Portsmouth council approves 48‑unit ‘Blunt Place’ affordable housing use permit

Portsmouth City Council voted 7‑0 on Feb. 10 to grant a use permit (UP‑2513) to Woda Cooper Development, Inc., allowing construction of a four‑story, approximately 48‑unit multifamily building at 3335 Victory Boulevard.

Bruce Watts, vice president of development for Woda Cooper (presenting the project), described a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units, elevators, a 749‑square‑foot community room, a computer lab and universal‑design features intended to lower residents’ utility costs. Watts said the company has invested about $40,000,000 in Portsmouth to date and expects roughly another $20,000,000 with this development. He told the council the project targets households earning about 30–80% of area median income.

Council members praised the proposal. Councilman Hugo and Vice Mayor Moody said the city faces a shortage of housing in the price points the developer proposes; several councilors noted past projects from the same company have reached full occupancy and can produce waiting lists. Public commenters including Pamela Wilkins, president of the Westbury Civic League, and Claudette McWilliams Blunt, who spoke in support of naming the project after her late husband, said the company maintains quality properties and welcomed the proposed community access to the developer’s meeting room.

The clerk recorded the resolution as adopted 7‑0. No amendments or conditions were read into the record; the council closed the public hearing before the vote.