Portsmouth, New Hampshire Development News

Mechanic Street Pump Station Replacement Project Moves Forward with Proposed Concept, Public Input Sought

The city is undertaking a project to replace the aging Mechanic Street Pump Station, which was originally built in 1963 and has experienced recent failures and reliability issues. The project aims to improve reliability, meet current design standards, integrate the site better into the surroundings, and enhance resilience against flooding and sea level rise. Various alternatives were considered, including relocating the station downtown or to Pierce Island, but these were deemed infeasible or cost-prohibitive. The proposed concept involves constructing a new, modern pump station partially below grade on the existing site, incorporating public green space and amenities, while addressing intersection safety and visual impacts. The project timeline includes preliminary design, final design, and construction, with public outreach planned for the summer and November. There are ongoing discussions regarding the acquisition of the Prescott Park parcel, permitting with NH DES, potential utility undergrounding with Eversource, and the removal of the existing Lacava building. Public input was gathered on concerns such as business access, sight lines, traffic safety, potential loss of parking, and the project's visual and environmental impact.