To the editor:

As the state senator representing District 11 (Portsmouth, Bristol), I am writing in support of the

proposed Church Community Housing Corporation (CCHC) development at Sprague Street, Bristol Ferry Road, and Turnpike Avenue.

The concerns I hear most from constituents are that Portsmouth lacks workforce housing, and homes that allow seniors to age in place or allow younger people to stay in the communities where they grew up. This project directly addresses those issues.

The proposal replaces a long-closed child care center and a former gas station with 40 well-designed, affordable condominiums for working families, young adults, and seniors. All homes will be priced for households earning between 50 percent and 120 percent of the area median income — meaning housing that teachers, police/fire/EMT, nurses, and retirees can afford.

A professional traffic analysis by Crossman Engineering found that the project would add fewer than 40 cars during peak hours, intersections will continue to operate safely and efficiently, and sight distances at all driveways exceed required standards by hundreds of feet. I understand abutting neighbors have concerns, and believe their issues can continue to be addressed through the local review process.

I urge support for this proposal to address the lack of local affordable housing for our workforce, seniors and young families.

Respectfully,

Sen. Linda Ujifusa

Dist. 11 (Portsmouth, Bristol)

Portsmouth