Portsmouth City Blog: News from Portsmouth N.H.

Budget Time

Charles McMahon — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:18:58 +0000

City Manager John Bohenko earlier this month unveiled a proposed $91.49 million budget that, if fully approved, would mean a 57-cent tax rate increase in the coming year.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2013 budget, which is subject to changes over the next few months, calls for the city’s property tax rate to rise from $17.27 to $17.84. The increase would translate to a $150 yearly tax hike for a property assessed at $300,000.

To learn more about the proposed budget, visit www.cityofportsmouth.com

Thorsen blogs his mind

Charles McMahon — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:43:42 +0000

Council newcomer Jack Thorsen has his own blog! Check out his thoughts on the recently released proposed city budget among other city issues. Visit; jackthorsen.org/

Final Parking Report

Charles McMahon — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:49:26 +0000

Check out the city’s recent Parking Study here…http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/transportation/reportdowntownparkingfinalreport.pdf

Details of the new Army Reserve Center on Lafayette Rd.

Charles McMahon — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:47:57 +0000

Want to know more about the new Pease Army Reserve Center? The city has posted a slideshow of information on its website (http://www.cityofportsmouth.com/community/NewArmyReserveCenterLafayetteRoad.pdf) Take a look for yourself
The ARC campus, a $5.7 million project of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, includes a 20,800-square-foot training facility to be built at 1900 Lafayette Road.

Huntsman Comes to Town…Again

Charles McMahon — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:19:28 +0000

GOP Presidential Candidate Jon Huntsman will hold a Town Hall-style event in Portsmouth at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The event will be held at the Portsmouth Elks Lodge on Jones Avenue. It is free and open to the public.

Trick or Treat 2011

Charles McMahon — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:30:17 +0000

Trick or treating 2011

Trick or treating will be held between 5:00PM and 7:30 PM on Sunday, October 30th, 2011. The Portsmouth Police Department will have extra patrols that night and hopes everybody has a fun and safe Halloween.

The following tips will help keep your Halloween safe:

Costumes should be reflective and flame retardant. Masks can obstruct a childâ€™s vision so please consider makeup.

An adult should always accompany younger children.

If you allow older children to trick or treat without you set specific limits on the times and only allow them to go into familiar neighborhoods.

Discourage children from riding bicycles or skateboards since costumes can get caught in the gears and wheels.

Remind children to look both ways when they cross the street and that they should not cross from the middle of the block. Drivers should watch for children darting from in between parked cars.

Children should never go into a strangerâ€™s home or car.

Be especially cautious around dogs since they might become afraid of people in costumes and masks.

Candidates Night Oct. 19

Charles McMahon — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:15:02 +0000

The first candidates night for the Nov. 8 City Council election takes place Wednesday, Oct. 19. The forum is being hosted by Citizens for Voter Education.
The Candidates Night begins at 7 p.m. in the Eileen Dondero Foley City Council Chambers. It will be televised live on Channel 22 and rebroadcast at later dates.

Start your engines…(Nov. 8 Municipal Election)

Charles McMahon — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:50:05 +0000

The slate of candidates for the upcoming Nov. 8 Municipal Election is set.
Running for one of nine seats on the City Council are; incumbents Nancy Novelline Clayburgh, Bob Lister, Ken Smith, Esther Kennedy, Eric Spear, Tony Coviello and Chris Dwyer. Other candidates include Brad Lown, Glenn Gardner, Jack Thorsen and Sharon Jones Jenkins.

Running for four seats on the School Board are; incumbents Dexter Legg and Ann Walker, in addition to Patrick Ellis, Mary Olea and John Wyman.
Running for one seat on the Police Commission are; incumbent John Golumb and Richard Riley.
Incumber Michael Hughes is the only person running for one seat on the Fire Commission.

Election Time

Charles McMahon — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 19:29:31 +0000

The filing period for the Nov. 8 municipal election opens at the City Clerk’s Office on Monday, Aug. 29, and continues through Monday, Sept. 12.
The election will include voting for all nine members of the City Council, four School Board members, one Fire Commissioner and one Police Commissioner. Candidates must be qualified Portsmouth voters, residents for at least two years immediately preceding the election, and may not hold any other municipal office once elected. The fee is $5 or a petition with 50 signatures of qualified voters. At least four Candidates’ Nights have been scheduled for October and early November. Partisan ward officials’ declarations of candidacy for registrar, moderator, clerk and three selectmen for each of the five voting wards also will be accepted during the filing period, although those candidates will be selected by party caucus. Contact: 610-7245.

Community Newsletter Celebrates Six Years

Charles McMahon — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:02:40 +0000

The Portsmouth Herald is wishing the city’s Community Newsletter a very Happy 6th Birthday.
Particular thanks should be given to Pat Remick, who has produced all 157 editions with input from various city department heads.
Remick should be applauded for her ability to keep the community informed. Her record surely speaks for itself.
“This has been an unexpected but very enjoyable opportunity to use the skills I learned as a reporter and editor, particularly with United Press International where I produced news brief packages for radio clients at one point in my career and also at CNN, where I was a news editor,” she said.
The newsletter is a great way to keep residents and business owners up to date on everything Portsmouth. Whether it is a construction project or a road closure, Remick has always been there to help get the word out.
The publication is also used to inform residents of new services, such as the ability to pay taxes, parking fees, water/sewer bills and renew vehicle registrations online. In addition, it has been effectively used to keep readers up-to-date during weather-related crises.
Thanks Pat!