Residents urge Portsmouth to reconsider Craddock fire station site, citing trees, skate park and historic-district status

Several residents and stakeholders told Portsmouth City Council on April 28 that the site proposed in the FY2027 capital-improvement plan for a new Craddock fire station contains community amenities and mature trees that should not be removed without fuller public review.

Public commenter Mark (label 15) said the tract proposed for a $14 million fire station currently holds the Craddock Skatepark, a playground and roughly 12 mature trees. "Those 12 mature trees...are cleaning the air" and help reduce heat-island effects, he said, urging city staff to consider commercial property along George Washington Highway instead so the green space is preserved.

David House also opposed siting the station in the park area, noting the property is listed on the National Register and in the historic district and arguing the community would lose rare recreation space should the city proceed. Several council members — including Vice Mayor Moody and Councilman Dodson — asked the manager for follow-up on how to relocate the skate park and to consider replacing any lost amenities.

City Manager Steven Carter said the 2018 fire-station location study had been circulated to council and was available, and he agreed to place the study and siting discussion on a future work-session agenda. "We're well away from actually constructing anything," Carter said, but he noted the study recommends a starting point for discussion.

Why it matters: The CIP includes funds for a new fire station that could affect neighborhood open space and amenities. Residents emphasized environmental services (canopy, air quality), youth recreation and the site's historic-district status as reasons to re-examine the location.

Next steps: Council members requested public follow-up and a dedicated work session on the location study before the city proceeds to design or construction.

Direct quotes: "So this space is providing environmental services to the community that will not be replaced by the construction of a modern fire station," said a resident. City staff said they would report back and schedule further public discussion.