EDA reports progress on High Street redevelopment; 934 High Street sale closes at $400,000

Portsmouth Economic Development Authority staff provided project updates on Aug. 18 for multiple High Street properties and reported that the authority closed on 934 High Street on Aug. 14 for $400,000.

Key project updates provided by staff - 1028 High Street: Bid package is in procurement. Public utilities recommended contracting a plumber to cap sewer and water lines to expedite demolition work once a contractor is under contract. - 1117 High Street: Bid package in procurement; staff reported the existing asbestos survey needs updating for a renovation scope (rather than demolition), which adds cost and revised specifications prior to bidding. - 1220 High Street: The authority previously approved $33,485 for construction documents (exterior renovations and roof replacement). Procurement now requires a pre-bid cost estimate; staff reported an additional $4,619 cost to obtain that estimate. An asbestos survey for interior/exterior was proposed at $1,100 and staff said they will execute it. - 934 High Street: Environmental reports showed no hazardous levels; staff closed on the property Aug. 14 for $400,000 and plans to develop a project plan and timeline for redevelopment.

Staff said procurement-office staffing changes and new procedures have added time to some projects but that several projects are approaching the end of the procurement process. Commissioners encouraged establishing target timelines and accountability measures for approval steps to reduce delays.

Ending Staff said they will return with finalized bid packages and contractor information as projects move into procurement and construction stages.