To the editor:

My name is Jennifer Abbate and I have lived in Portsmouth for 40 years. I am a former teacher at St. Philomena School, and still very involved there as a volunteer. 

I am very concerned with the less-than-transparent plan to eventually close the transfer station. I was present on Sept. 11 for the meeting at Town Hall, but was out of town on Oct. 23 for the meeting at Portsmouth High School. From what I have heard from friends who did attend, I would not have been able to speak publicly that evening because I do not want curbside pickup at all! 

I buy a sticker every year because I prefer using the transfer station, and do not want curbside pickup. Like many people my age, I like choosing the day and time to go to the transfer station. Besides my trips to the transfer station for my personal trash, recycling, and yard waste, I bring an average of 10 to 12 large, brown, paper lawn bags of paper recycling from St. Phil’s every week. I am obviously concerned with the environment and am happy to support the school I worked at as the teachers promote environmental issues and encourage recycling. My youngest daughter graduated from PHS in 1993, so I am not aware of the current curriculum, but sure hope teachers and students at our public schools are being taught environmental issues.

There is no doubt in my mind that closing the dump, even limiting the days it is open, will cause more recyclable items ending up in the landfill, not because people do not care, but because it is easier to throw things in the trash that could be diverted to our clothing bins, metal receptacle, and other designated bins.

Two suggestions to improve transparency:

First, please include a survey regarding the transfer station in every tax bill that you send out next June for fiscal year 2024-2025. I feel sure the replies you get from making sure everyone has an opportunity to express their opinions as opposed to the 56 surveys that were done on line will tell a different story. 

Second, please revisit including the cost of using the transfer station by every homeowner in our taxes. Yes, it will raise our taxes, but perhaps if it was considered part of the pleasure of living in Portsmouth, more people would use the station. In my opinion, choosing to pay for curbside pickup is a choice people can make, much like some families pay for private school, but also pay their school taxes. 

Thank you for your consideration of my ideas.

Jennifer Abbate

61 Ferreira Terrace

Portsmouth

Editor’s note: Residents were free to speak both for or against curbside pickup at the Oct. 23 Town Council meeting.