It's the worst possible location for an expansion of the Portsmouth Police Department.
May 23 − To the Editor:
While I fully support finding a way to provide an appropriate new facility for the police department, I think the proposed location along the waterfront below City Hall and to the northwest is terribly ugly. It's not about the design of the building, it's about the location and massing. Not only would it destroy what is currently a very attractive open space, it would also block views of Portsmouth Cottage Hospital, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and conversely, it would block the views of South Mill Pond currently enjoyed by the occupants of that building. What's wrong with building a new police facility where there is currently a parking lot at the south end of the City Hall complex?
Bob Graham
Portsmouth
Burlington is not a paragon of Portsmouth's Market Square.
May 23 − To the Editor:
There's been a lot of talk about pedestrianizing Market Square. What we need to do is look to neighboring Burlington, Vermont, as a model for this. But we don't need to rush into this.
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of attending a family member's graduation at UVM. The weather was perfect. The campus was beautiful. We also had time to visit downtown Burlington and the famous pedestrian street, aka Church Street. Here's our experience.
As I approached, my 21-year-old nephew, who lives in Boston's Mission Hill neighborhood and attends Northeastern University, has seen the good and the bad while warning me about the homeless. Don't worry, there are homeless people in Portsmouth, and I've seen panhandlers on my frequent trips to Northampton, Massachusetts. But then…
We pulled into the garage, which is just off Burlington's pedestrian-only streets near High Hanover and Market Square. We drove into the garage and saw countless homeless and drug addicts on the first floor. We parked at the top and walked down the stairs. On every floor, small groups were gathered, holding bags of candy. They weren't paying attention to us, and neither were we. But the visual impact remained.
We then took a short walk to Church Street. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was unexpected. The pedestrian street looked deserted. Upscale shops lined what looked like an old promenade. There were people there, but not many, and it was graduation weekend. It was lifeless on this perfect day. The pedestrian street seemed like a contrast between upscale shops and poverty.
Let's stop using Burlington as a role model, but let's learn from Burlington's decline. The economy, the weather, or both?
Whatever path we take, Market Square as it is today is better than Burlington, even with all the traffic.When you drive through Market Square, ask yourself if you want to see signs of life or paved sidewalks that may look abandoned at times.
Patricia Bagley
Portsmouth
Do not change the Market Square
May 23 − To the Editor:
First thing in the morning!
I can’t believe that the fascinating change of closing roads downtown and building more brick sidewalks around Market Square hasn’t happened yet.
Seriously, who do we want to serve and who do we prioritize? Businesses and tourists? Or locals?
Do not change the Market Square.
We envisioned Portsmouth as an inclusive and diverse city – a place where locals from all walks of life could come and feel welcome – which would benefit those of us who live here.
And ultimately, this makes Portsmouth a more attractive place for everyone.
Please don't close the roads to traffic, it needs to be made accessible, not exclusive.
Portsmouth is a great city for walking!
We would appreciate your consideration.
Richard Smith (“Cousin Richard”)
Portsmouth
Reiter's attacks on the gun industry are misleading
May 23 − To the Editor:
The letter to the editor sent by the esteemed Bill Kingston on May 18th was perhaps his most impactful letter in recent memory.
Mr. Kingston has once again sensationalized gun violence in this country, an issue I agree with and which, if lawmakers work hard, can be resolved without infringing on Second Amendment rights. Bill cites all sorts of ridiculous theories and makes statements (quoted below) alleging that the firearms industry itself is promoting some very unpleasant theories about why people buy and own guns. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
Today's firearms industry promotes safety, education and law enforcement in everything it says and does. Legal gun owners are arguably the most responsible, law-abiding members of our community.
“Is it because the firearms industry itself promotes the idea that guns are like an extension of your penis, and that to be a real man you need to buy a gun to protect yourself and your family? To what?” Kingston said.
I find Kingston's ideas above not only ridiculous but also offensive. He has no idea what the firearms industry is driving, and I highly doubt the industry takes his outlandish Freudian references into consideration.
The problem is that applying the kind of logic Kingston suggests will never solve this violence; it will only make it worse.
T. Stephen McCarthy
Portsmouth
Today's Democratic Party is promoting extreme policies.
May 22 − To the Editor:
This is a response to a May 15, 2024 letter by Jim Feasor entitled “A group of clowns is called 'Congress'.”
While Dr. Feaser applauds the new bipartisanship in the House, it is vital that we address the real issues. Condemning Republican efforts to investigate serious allegations against people like Hunter Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas distracts from the obstructionist tactics and extreme policies promoted by Democrats today.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson's attempts to work with Democrats were not practical but necessary due to constant stonewalling from the opposition, whose refusal to negotiate in good faith forced Republicans to make compromises that did not reflect the will of the majority that elected them to power.
Despite claims of bipartisanship, House Democrats have consistently pushed radical policies that ignore the concerns of conservatives. From excessive spending bills that would fuel inflation to policies that undermine border security, Democratic policies are more focused on advancing ideological objectives than fostering cooperation.
Moreover, the investigations into Hunter Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas are necessary to investigate allegations of corruption and mismanagement that could have significant implications for national security. Ignoring these issues in the name of bipartisanship undermines accountability and transparency. Democrats have been attacking Trump for similar reasons since before he took office, just like the pot accusing the kettle of being black.
The real clown in Congress is Democrats' refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue and their insistence on extreme policies without considering the impact on the American people. Real progress requires putting the needs of the country above partisan politics.
Mike Hunt
Seabrook
Discount Program Makes Home Heating More Affordable in New Hampshire
May 23 − To the Editor:
Spring is upon us in New Hampshire, and I'm looking forward to all that the warmer weather has to offer. But like many of you, I'm also looking for ways to save money. So I wanted to share some easy ways New Hampshire residents can save money on their energy bills to stay comfortable all year round.
New Hampshire has a rebate program that can help homeowners save money on high-efficiency heating equipment and the installation of new oil tanks. Oil heating users can apply for a $500 rebate on the installation of a new oil boiler or furnace and $300 on the installation of a new oil tank. Furnace, boiler and fuel tank rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis from May 1 through August 31, 2024.
In addition to the rebates, a federal tax credit is offered to reward homeowners who upgrade to high-efficiency heating equipment. This means New Hampshire residents can receive up to a $600 tax credit on top of their state rebate, for a total savings of $1,400. With the available rebates and the benefits that come with upgrading to a high-efficiency heating system, this is a great program.
Ultra-low sulfur heating oil and the upgrade of over 1,200 high-efficiency heating equipment have reduced 3,240 tons of CO2 emissions in New Hampshire. Additionally, using ultra-low sulfur heating oil in conjunction with new high-efficiency heating systems can reduce fuel use by up to 30% annually.
Readers can learn more about the rebate program and all the benefits associated with installing high-efficiency heating equipment at CleanOilHeatNH.com.
Joseph Scully
New Hampshire Energy Marketers Association
