Press Releases/What’s New

On October 26, 2017 with the funding provided by Granite Shield Opioid Grant the Portsmouth Police Department working with the Seacoast High Intensity Drug Interdiction Team made up of local officers and detectives from Seabrook, Hampton, Greenland and Newington Police Departments, along with the assistance of the New Hampshire State Police Mobile Enforcement Team, the Drug Enforcement Administration and New Hampshire Probation and Parole arrested the following individuals:

Trevor Mackenzie

Age: 26

214 Bellemarsh Road

South Berwick, ME

The Portsmouth Plains Playground, located on the corner of Middle Road and Islington Street, is temporarily closed due to a bee infestation. Public Works is currently treating this issue and will notify the community when it reopens. In the meantime, residents are advised to keep their families away from this area.

PORTSMOUTH, NH – Registration for the 2017-2018 Downtown Employee Parking Permit Program is set to get underway Tuesday, October 24th.  The permit will allow employees who work in Portsmouth’s downtown area to park at the Isles of Shoals Steamship Co. parking lot where 51 spaces will be available from Nov. 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018.  Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at the parking clerk’s office at 1 Junkins Ave. in Portsmouth City Hall.

The Water Department will begin their twice annual routine hydrant flushing of the City’s 190 miles of water mains to remove sediment buildup on Monday, October 16th. This work will occur on both public and private hydrants spanning New Castle, Rye, Greenland, Newington and Portsmouth, lasting about six to eight weeks. Between 8:00 p.m. and midnight, Monday through Thursday, crews will open select fire hydrants, releasing water with enough velocity to carry sediment out of the pipes. While flushing can result in discolorations to tap water, the water remains safe for residents to drink.

The Portsmouth Planning Department and Planning Board are welcoming public input on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2019 to 2024. Residents are asked to submit projects for consideration in the next CIP by Friday, October 13th. The CIP sets forth a 6-year schedule and financing strategy to accomplish necessary public improvements and meet infrastructure needs.

Portsmouth’s Water Division issues a monthly Water Supply Status Report to keep customers appraised of the current water supply conditions. This resource provides customers detailed information on any potential water restrictions, demand, precipitation, groundwater levels, river flows and reservoir levels to make customers aware not only of the current conditions but to also bring awareness to their water use.

On Monday, October 9th, City Hall, Public Works, the Library, Senior Activity Center and public schools will be closed in recognition of Columbus Day.

Trash and recycling collection will continue on Monday as scheduled.

City Hall will reopen on Tuesday, October 10th, and remain open until 6:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, October 11th, weather permitting, pavement crack sealing operations are scheduled to begin in Portsmouth. The following roads and neighborhoods have been selected for treatment, and will be completed as time and budget allows:

• Maple Haven Neighborhood
• Market Street (from Albacore Way to Interstate 95)
• South Street (from Lafayette Road to Junkins Avenue)
• Jones Avenue
• Elwyn Park Neighborhood

*Additional roads may be added if schedule and budget allow.

At approximately 12:27 A.M. on October 6, 2017 (Friday Morning) Portsmouth Police were called to the McDonald’s at 1000 Lafayette Road for the report of an Armed Robbery.  An employee of McDonalds reported being approached in the parking lot after locking up the business by a male with a handgun.  With the gun pointed at the employee the suspect demanded to be let into the restaurant.  The suspect was not able to get back into the restaurant and ultimately took personal belongings from the employee.   

Mayor Jack Blalock has declared October 5th to be Energy Efficiency Day in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Portsmouth now joins a nationwide network of energy efficiency groups and partners who are celebrating the nation’s second annual Energy Efficiency Day.

For Mayor Blalock, it is important to further unite the community in the City’s sustainable efforts. This action to officially recognize Energy Efficiency Day complements ongoing initiatives by the City and invites residents to celebrate more eco-friendly practices.