Press Releases/What’s New

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.

You’re invited to coffee and conversation with Superintendent of Schools Steve Zadravec and Assistant Superintendent of Schools George Shea.

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.

Date of Release: October 12, 2017

Subject: Sex Offender Duty to Report

On October 11, 2017 the following subject voluntarily turned himself in at the Portsmouth Police Department on an arrest warrant for Sex Offender Duty to Report, which is a class B Felony.

Joseph G. Diment

Date of Birth: 02/05/1940

12 Crescent Lane

Wells, Maine

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.

Reference: Sexual Assault Arrest

On October 6, 2017 the Portsmouth Police Department arrested Khim Sok, 59 yoa of 19 McGuigan Circle, Lowell, MA on a felony warrant for one charge of Aggravated Felonious Sexual Assault and one charge of Felonious Sexual Assault. The charges stem from an investigation into an allegation that Sok had sexually assaulted a 12 year old child known to him while at Water Country on July 26, 2017. Sok was held on $100,000.00 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned on 10/10/2017 at Portsmouth District Court at 8:00 AM.

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.