PORTSMOUTH — In the wake of a 15-year-girl’s tragic death after an outdoor stairway landing collapsed at the Portuguese American Citizens Club (PPACC) Saturday night, Town Planner Lea Hitchen has released preliminary records regarding inspections carried out at the property, including building permits that were granted.

None of the records released so far appear to mention the stairwell.

As the supervisor to the building department, Hitchen has been tasked to assemble and review all available town records related to the PPACC property at 35 Power St., including any past permits, inspections and construction activity. The Portsmouth Police Department is running a separate, criminal investigation.

Hitchen this week released some preliminary findings, including a building department log containing dated entries of inspections performed on the property between July 1997 and July 2016. Most concern electrical inspections in advance of the club’s annual feasts, which feature carnival rides, as well as inspections of tents. There is no mention of the outside stairwell.

In addition, 14 building permits were obtained between 19790 and 2017, nine electrical permits were obtained between 2010 and 2018, and a state permit for a septic tank was granted in March 1970.

“In the coming days I may have additional information to share,” Hitchen stated in an e-mail of her findings, which went out to several members of the media. “I will provide any and all information as it becomes available.”

At Monday's Town Council meeting Town Administrator Richard Rainer Jr. made it clear that town officials are not presuming any fault or failure on the part of any individual or entity. 

“In cases like this, the deterioration may not be visible, and hidden structural failures can occur without warning. We believe it’s important to avoid speculation and instead focus on gathering the facts to ensure public safety,” he said. “We ask for the public’s patience and compassion as we continue to support those affected, and work to understand what has happened.”