This emphasis on historic preservation and revitalization was the result of much pain and destruction. Portsmouth is largely walkable due to its network of streets and tight blocks filled with preserved Revolution-era homes. However, like many other cities all over the region (and nation), Portsmouth was hit by Urban Renewal, a planning tool used nationwide to provide Federal funds to address “urban blight” and revitalize downtown cores after decades of suburbanization and loss of tax revenue. An urban renewal district for Portsmouth was its North End neighborhood, which similar to Boston’s, was home to an Italian-American population.
This emphasis on historic preservation and revitalization was the result of much pain and destruction Portsmouth is largely walkable due to its network of streets and tight blocks filled with preserved Revolution-era homes However like many other cities all over the region (and nation) Portsmouth was hit by Urban Renewal a planning tool used nationwide to provide Federal funds to address “urban blight” and revitalize downtown cores after decades of suburbanization and loss of tax revenue An urban renewal district for Portsmouth was its North End neighborhood which similar to Boston’s was home to an Italian-American population