Portsmouth proposes right-of-way maintenance division pilot to curb litter and overgrowth

Portsmouth — Public-works staff outlined a proposed right-of-way maintenance division intended to provide regular mowing, comprehensive litter control, debris removal and vegetation management on primary and secondary corridors, emphasizing visible improvements for residents and visitors.

Mister Gerard Roberts described the pilot as a move from reactive to proactive service: “This division will completely do the right of way. We'll do the sidewalks and the primary and secondary,” he said, listing deliverables that include clear sidewalks, controlled vegetation and targeted attention to dumping “hot spots.”

Staff proposed a phased timeline that begins with council presentation and, if approved, would proceed to equipment purchases, right‑sizing staff and establishing rotation cycles. Roberts said the division would implement a first-quarter review after stand-up, followed by 90‑day and 180‑day checkpoints to evaluate coverage and community impact.

The presentation included a preliminary budget range: Roberts said the low‑end build‑out would be about $600,000 and the higher‑end scenario shown in the packet was approximately $6.76 million, with major costs driven by labor, equipment and chemical supplies. Staff said final budgeting would depend on the chosen scope and on whether certain functions remain contracted through Parks and Recreation or are consolidated under the new division.

Councilmembers asked whether the division would cover school easements, medians already under contract, and interstate ramps maintained by VDOT. Staff answered that schools maintain their own properties, medians with existing contracts would remain in place unless realigned, and that the city would seek coordination agreements with VDOT for ramps and state‑owned right of way.

Roberts emphasized prioritization of high‑visibility corridors and collaboration with civic leagues and other departments to avoid duplicative cleanup efforts. The council expressed support for the concept and asked staff to return with operational details and exact budgetary requests.