Splaine: How will Portsmouth's McIntyre saga end? Still time to get it right.
The McIntyre federal building saga in Portsmouth is a controversial topic, and no matter what "side" one is on, lots of others are on the other side. It's really tough to decide which side, and who or whom, is or are right. And if that sounds confusing, it's because the McIntyre saga is itself confusing.
"Saga" defined: "A saga is a long story, account, or sequence of events; synonyms: epic story, tale, legend." (Collins English Dictionary)
Let's not be too hard on one another, despite our differing opinions. This isn't an issue of being loyal to a political philosophy or individual, or even a developer. It's about deciding how an important piece of our downtown will look like and serve our community in 50 and 100 years — and what kind of legacy we leave to those who will someday call Portsmouth "home." It's more about them than us.
While the discussion has taken a long, long time these past few years, we should cheer that so many people love our community and its future so much that they are willing to go to lengthy meetings and stand up and speak out. And we should respect that our elected leaders and staff are willing to accept criticism while doing an important job for Portsmouth.
My instinct tells me that more transparency, i.e. "sunlight," is important on this issue. "Transparency" is a four-syllable, 12-letter word that just makes sense. Since this is a public issue, it should be discussed in public. Maybe not all — some legal and negotiated matters need some confidentiality — but being transparent is vital to reduce confusion.
"Transparent" defined: "sheer enough to be seen through; free from pretense or deceit; characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices." (Merriam-Webster)
It seems clear to me that we have three goals:
1. The "Community Plan" design that evolved from the Portsmouth Listens project a couple of years ago, or something mighty close to it, is what should be built. While adjustments due to construction requirements and limitations may have to be made, most of us like the green space and general design of that plan. Many of us would love to see the U.S. post office back. Some of us, myself included, would like to see the old New Hampshire State House, the remains of which are stored in Concord, rebuilt there as a sort of mini-museum. Why not?
More:Architect wins Olde State House Challenge
2. A second goal is that we don't want whatever is done to cost taxpayers more money. None of us want further design or construction costs paid by taxpayers. Costs for other buildings where developers make profits are paid for by the developers, not by taxpayers, so why should whatever happens with McIntyre cost us anything, since a private entity will make a profit?
3. A third goal is that most of us would like this all decided soon, not ten years from now. Unfortunately, that puts some "let's-wrap-it-up quick" pressure on the City Council and staff to take action. Fortunately, we have city councilors who have the intelligence and background to do it right, regardless of that pressure.
More:Splaine: Onto a 2050 vision for Portsmouth (will we still be discussing McIntyre?)
The council recently approved additional funds to get a better idea of what's next. Let's see what the financial information produced by this new expenditure tells us, and then the council has a serious decision to make — to end the relationship with a current developer despite legal entanglements that may be costly from which to withdraw, or continue the current path that may be more costly. There are alternatives and options that can still be explored. Remember, this is about our future.
We still have time. Good minds can continue to work to resolve this. But let's get it right, before it becomes a real quagmire that will affect us for many years.
"Quagmire" defined: "An area of soft, wet ground; a situation that is hard to deal with or get out of; a situation that is full of problems." (The Britannica Dictionary)
Lesson learned: "Partnership agreements" can create problems, and future councils should learn that.
Next Time: Getting young people involved in government.
Variously since 1969, Jim Splaine has been Portsmouth assistant mayor, Police Commission member, and School Board member, as well as New Hampshire state senator and representative. He can be reached at jimsplaineportsmouth@gmail.com
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Splaine: How will Portsmouth's McIntyre saga end?
