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Portsmouth is considering a bold proposal for a new city hall, parking garage, and public plaza that could revitalize downtown and boost local businesses.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #PortsmouthCityHall
Portsmouth staff brief council on unsolicited PPEA plan for new city hall, garage; public hearing set for March 10
City Manager Steven Carter briefed the Portsmouth City Council on an unsolicited Public-Private Education and Infrastructure Act (PPEA) proposal for a new city hall, parking garage and public plaza. Staff estimated a conceptual construction cost near $86 million (about $93 million including financing), and asked the council to schedule a public hearing for March 10 to begin the statutory process.
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February 10, 2026 at 9:57 PM
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The Portsmouth Planning Commission has given the green light for a 39-unit multifamily development, but delays due to wetlands and geotechnical challenges are raising questions about the timeline.

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Planning commission approves use permit for 39‑unit multifamily project; applicant seeks time after geotechnical work
The Portsmouth Planning Commission approved Use Permit UP‑25‑16 for Community Housing Partners to revive a previously authorized 39‑unit multifamily development; staff said wetlands and required geotechnical surcharging delayed construction and the council will separately consider vouchers to subsidize units for households at 0–50% AMI.
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February 7, 2026 at 7:30 AM
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Portsmouth is witnessing a remarkable 17% drop in crime rates, thanks to innovative community violence intervention efforts and a dedicated violence-interruption team.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CrimeReduction #CitizenPortal #PortsmouthCommunity #PublicSafety
Portsmouth reviews recent crime data, highlights community violence intervention program
City officials heard a police briefing showing recent reductions and a report from Portsmouth United on FY25 programs: 23 community partners, 10,659 participants, and a 10-person violence-interruption team deployed citywide; council asked for more granular crime data and noted funding uncertainty for the state-funded program.
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February 7, 2026 at 6:23 AM
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Portsmouth City Council has officially adopted its strategic pillars for 2026–2030, ensuring a new city auditor position while sparking a debate over governance and authority.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #PortsmouthCityCouncil #FinancialExcellence #CommunitySafety
Portsmouth council adopts 2026–2030 strategic pillars, removes 'complete reclassification' language and agrees to recruit city auditor
The Portsmouth City Council unanimously adopted its 2026–2030 strategic pillars after removing language that would have fully reclassified the city auditor position to the city manager's office; council agreed to launch recruitment for a city auditor and will clarify final wording.
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January 31, 2026 at 3:14 AM
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Portsmouth City Council has officially green-lit the long-awaited Newport Phase 2 project, paving the way for affordable townhouses and condominiums starting in the high $200,000s!

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Portsmouth council approves conditional use permit for Newport Phase 2 attached housing
The Portsmouth City Council voted 7–0 to adopt a conditional use permit (UP-25-11) allowing attached housing (townhouses and condominium/stacked units) at 3741 Elliott Ave., a portion of the long-planned Newport Phase 2. The developer said entry-level homes will start in the high $200,000s; mandated affordability was not required.
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January 22, 2026 at 9:08 PM
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A 90-day pause in offshore wind construction could ripple through local businesses, while Portsmouth anticipates a significant economic boost from American Cruise Lines’ visits.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #TourismDevelopment #EconomicImpact #OffshoreWind #CitizenPortal
Commission hears updates on offshore wind pause and cruise‑call economic impact to Portsmouth
A local business representative briefed commissioners on a 90‑day pause in East Coast offshore wind construction and potential supply‑chain impacts; city staff presented early estimates of economic impact from American Cruise Lines visits and discussed options to capture more passenger spending ahead of Sail 250.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 10:07 AM
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Portsmouth's Planning Commission has taken a bold step by renaming the Innovation District to the Link District and restricting certain commercial uses to better align with a vibrant, community-focused vision.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #ZoningReform
Commission backs renaming Innovation District to Link District and narrows permitted uses
Portsmouth’s planning commission approved ordinance Z‑25‑02 to rename the Innovation District as the Link District and to codify permitted and prohibited uses (notably restricting certain commercial uses such as drive‑throughs, gas stations and discouraging neon lighting); phase 2 will develop prescriptive design standards with stakeholders.
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January 9, 2026 at 8:38 PM
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The Portsmouth Planning Commission has greenlit a controversial 48-unit affordable housing project, but not without raising concerns about its impact on the neighborhood and local schools.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning
Planning commission approves 48‑unit affordable project at 3335 Victory Boulevard with conditions
The Portsmouth Planning Commission voted 5–2 to approve Woda Cooper Development’s 48‑unit workforce housing project at 3335 Victory Boulevard (UP‑25‑13), citing alignment with the comprehensive plan and city housing goals; commissioners and neighbors raised walkability, school capacity and design questions.
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January 9, 2026 at 8:31 PM
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The Portsmouth Crime & Gun Violence Prevention Commission just voted to enhance neighborhood safety by recommending that parking-enforcement powers be transferred to the police department—what does this mean for local residents?

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #PortsmouthParking
Portsmouth commission votes to recommend folding parking-enforcement personnel into police department
The Crime & Gun Violence Prevention Commission voted by voice to recommend that city council and the city manager transfer parking-enforcement personnel and functions to the police department for training and accountability; the recommendation is advisory and will be submitted in memo form, staff said.
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January 7, 2026 at 7:43 AM
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Portsmouth's new small business loan program is set to launch this January, promising vital support for entrepreneurs eager to access capital and resources!

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #PortsmouthSmallBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusinessSupport #AccessToCapital
Portsmouth EDA outlines small business loan program targeting January launch
Staff told the board the new small business loan program is being developed with Bridging Virginia and local partners for a likely mid‑January launch, and said marketing, a press release and workshops will precede application availability.
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December 22, 2025 at 11:34 PM
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The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority just approved a $900,000 deal to revitalize High Street, marking a significant step forward for the Lake District!

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanRevitalization #PortsmouthEconomicDevelopment
EDA approves $900,000 purchase agreement for High Street parcels after closed meeting
Following a closed session on negotiating strategy, the Portsmouth EDA adopted a resolution approving a purchase agreement for multiple High Street parcels at a $900,000 purchase price to support Lake District revitalization and authorized execution and implementation steps.
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December 22, 2025 at 11:33 PM
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High Street Fest attracted 6,500 visitors and generated an impressive $50,000 in sales for local vendors, proving the power of community events.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CommunityEngagement #PortsmouthVendors #LocalEconomy #CitizenPortal #EventImpact
High Street Fest drew an estimated 6,500 visitors and boosted local vendor sales, presenters say
Presenters told the EDA that High Street Fest generated roughly 6,500 visitors for the day, about $50,000 in sales for brought‑in vendors and large percentage increases for many brick‑and‑mortar businesses; organizers also noted operational lessons on security, vendor placement and parking messaging.
citizenportal.ai
December 22, 2025 at 11:31 PM
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Portsmouth City Council has voted to revoke the conditional use permit for Bar 9, raising questions about compliance and the business's future after a recent violent incident.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #PortsmouthEntertainment #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #ZoningCompliance
Portsmouth council adopts resolution to revoke Bar 9’s conditional use permit after council finds conditions unmet; owner and counsel oppose action
Portsmouth City Council moved to revoke the conditional use permit (UP2503) for Bar 9 at 2012 Victory Boulevard after staff told council most permit conditions remain unmet; the owner, Renata Brown, and her attorney said the business was not connected to the violent incident that prompted the review and asked for deferral instead.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 12:33 PM
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Portsmouth is addressing critical climate and community issues with upcoming public hearings on a key Chesapeake amendment and a controversial treatment facility proposal.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #ClimateChange #CommunityInput #PublicHealth
Portsmouth sets public hearings for Chesapeake overlay and Fairview treatment facility; council moves to bundle manager's report
City Manager Carter announced two public hearings—a Chesapeake Preservation Area overlay amendment to add climate/sea-level-rise project review, and a Fairview neighborhood use-permit hearing for a proposed drug-and-alcohol treatment facility (Planning Commission recommended denial). Councilman Hugo proposed bundling the City Manager report items into a single consent vote.
citizenportal.ai
November 30, 2025 at 1:15 AM
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Portsmouth is pushing for $16 million to revive the Prentiss Street transmission project along with vital funding for housing, sewer upgrades, and courthouse security after a previous veto.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #WaterSustainability
Portsmouth seeks state funding for Prentiss Street, housing center, sewer and courthouse upgrades
At a Nov. 25 work session, Portsmouth's legislative committee listed six budget amendment requests for the 2026 session, including $16 million for Prentiss Street phase 1, $17 million for a housing resource center, and $4.25 million for sanitary pump-station rehabilitation; one prior appropriation was vetoed by the governor.
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November 30, 2025 at 1:14 AM
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Portsmouth's legislative committee is pushing for new powers to regulate alcohol permits, ensuring they expire with ownership changes, while also seeking sponsors for crucial policing measures.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability
Portsmouth committee outlines 2026 legislative package; seeks code change to limit ABC permits after ownership changes
The Portsmouth legislative advisory committee presented five state initiatives for the 2026 General Assembly, including a request to add the city to Virginia Code §15.2-2286 so certain alcohol-related special exceptions would automatically expire on ownership or operational changes; two bills still lack sponsors.
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November 30, 2025 at 1:13 AM
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Portsmouth is gearing up to transform its waterfront and boost land-side tourism in partnership with American Cruise Lines, with exciting plans set for the first cruise call in spring 2026!

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CruiseLineCooperation #LandSideTourism
Portsmouth explores land-side tourism opportunities with American Cruise Lines
Council members said Nov. 25 that discussions with American Cruise Lines aim to expand land-side tourism activities in Portsmouth, coordinate utilities and access along the waterfront, and correct marketing materials that list Norfolk as the port of call.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 9:15 PM
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Major discussions are heating up around the future of the Southgate Annex and other surplus military properties in Hampton Roads—could this change the landscape of our community?

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #SurplusProperty #CommunityOutreach #FederalEngagement
Staff outlines regional outreach on Southgate Annex and surplus military property
Staff told the Nov. 25 meeting that the Hampton Roads Alliance is coordinating federal outreach to the Department of Defense about surplus property including the Southgate Annex, and local staff are arranging a meeting with Naval Shipyard leadership and the shipyard community liaison.
citizenportal.ai
November 29, 2025 at 9:14 PM
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Despite recent trade fluctuations, the Port of Virginia is thriving, with a $650 million terminal optimization and major projects supporting the offshore wind industry.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PortsmouthIndustry #MaritimeSafety #InfrastructureProgress
Port of Virginia reports major infrastructure progress, steady operations despite tariff-related dips
A Port of Virginia representative told the Portsmouth Ford Industrial Convention on Nov. 25 that terminals remain operationally strong through tariff-related volume dips, highlighted a roughly $650 million North End optimization at Norfolk International Terminal, new ship-to-shore cranes and the near-completion of decade-long dredging work.
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November 29, 2025 at 9:13 PM
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The Portsmouth Housing Authority reveals ambitious plans for affordable housing, but a $5 million gap threatens the future of the Twin Pines senior project—will the city step up?

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #SeniorLiving #CitizenPortal #PortsmouthHousing
Portsmouth housing authority asks city for PILOT, housing trust fund and priority land for redevelopment
PRHA executives told council they manage over 1,200 local units and outlined completed and planned projects, including a finished 105-unit senior building, delays at Twin Pines tied to a roughly $5 million underwriting gap, demolition plans for Swanson Homes, and proposals for a PILOT and a city housing trust fund.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:23 PM
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Portsmouth's Planning Commission just greenlit Newport Phase 2, paving the way for much-needed housing with a unique density cap and time-sensitive conditions!

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #PortsmouthHousing #CommunityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment
Portsmouth approves Newport Phase 2 conditional use permit with time limit and density cap
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Newport Phase 2 with conditions: a three-year expiration from council approval (with prior administrative-extension options discussed), a Parcel B density cap (27.0 du/acre), and surveillance required only if multifamily units operate as rental under common ownership.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 5:59 AM
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Portsmouth is set to empower local entrepreneurs with a new small-business loan program offering up to $50,000 at competitive rates!

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #AccessToFunding #PortsmouthBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusinessSupport
Portsmouth EDA approves Bridging Virginia small‑business loan fund to launch in December
The EDA unanimously approved a Bridging Virginia–administered loan fund aimed at second‑ and third‑stage Portsmouth businesses; loans will range roughly $10,000–$50,000 with rates starting about 2% below WSJ Prime and monthly portfolio reporting to staff.
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November 20, 2025 at 3:53 AM
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Portsmouth's Development Authority just approved an $18,000 add-on to enhance public engagement for the Crawford Bay waterfront project, sparking debate over costs and community involvement!

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #CommunityInput #CivicTransparency
EDA approves $18,000 public‑engagement add‑on for Crawford Bay waterfront RFQ
The Development Authority authorized an $18,000 contract add‑on for AECOM to deliver two public workshops, outreach and a six‑month microsite to support RFQ development for the Crawford Bay waterfront; the measure passed 6–1 amid questions about the microsite cost and requests for an itemized breakdown.
citizenportal.ai
November 20, 2025 at 2:36 AM
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The Portsmouth retirement fund is shifting gears, redeeming its core real estate stake to explore alternative strategies aimed at delivering uncorrelated returns.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #CitizenPortal #RealEstateAlternatives #InvestmentStrategies #PortsmouthRetirement
Alternatives review: Portsmouth fund to redeem core real estate stake, redeploy into uncorrelated strategies
Greystone and Morgan Stanley’s OCIO described four alternative investments the fund holds — two real‑estate mandates and two hedge funds — and said the board’s manager has begun redeeming the ARA core property fund with proceeds expected through 2026 and plans to redeploy into strategies that provide uncorrelated returns.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 8:59 AM
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Portsmouth's pension plans face a projected contribution increase to nearly $10 million due to new mortality tables and actuarial smoothing, raising questions about budget impacts for the city.

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#PortsmouthNorfolkCounty #VA #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #RetirementSecurity
Actuarial update: new SOA mortality table raises Portsmouth pension liabilities; projected contribution to rise then ease
John Hancock presented the June 30 actuarial valuation, showing a funded ratio near 75 percent and a recommended contribution of roughly $8.9 million for the upcoming year. Adoption of a Society of Actuaries public‑plan mortality table raises liabilities by about 2 percent and increases required contribution modestly; actuarial smoothing of earlier
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 7:51 AM