Interview with Mayor Delan McCran

Introduction

• Interview conducted by Alexis from PPMTV.
• Discussion with Mayor Delan McCran about various municipal topics in Portsmouth.

Parking

• Parking Master Plan:
  • Currently under study, with feedback expected early next year.
  • Affects quality of life, housing, and other municipal decisions.
• Outdoor Dining vs. Parking:
  • Debate over using parking spaces for outdoor dining, especially post-COVID.
  • Outdoor dining has been popular, increasing downtown activity.
• Parking Options:
  • Private vs. municipal parking rates.
  • Hanover Garage and Foundry Garage offer incentives for residents/workers.
• Park Mobile App:
  • Allows easy payment for parking via app, with discounts for residents.

Market Square Plan

• Street Direction Changes:
  • Discussed potential changes to street directions (e.g., Daniel Street, Congress, and State Streets).
  • Consideration of retractable bollards for events and safety.

McIntyre Building Parking

• Loss of Parking Spaces:
  • Spaces now part of a private lot, higher rates than city-managed spaces.

Wayfinding System

• Purpose:
  • Signage to direct visitors to notable locations, enhancing city navigation.

Flash Vote and Click & Fix Apps

• Flash Vote:
  • Tool for gathering public opinion on specific topics.
• Click & Fix App:
  • Platform for reporting city issues like potholes, broken signage.

Housing

• Urgency and Changes:
  • Increased urgency in addressing housing due to affordability concerns.
  • Limited space and state funding challenges.
• Relation to Climate Change:
  • Planning involves taking climate change impacts into account.
  • Mitigation strategies include building setbacks and resilience measures.

Prescott Park and Climate Resilience

• Raising of Water Street:
  • Plan to raise roads around Prescott Park for flood resilience.
• Parking Improvements:
  • Improvements to gravel lots for better durability.

Police Station Expansion

• Community Policing Facility:
  • Plans to expand current facility due to space limitations.
  • Consideration of incorporating solar panels and sustainability measures.

Cultural Plan and Arts Project

• Percent for Art Program:
  • Ordinance allowing for art funding in municipal projects.
  • Art plays a significant role in enhancing community spaces and engagement.

Personal Insights

• Mayor's Background:
  • Grew up in Portsmouth, long family history of civic service.
  • Emphasis on responsibility to improve the community.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for public participation and feedback.
• Information on accessing city meetings and engagement opportunities.