discussions related to providing them an attractive mix of resources.
1. The Culture, Lifestyle, Character of Portsmouth
Introduction
There are some cities throughout the world that people simply love to live in, work in, and visit. Included among such cities are Paris, Barcelona, Charleston, and Portsmouth. These cities share a number of common qualities. Their buildings are low enough to provide a view of large areas and an open safe feeling. Their major water bodies are visible and accessible to the community. They are inclusive in regard to people, the arts, and commerce. They are 'people' orientated in things social, recreational, and commercial.
Portsmouth having missed being chopped up by urban renewal retains a mix of wonderful attributes that should be preserved.
The physical architecture of Portsmouth (buildings, sidewalks, and parks) and its natural attributes (river, harbor, and seacoast being visually and physically accessible) must be preserved.
Portsmouth's rich mix of community assets should be preserved.
The individuals, families, groups, and organizations that live, work, and visit Portsmouth have provided, within these physical attributes, a rich mix of community resources and experiences that enhance the Portsmouth 'life style'. These provide theatre and arts for all ages, playgrounds for young children, athletic facilities for all ages, numerous restaurants, and the joy of simply walking around and enjoying Portsmouth.
A problem is that 'downtown' events have to be more inclusive.
There is a lack, within the downtown area, of (non alcoholic) entertainment that appeals to teenagers, people who like to see a 'regular' movie (not an 'art' movie), pick up some groceries, or medicine.
A problem is that too many people think of Portsmouth as if it were completely contained within Market Square, Prescott Park, and Strawberry Bank - and - think of Portsmouth in terms the adult population that frequents the restaurants and establishments that serve alcohol.
It may be natural for tourists to focus on these areas but a fact remains that the majority of people who live and work here do so outside of these particular areas.
Commercial establishments should be encouraged to integrate with Portsmouth culture.
Many commercial establishments contribute to Portsmouth's culture via their appearance, quality, and service. More should be encouraged to join them.
Portsmouth's working port should be developed as a tourist attraction.
The large cargo ships and their related operations could provide for very interesting activities, views and tours.
Culture/character/lifestyle of Portsmouth Bullets
Things that are nice
Things we just don't like
Things that we'd like to see in the future
Questions to think about
How do you provide the arts so that they are affordable?
How do you keep the artist when they can't afford to live here?
How do we provide more affordable housing overall?
Education is part of the culture of the town, it relates to all aspects of the town.
2. Economics/Commerce of Portsmouth
Portsmouth requires a mix of inter-supporting businesses that provide for the year round needs and wishes of those that live and work in Portsmouth as well as tourists.
A general concern here is that the goals of retaining, developing, and activating things economic are in harmony with the long-term goals of the people who live and work here. We have seen in the structure and effect of Federal Government buildings and isolated commercial developments the negative effects that planning and activating from afar in distance and/or purpose from the community can bring.
You can see a lot just by looking. We clearly see that strip malls and many other commercial developments are simply eyesores. Their appearance starts to decay from the first day they open. If they had included trees, shrubs, walks, and other long-term enhancements their resulting appearance and potential for long-term positive growth would be enhanced.
Pleasing life-style is a good investment. The brick sidewalks, playgrounds, older houses, and water views are an important part of the economic life of Portsmouth. They are part of the reason people live, work, and visit here. They are a major reason that people see Portsmouth as a good investment of their tax dollars.
We have ample evidence of shortsighted development. Ocean Road is over run by truck traffic. Strip malls surround Portsmouth. These did not happen by accident. They happened because of the lack of long-term goals, shortsighted local and state officials -and- and the lack of proactive communities.
We should have a coordinated development of the Pease complex. The harbor, rail systems, and road travel (car, bus, and truck); housing and related commercial, recreational, and educational resources should be integrated into a comprehensive whole. Bordering neighborhoods (houses, streets, and establishments) should be integrated within the any such plan.
There is not a pattern of supporting commercial locations around Market Square. The stores focus on somewhat narrow goods and services and do not benefit from the more steady and four season traffic that the addition of a grocery store, drug store, movie house, etc. would provide.
The current site of the Federal building down town should have its future planned 'out in the open', with wide local participation and integrated with Market Square. The site should be a natural part of Market Square not a building located near Market Square. It should include and enhance current business, social, and cultural attributes.
Current commercial establishments should be part of the planning and development process and not eliminated because of it.
Economics/Commerce Bullets
Things that are nice
Things we just don't like
Things that we'd like to see in the future
Points and questions to think about
Keep money that is made here within the community. Create a self-sufficient plan. Good planning might make that happen.
We need to consider the education system and standardized test. The quality of schools is directly related to who buys real estate in the town. In many cases people will move their children to other places-private education. (Based on standardized test scores)
If schools decline, active citizens (parents) don't participate in the community any more (as much)
Concern about quality beyond the middle school level.
It would be nice to see more technology in the area to offer distance learning, partnerships with area high educational institutions and increase our educational opportunities and learning base. Portsmouth could export learning to other parts of the state. Seton Hall University has a good example.
We could tap into those teachers that have expertise and share that on a broader scale. Also, makes use of expertise in the community: teachers bring in people and act more as managers of information…
It would be good if as a community we could priorities all these different town projects that are out there - the river walk, Islington street development etc. What does the community want, need?
How to make Portsmouth self sustaining, money made here stays here
3. Land Use/ Zoning
Land use and zoning must be planned and activated with long-term use and benefits in mind and in balance with that which we want to preserve and that which, in fact, needs improvement.
It is important to consider land use and zoning as an investment that will result in a profit for the people who live and work in Portsmouth. The investment should result in the profit of enhancing the lives of all. The profit would include lower taxes, a pleasing visual setting, and opportunities for cultural and recreational organizations. An industrial development can be visually pleasing and include grounds that provide for trees and walkways.
In all of the aspects of planning we have to be careful to not become lazy in our use or understanding of words such as change, progress, development, and growth. These are buzzwords that developers and special interests use as if all change, progress, development, and growth are positive. There are simply too many examples of the disastrous results that have resulted from 'development', 'change', and 'progress'.
Developments within Portsmouth should mirror the over-all objectives of the city. There is no reason why mall developments should not have included landscaping in their developments. The open tar parking lots of the malls would be more pleasant, receptive, and have longer-term value if, as a minimum, trees and small bushes were planted within and around them.
Portsmouth is a small city, which is visually and physically available to the people who are here. The low buildings provide for a feeling of not being confined or isolated and for feeling safe and part of the larger community.
The people of Portsmouth appreciate the rewards of being able to take their children and grandchildren out for a walk or to a playground, view the water, and many of the visual attributes of the city. Views of the city and the water, pleasant walks throughout the city, Prescott Park, Strawberry Bank, ponds, and playgrounds are examples of wonderful land use.
The preservation, restoration of natural resources, the success of small locally owned businesses, a rich mix of commercial and artistic resources, and the means to make them accessible to the general community are positive land uses.
We have to realize that, no matter how much pressure is applied by those with short-term profits in mind, some things are better left as they are. Sometimes things are just right as they are. Development, commercial, cultural, homes, etc. should be in harmony with the over-all character of Portsmouth. Short term and short sighted development not only rob people of the things they currently like but most often are very expensive in the long term -and- do not support the desired life style of the majority.
If you are going to do something then do it right in the first place. A cheap sidewalk installed will, after having to be repaired and replaced several times is more an obstacle than passageway and will, within a short period, cost many times what a well installed brick sidewalk would cost. We will have ample opportunity to observe this as the warmer weather (finally) appears and the various states of sidewalk and roadway disrepair appear. And the brick sidewalk provides visual, recreation, and transportation value. We use this example to illustrate that doing something well the first time usually provides for economical, social, and commercial success. We have to keep the simple pleasures of daily life in mind as we evaluate the larger projects.
Land Use and Zoning Bullets
Things that are nice
Things that we'd like to see in the future
Services - maybe creating a policy to be conscience of appearance
Points and questions to think about
Perhaps there is too much historic preservation when there is a housing shortage
Spread/integrate affordable housing - verses low income segregation
More rental units verses single family houses can be problematic-people caring less for their community-enforcing zoning laws
Architecture, old comparable to older cities accessible to other amenities
Pease and land planning, how that land gets used?
(Dover up river on the Cocheco) What are the environmental concerns from dredging the river?
Establish advisory group who may be able to facility/provide expertise relating to city projects - work with retailers, home owners (people who know about signs, trees, architecture etc.
What do we want Portsmouth to be known for now and in the future?
People feel safer in neighborhoods with low buildings*
Protecting the old while letting in the new. Don't just tear down buildings because it's cheaper; consider building history and quality. Although dealing with the historic district can be challenging, but it is worth doing to keep the integrity of the town.
How do we also work with that circle when we want to do something that may be a little different? I.e. Dance club or lounge in a historical building.
How do we introduce alternative businesses to restaurants and retail stores? There seems to be opposition to alternative businesses.
More units add more cars to already crowded neighborhoods with limited parking.
Portsmouth needs to also consider our natural resources when thinking about our zoning laws. We need to be progress in our thinking in this area as well. The size of lots -leaving open space and density issues. Development with water quality in mind - just progressive thinking. Why do we remove all the natural qualities of an area when a big development comes in?
Typically developers who are abusive to the land live outside of town.
How do we expand the "downtown" feeling outside - like at Pease? Avoiding that cookie cutter feeling.
Part 4 Transportation
Portsmouth's deep water port, airport (long runway), roads and walkways, interstate highways, waterways, and diverse economic, recreational, and cultural events result in the need for an efficient transportation system to be integrated within and around an historic setting that includes many narrow and twisting streets and walkways.
Transportation is part of the daily life of Portsmouth and should be evaluated in relation to its effect on the whole.
The various roads and their components should be planned to blend in and reinforce the quality of their effected neighborhoods and the desired life style of the city. There does not appear to be a clear general perception of the available public transportation. And, the public transportation that is available is not convenient in terms of routes and times for many of the people that live and work here. Portsmouth should take a survey of the transportation needs of the people who live and work here. This survey should be inclusive of neighborhoods, age groups, and businesses.
Transportation within the city requires better directions and information.
Some areas of the city do not have public transportation for their general daily needs. There is a lack of convenient public transportation to places such as Portland, Manchester, and Boston. City highway safety and directional signage is often inadequate, inconsistent, not always well thought out. Many street name signs are unreadable or lacking. Many traffic lights can not be viewed when looking into setting sun in winter (lights with white flashing bar are some help
Better information is needed for Navigating the city (maps, driving, walking, buses)
A better map (or set of maps) is needed to show streets, highways, one-way streets, parking, etc. Maps published for local tourist promotion and real estate use are incomplete, inaccurate, hard to read, poorly designed, and misleading in scale. Good maps are an excellent way to raise awareness of regional history and various local resources and to direct foot and automobile traffic
Portsmouth is a city that invites you to walk.
The brick sidewalks, open spaces, low attractive buildings, and natural resources invite people to walk.
Hanover-High garage is easy for visitors to find and does encourage them to park and walk around the city. Continued development of sidewalks and pedestrian (only) areas seems very desirable. Good lighting and good public architecture (benches, trash receptacles, etc.) should always be included. A great pedestrian attraction would be a continuous river walk extending from Prescott Park to Ceres Street (near the tugboat dock) and include views of the working port.
There is a need to integrate the car, bus, boat, train, and plane transportation resources.
Trains:
Commuter rail service (light rail) may still come to Portsmouth and it could be a great thing for the entire Piscataqua region. It would be important to link bus service to train service, otherwise the in-town-parking problem (shortage) will get worse.
Buses:
Bus service to Boston, Logan and Manchester from the Park and Ride Terminal (near Pease) seems excellent. The facilities are fine; parking is good ( free!); the buses are clean and comfortable and affordable.
Air transportation:
Pease is the centerpiece of air transportation in the Piscataqua region. Development of Pease as a trade port and it should be developed and expanded.
Transportation Bullets
Things that are nice
Things we just don't like
Things that we'd like to see in the future
Points and questions to think about
Signage issues
Transportation as related to sprawl, skateboarding rollerblading, biking
Why doesn't the public transportation (buses) give change?
What about "transfer" fares?
It is good to get utilities and power lines underground. It is worth the cost. It helps keep residential real estate values high.
Fear of planning board being cliquish or catering to special interest groups.
Keeping police and fire departments as integral to the community - support them. Good investment! Know them and respect them!
Transportation to other areas - Kittery, smaller movie theater, outside communities. How many people would actually use it if it were more accommodating - what is the public demand?
What else can be done with the airport - such a long runway? How can we grow this asset?
What about the port? Many people love that it is a working port - almost like a tourist attraction. The work is the entertainment and the culture of the town.
Consider what construction constraints cause- doing too many projects at once-need to coordinate- do not cause traffic to come to grinding stop
It is nice to have a working Port - which adds to the over all feeling and culture - lets think of public transportation and other pedestrian transport and trolley - none automotive use - congestion,
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