Press Releases/What’s New

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.

The City’s Tax Office will be unable to process any motor vehicle transactions on Friday, October 6, 2017, through Tuesday, October 10, 2017, due to the State’s implementation of a new computer system (VISION) within the NH Department of Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles. The Tax Office will be open for other transactions during normal business hours on these business days and will resume processing motor vehicle transactions on Wednesday, October 11, 2017.

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.

With the Portsmouth Municipal Election a little over a month away, Mayor Jack Blalock would like to thank exiting City Councilors and remind residents the importance of participating in local elections on Tuesday, November 7th.