Portsmouth 2023 City Council candidate Vincent Lombardi
Name: Vincent Lombardi
Education: Bachelor of arts, Boston University, science and technology
Occupation: Retired
Political or civic experience highlights: Current city councilor, Chair HDC, Board of Directors Lovering Health Center, Cross Roads House, Prescott Park Arts Festival.
Are you working with any consultants, groups, or a slate of candidates? If yes, please disclose who you’re working with.: I am working independently and not with consultants, groups or a slate of candidates. I am using my own money to fund my campaign.
What is the biggest problem Portsmouth is facing and how you would solve it?: As a city councilor, I see the array of issues facing this community and I don’t think one is the “biggest problem” for everyone. I view these issues as opportunities to focus both the city’s policies and its budget. Using these tools to incentivize workforce housing, for example, has already had an impact. I believe working collaboratively with developers, staff and community members to resolve this issue is key to the solution.
Should the city work to create below market rate housing, and where is the best site?: Creating below market-rate housing is a primary goal of the current City Council. Although there are multiple city-owned properties that could accommodate workforce housing, I believe that the McIntyre site would be the city’s best option. However, as seen in this paper that option may not be possible. If the city seeks another site, the selection process will have to balance competing community needs. I think that the Sherburne School property has great potential as long as the concept and design fit within the local neighborhood and transportation issues are resolved.
Should the council continue to try to acquire the Thomas J. McIntyre federal building property?: The council is pretty close to understanding whether it is an option to acquire the McIntyre property. In the meantime, we have adjusted the zoning of larger downtown properties to provide incentives for the creation of workforce housing.
Do you support the council’s spending level on the last two budgets? If not, what’s an appropriate level?: Yes, I supported and voted for both budgets. I am proud that the city raised compensation for our police, fire and teachers. The city did not have competitive salaries so existing staff were leaving and the city was unable to attract quality applicants.. Also, the city experienced several technology failures that made the city’s computer systems susceptible to malicious cyber attacks. I believe this was a result of piecemeal outsourcing of technology support. By bringing our systems in-house under a unified technology staff gives us a much higher level of security.
Should Market Square be open to pedestrian and bike travel only?: Market Square is a vibrant and attractive economic engine of downtown. I would like to see a re-envisioned downtown including broader sidewalks, the diversion of through-vehicle traffic, and incentives to encourage short term parking on certain streets to ensure this vibrancy. This would help to encourage more pedestrian and bike traffic.
How do you feel about the safety and aesthetics of outdoor dining in the city?: Outdoor dining safety issues were exemplified at the intersection of Congress and Middle Streets. The need for Jersey barriers to protect diners from oncoming traffic when dining in the streets adds a crude appearance to the dining experience. The recommendations for outdoor dining by the Economic Development Commission address these issues and, if accepted, would resolve at least some of the problems. In the long term, I think we should be increasing the width of sidewalks in the downtown and taking dining out of the streets.
What’s a bigger priority, building a new police station or an indoor sports arena?: Building a new police station has been studied for a long time and needs of the Police Department need to be addressed. If the renovations of the existing facility do not satisfy the police department’s requirements, the city will have to identify a new location. Portsmouth recently made significant investments in several sports facilities including its athletic fields, swimming pool and skateboard park. I think that the city should collaborate with several communities to build a shared sports arena with ample space for multiple activities and associated parking.
Should the council address the pace and type of development in the city? If yes, how?: I am not sure how you can regulate the pace of development other than slowing down the approval process. I believe owners have the right to improve their property. I think we can incentivize the type of development. The City Council just approved a change to the downtown overlay district requiring both workforce housing and community space for a Conditional Use Permit.
Does the city need to regulate overnight parking on city streets and lots by RVs and campers?: I have seen RV’s, boats and trailers parked on city streets for extended periods. I am not aware of this happening in any of the city’s lots. I think this is a problem only when it interferes with traffic or driving sight lines. Aesthetically, I understand the desire to regulate this. It does change the character of residential streets. I wonder if this is a result of the lack of affordable housing for some people who work locally.
Is overserving at city bars and restaurants a public safety issue?: I do not know if this is a widespread problem. If it is, I am not sure what policy the City Council could make to correct it. I think the Liquor Commission would be the appropriate agency to enforce a “service to an Intoxicated individual” rule.
Has Portsmouth changed for the better or worse during the past decade?: One thing is for sure: Portsmouth has changed in the past 10 years. The economy continues to grow, our downtown is thriving and Portsmouth is rated one of the best small cities in the nation. The development pressure is intense and difficult for the city’s land use boards to navigate. We all have some nostalgia for what “small town” Portsmouth used to be. Is it better or worse? This depends on the aspects of Portsmouth you are looking at. New Hampshire’s property-friendly laws and wealth-friendly tax structure have encouraged home values and sale prices to skyrocket. This makes it tough for our young and elderly to live here. All in all, I still love Portsmouth! It is a growing, safe and vibrant city. We have great schools, recreational facilities and an economy that attracts well paying jobs. But it is worse when you think about the struggles of fixed income living and our police, firefighters and teachers having to commute from other communities. This is why I am seeking re-election. There is still much to do to shape the future of Portsmouth.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth 2023 City Council candidate Vincent Lombardi
