There’s been no community outreach to any abutters.”

Ken Alves

PORTSMOUTH — Several residents who live near a future town waterfront park near the Mt. Hope Bridge are concerned the project could lead to parking problems and unwanted commercial activities at the site.

To help placate their concerns, the Town Council Wednesday unanimously voted that when the time comes, the design team charged with proposing ideas for the park will be directed to notify all abutters during the planning process.

In January the Town of Portsmouth and the Aquidneck Land Trust (ALT) purchased the property — just under 5 acres of property at the intersection of Bristol Ferry Road and Bayview Avenue that juts out into Mt. Hope Bay — for $900,000. Of that amount, $600,000 came from town funds allocated in last year’s budget for bonding. The remaining $300,000 came from ALT.

The previous primary property owner was Joseph Brito of Bristol.

The spot features scenic views of the Mt. Hope Bridge and surrounding waters. Most of the property is underwater as the land was formerly the site of an old ferry terminal; the dry land is 1.32 acres in area.

Under the arrangement, the town will hold ownership and ALT the conservation easement, which will permanently protect the property as open space and parklands.

However, some residents in the area questioned what could ultimately be permitted at the site. 

Ken Alves, of 25 Bayview Ave., said he welcomed the park but said the language of the conservation easement includes “limited commercial use,” so it leaves the door open to concessions or a business such as Flo’s Clam Shack.

Mr. Alves said the Town of Portsmouth should be required to apply for a special use permit in order to give all abutters formal notice of any plans for the property. 

”A special use permit allows for an open and transparent process,” he said. “There’s been no community outreach to any abutters.”

Council President Keith Hamilton said a “community sailing center” is the only possible activity that’s been discussed for the site so far. For now he’d just like to see a small fence installed, the seawall fixed and the area cleaned up, he said.

Council member Kevin Aguiar noted there’s only 1.32 acres of dry land at the site, so the chances of any commercial septic system being installed “are slim to none.” A small system for restrooms is a possibility, he said.

Council Vice President James Seveney said any commercial industry at the site would have to be tied directly to the conservation easement under the agreement with the town’s partner, ALT. “I think we’d end up in court if the town pushed an issue like that,” he said.

Town Solicitor Kevin Gavin echoed council members’ statements. The ALT, he said, “would be the first people we’d hear from if we wanted to put in another Flo’s.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with Flo’s,” Mr. Hamilton was quick to add.

Charles Allott, ALT’s executive director, said the conservation easement allows limited commercial rental income to be generated from the property. “You would have the right for people to rent a gazebo or something like that. There is no provision for the building of a commercial structure,” he said.

No plan yet

As for issuing formal notifications to abutters, it’s too soon for that since there’s no plan for the park at this point, Mr. Hamilton said. The town is hoping to secure a private foundation grant this year to pay for the development of a plan determining the best design and recreational use for the park.

“We haven’t gotten the money yet to start the planning process,” he said. But when the time comes, he said, public meetings will be held to garner input from residents and the final decision on any proposal will be made by the council.

“We are contractually bound to hold public hearings and take comment,” added Mr. Seveney.

Parking concerns raised

Another abutter, Web Wilson of 38 Bayview Ave., said he feared that the new park would harm the integrity of the nearby Bristol Ferry Town Common, a separate nearby parcel that’s rich in history.

According to Mr. Wilson, the agreement between the town and ALT states it’s “anticipated” that there will be parking in the future park or at the Town Common. Mr. Allott, however, said the easement itself allows for only six parking spots, all in the park.

Mr. Wilson wasn’t convinced. “No parking, folks. No parking on the Town Common,” he said.

Bill Bohmbach, of 266 Ferry Landing Circle, said he’s in favor of developing the park because it’s a “blighted” area that needs to be addressed.

“But what happens on a beautiful summer day when there are 30, 40, 50 cars?” Mr. Bohmbach asked the council.

Mr. Hamilton replied that visitors will see there isn’t enough parking and they will return home.

No they won’t, said Mr Bohmbach. They’ll stay and park on his street, Bristol Ferry Road, Bayview Avenue and throughout the neighborhood, he said.

“The parking issue is the 600-pound gorilla that’s going to have to be addressed, he said. With only six parking spaces, he added, “I don’t see how it’s going to work.”

Esmond Smith, chairman of the Bristol Ferry Town Common Committee, commended the council and ALT on the deal and added that he was confident that future public meetings “will give everyone a voice so we can solve some of these issues.”