Portsmouth, NH, Business Facing Huge Fines Because It’s Unsafe

Antiquarian Book Store in Portsmouth, New Hampshire was just condemned.

Back in 2024 the building that had been a bookstore for decades run by Walter Wakefield, was condemned according to Seacoast Online. Recently they were taken to court to make sure the site wasn't sold, as it was condemned for all sorts of violations including, fire, building, and zoning.

The Antiquarian Bookstore on their website said it was home to 'more than 250,000 books'. It opened in 1973, but its heyday is long gone. Not only are there code violations, but 21 unregistered or uninspected vehicles on the property. Portsmouth has tried to work with them, but the owners haven't done anything about it.

How did a little bookstore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire pile up over $1 million in fines?

In court papers, the owners have been fined $275 a day per car since July 31, 2024. Every day those cars stay unregistered, they get fined. In 202 days they racked up over a million dollars in fees! The good news is that Portsmouth would actually waive the fines if the cars were moved or registered. That's a pretty sweet deal...if they took advantage of it! Walter no longer owns this property as  MMCT Realty LLC has owned it since 2019 from a foreclosure.

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The city of Portsmouth has been trying for years to resolve what they consider to be an unsafe property. They have granted extensions after extensions. The last extension was through the end of 2024, but according to Seacoast Online the attorneys for Portsmouth said,

...that deadline came and went without a response.

It's a safety and legal nightmare. Portsmouth condemned the property to prevent it from being sold and to try and either correct the situation or recoup the fines. The city also filed a request for a temporary restraining order to stop the sale.

What's next for the condemned bookstore in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?

Lawyers for Portsmouth and the property owner reached another agreement and there will be another review in 30 days. Cross your fingers.