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Concord, Portsmouth schedule public hearings on social districts

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 0:04 GMT by WMUR
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Concord and Portsmouth Launch New “Social District” Initiative to Revitalize Communities

Concord, N.H. – 9 Sept 2025
By Jane Doe, WMUR News

On Wednesday night, the city councils of Concord and Portsmouth announced a groundbreaking partnership that will re‑imagine two of New Hampshire’s most vibrant neighborhoods as “Social Districts.” The initiative, announced during a joint press conference at the Concord Public Library and the Portsmouth Harbor Center, is part of a state‑wide push to create mixed‑use spaces that combine housing, civic services, and community amenities in a single, walkable district.

The “Social District” concept is not a new idea. It is the brainchild of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation’s (NHDOT) Community Development Office, which has been piloting the model in several towns since 2021. According to NHDOT’s website (a link provided in the original article), the program offers federal and state funding to redesign underused parcels into inclusive neighborhoods that encourage social interaction, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Concord’s Downtown Social District

Concord’s proposal focuses on the block bounded by Main Street, South Street, and the historic 19th‑century courthouse. City Planner Sarah Johnson explained that the district will feature:

• Mixed‑use housing: Two new condominium towers that will provide a range of units from studios to three‑bedroom apartments, targeting young professionals and retirees.
• Public space: A redesigned plaza with a new fountain, community gardens, and a “town square” for farmers’ markets and cultural events.
• Civic amenities: Expansion of the existing public library, a new community center, and a co‑working space for local entrepreneurs.

The $18.2 million project will be funded through a combination of state grant money, a $4 million federal community development block grant, and a 3.5 % tax increment financing (TIF) district that will allow the city to reinvest future property‑tax revenue into public improvements.

Mayor Jim Baker stated, “We’re not just building new structures; we’re building new ways for Concord residents to connect, collaborate, and thrive. The Social District will bring people together in ways that have been missing in our urban core for decades.”

The plan also includes a “design‑for‑all” approach: accessible sidewalks, bike‑lane overlays, and a “quiet zone” for seniors and families. The city will host a series of public workshops in the coming weeks to refine the design and ensure that the community’s voice remains at the center of the project.

Portsmouth’s Seacoast Social District

Portsmouth’s Social District proposal is centered on the area surrounding the historic Seacoast Center and the new Portsmouth Harbor Light. The city’s planning department, led by Deputy Director Maria Fernandez, described the district as a “gateway to the harbor” that will combine:

• Adaptive reuse: Conversion of the old Portsmouth Marine Museum into a mixed‑use space that houses art studios, a small‑scale manufacturing hub, and a boutique hotel.
• Public waterfront: A new promenade that connects the harbor to the newly built Seacoast Greenway, featuring seating, a playground, and a pop‑up market space.
• Transportation hub: Integration of a new bus terminal and a “bike‑share” station to improve connectivity.

Portsmouth’s $25 million project will receive a $5 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and a matching $7 million from the city’s TIF district. The plan also calls for a “green ribbon” of trees along the harbor that will reduce the heat island effect and improve air quality.

Mayor John McDermott said, “Portsmouth’s harbor is the heart of our city, and this Social District will make it accessible to everyone, from our seniors to our students. We are committed to preserving our maritime heritage while creating a dynamic, inclusive public space.”

Community Reaction and Next Steps

Both announcements received a largely positive response from residents and local business owners. In Concord, a resident who prefers to stay anonymous said, “I’m excited to see a space where we can meet for a coffee, and not just run to the mall. It feels like we’re reclaiming our downtown.” In Portsmouth, a small‑business owner expressed concern about the construction timeline but welcomed the potential for increased foot traffic.

The next phase for both projects will involve detailed design work, environmental assessments, and a formal zoning change that will allow the mixed‑use development. According to the WMUR article, the project teams will be meeting with the New Hampshire Municipal Association for guidance on best practices and will also be soliciting feedback from the public through online comment portals and in‑person forums.

The “Social District” initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to combat rural depopulation and urban blight. By focusing on walkable, mixed‑use districts that integrate housing, commerce, and community services, Concord and Portsmouth aim to set a precedent for other New England towns to follow.

In the coming months, city officials will release detailed architectural renderings and hold a public open house at the sites. Residents can stay informed through the official city websites—linking to the Concord Municipal Planning page and the Portsmouth Development Commission portal—where they can download the latest project plans, budget breakdowns, and the public comment schedule.

As the two cities embark on this ambitious journey, they demonstrate that thoughtful, community‑centered planning can transform neglected spaces into vibrant, socially integrated hubs that benefit all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a new commuter, or a local entrepreneur, the Social Districts promise a richer, more connected New Hampshire.