Quality architectural changes to historic buildings should be welcomed: Letters

Quality architectural changes to historic buildings should be welcomed

Aug. 5 − To the Editor:

Thanks for the report of the HDC meeting Wednesday night to hear the proposal for workforce housing in the upper floors of 14 Market Square presented by Mark McNabb’s representatives.

The proposal included a curved rooftop feature and two new dormers, but otherwise the historic building was not changed.  According to the reporting, public comment included “great concerns” and about changing “the focal point” and that the character of what many people come to our city to see every year - would be “altered forever.”

I don’t think those comments are valid.

I looked at the rendering in the paper… exciting!  The proposed features look like a fresh new bud on a beautiful craggy old tree. Portsmouth is ALIVE!!  There’s proof!  Our historic preservation is important and maintains our city’s culture and interesting past and serves as reminders of all that came before and who we want to be today. Portsmouth has changed a lot since the 1664 Jackson house was built. That 1850 building we are talking about was once the most MODERN building in town. Maybe I live in La La Land but I kinda like the focal point change… I like looking UP - there is wonderful stuff above eye level. Try it sometime.

To people who want Portsmouth to stay the same, I ask,  “to what year do you want to turn the time-machine back?”  I’ve yet to get the answer. Inevitably, cities evolve as do the needs of the people and there is room for incorporating creative architecture with the historic buildings to meet those needs; in fact it is necessary to keep the city vibrant.  “Look, we are thriving and growing!” There are beautiful examples around the country and the world where historic and modern architecture come together with awesome results and the visitors love it.  And remember,  this was a proposal to create workforce housing; a known priority in Portsmouth.  Let’s get on it.

Cheri Bach

Portsmouth

If Pease is open to a sports complex it should be open to housing

Aug. 7 − To the Editor:

"The PDA is always wanting to be a good community partner."  So says the Director of the PDA with regard to the suggestion of locating a major sports complex at Pease.  "If we can be a steward to the community we'd look at it."

While a sports center would be a great amenity, the really pressing need right now in the seacoast area is housing.  And that's where the PDA has failed to measure up.  For years they have refused, despite appeals from several community leaders, to give serious consideration to any kind of residential development.  Workforce housing at Pease would not only be a huge benefit to the surrounding area, but would also be a resource for existing (and potential) employers on site, allowing employees to live close by, reducing commuter time, vehicle congestion and pollution, and creating a greater sense of community on the base.

The Director's claim that they will "always listen to an idea to see if we can play a role" rings hollow when it is applied against past history, but maybe, in view of these recent statements, we can look for a different approach and the PDA will actually become "a good community partner" in a serious attempt to resolve this problem.

Anthony McManus

Dover

Kudos to Richard Smith for letter urging quality of life over development

August 8 − To the Editor:

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Mr. Richard A. Smith (aka Cuzin Richard) for his recent letter to the editor about halting the out-of-control development that is ruining our once beautiful city!  He is so correct about the limited natural resources, as well as the roads, schools, open spaces, police, fire, public works, etc. that are necessary to maintain our quality of life!

"Prioritize insuring a healthy environment".  "Let's put ordinances in place that limit growth".  "Put the brakes on growth".  I couldn't agree more with everything he wrote.

Please, please, please run for city council, Mr. Smith!!!

Cate Jones

Portsmouth

Azzi left out that writer and activist was also a terrorist

Aug. 8 − To the Editor:

In his August 5 column on appreciating Sinead O’Connor and her artistry, Robert Azzi throws in a gratuitous remark about a “Palestinian writer and activist” who was killed by the Israeli Mossad in 1972.  What Azzi fails to mention is that this “writer” was also a spokesman for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a terrorist group dedicated to eliminating the State of Israel.

According to Wikipedia, “The PFLP gained notoriety in the late 1960s and early 1970s for a series of armed attacks and aircraft hijackings, including on non-Israeli targets. Their Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades also claimed responsibility for several suicide attacks during the Al-Aqsa Intifada.”  So, Mr. Azzi would have you believe that Israelis murder innocent novelists when, in fact, the deceased was in the leadership of an organization dedicated to killing Israelis.

Richard England 

Durham

Joe Biden's record of accomplishments reveal an effective president

Aug. 6 − To the Editor:

. . . .Meanwhile, our current president is quietly and effectively doing his job of governing.  In the 2 1/2 years Joe Biden has been in office, by working with both Democrats and Republicans, he has passed more domestic legislation than most presidents in two terms. As a result, inflation, gas prices, Covid deaths, violent crime, and illegal immigrants are all down.  The economy is growing, wages are climbing, consumer confidence is rising and the stock market is surging.

In addition to domestic legislation, Biden has strengthened our relationships with our allies and led the global alliance that supported Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against Russia’s brutal invasion.

But perhaps most important, Biden, by being himself, a decent human being, has renewed our faith in the traditional values of our country. Joe Biden may be the most effective chief executive in our lifetime.

Cynthia Muse

Rye

Clean up Kittery waters for all living beings, not just humans

Aug. 1 − To the Editor:

Don't clean up Kittery waters to make or allow shellfish businesses nor fishing for any reasons, nor hunting here. We are losing all our wildlife & waterway life AND need preservation of it no !                       

We need the federal, state, private and local grants to be used to preserve nature and protect forever all wildlife at Spruce Creek and all Kittery waters. True environmentalists can help.   

SPECIESISTS must stop trying to silence others.  ANTI-SPECIESISM must prevail lest our town and planet lose the very qualities of nature and preservation. Don't be afraid to EVOLVE and care.

EVOLUTION involves allowing nature to exist and other species to live - without abuse, use, or being killed, maimed,  or eaten. Civilization can prevail in peace within projects like these.

 Suzy Courage Johnson

Kittery, Maine

Do you have an opinion to share with the community?

Send letters to the editor to opinion@seacoastonline.com. Please try to keep letters to 300 words or less. Letters on local topics are given priority over those addressing national topics. Be sure to include your name and hometown for publication with your letter as well as a phone number which will not be published but used for verification purposes only.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Architectural changes to historic buildings can be exciting: Letters