Portsmouth EDA advances downtown projects: Baines Pointe groundbreaking set; property sales and repairs approved

The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority on Jan. 21 provided multiple updates and approvals on real‑estate projects in the city, advancing renovation work on downtown High Street parcels, confirming a sale for a commercial lot and scheduling a groundbreaking for a new affordable housing project.

Groundbreaking and affordable housing: Staff reminded commissioners the Baynes Pointe Apartments groundbreaking will be held Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. on an EDA‑owned site in the 1100 block of High Street. The project will provide 50 affordable housing units and is the first to move forward within the city’s Innovation District, staff said.

Harbor Vista phase 2: Staff reported that the EDA‑owned parcel at 700 Crawford St. has closed and conveyed to the developer for phase 2 of Harbor Vista. The project is in planning and permitting and is planned as a 44‑unit, market‑rate multifamily building with one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units, staff said.

1117 and 11201 High Street renovations: Real‑estate development specialist Julie Chubb said construction documents for interior renovations, a roof replacement and exterior work at 1117 and 11201 High Street are about 95% complete; staff expects to release the project for bid in about 30 days. Chubb said the scope includes a new storefront, repairs to damaged metal fascia and parapet walls, painting and perimeter landscaping and parking‑lot resurfacing. She also said Portsmouth Public Art has expressed interest in a mural for the building to support the Innovation District.

1220 High Street roof replacement: Staff recommended executing a proposal from Mosley Architects to prepare construction documents and administer bidding and construction for a roof replacement at 1220 High Street. The proposal was $21,893 and indicated construction documents would be prepared within 60 days of contract execution. Commissioners raised questions about how site work and landscaping would align with the Innovation District plan; staff said some details would be discussed further in closed session. The authority voted to approve the Mosley Architects proposal by roll call, 6‑0.

240 Beasley Drive sale: The authority received a finalized purchase agreement for 240 Beasley Drive and moved to approve the sale to the developer (listed as JPM Lehi Estate in the meeting) for $250,000. Staff said the new Dunkin’ Donuts will be an additional location; an existing Dunkin’ on George Washington Highway is expected to remain open. The motion to proceed with the transaction carried 6‑0.

Crawford Bay waterfront and consultant RFP: Staff reported an RFP to retain a real‑estate consultant to prepare a solicitation package for waterfront redevelopment has been drafted, reviewed by the chair and vice chair, and will be submitted to purchasing for advertisement in the coming week. Staff said the consultant will help engage stakeholders, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs where relevant, before the solicitation is issued nationally.

Demolition and site security item: On a separate property described as the former homeless shelter site, staff said the demolition package has been prepared and sent to the city manager for signature to move the project to bid; staff indicated the demolition contractor may install construction fencing and that a screened fence with signage is being discussed to secure and market the cleared site.

Votes and next steps: The authority approved the Mosley Architects proposal (roof) and the 240 Beasley Drive sale, each by 6‑0 roll call. Staff will circulate construction documents, begin procurement and proceed with permitting and coordination with the Innovation District planning as directed.