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EDA approves renovation testing, change orders, demolition documents, a six‑month lease extension and a $20,000 purchase offer
Summary
At its June 16 meeting the Portsmouth EDA approved a $4,242 materials-testing contract, two change orders totaling roughly $31,000 plus a no‑cost extension and delegated staff authority up to $36,000, funded demolition documents for $32,200, extended a behavioral health lease six months and authorized a $20,000 offer for 53 Aptton Parkway.
The Portsmouth Economic Development Authority approved multiple property actions at its June 16 meeting, including renovation testing, change orders tied to unforeseen conditions, demolition design funds and acquisition authorization.
Staff (recorded in the transcript as Miss Chop) asked the board to approve a proposal from ECS Mid‑Atlantic for $4,242 to perform construction materials testing and required special inspections for the renovation at 1117–1121 High Street; commissioners moved and voted to approve the expenditure unanimously.
Staff reported three change orders attributable to unforeseen conditions discovered after demolition at that same property: a $3,592 change order to install a new 6‑inch concrete masonry block wall to fill a storefront opening that lacked support; a no‑cost contract extension of four weeks tied to a plumbing‑permit delay; and a roof decking replacement change order submitted the morning of the meeting, recorded in the transcript as "27,38064". Commissioners discussed the cumulative cost and the impact of waiting for approvals; the board voted to approve the change orders and granted staff delegated authority to approve future change orders up to $36,000 to help avoid scheduling delays.
For other properties, staff presented two proposals to prepare demolition construction documents ($30,000) and to perform hazardous‑materials inspection and demolition specifications ($2,200) for 817–833 High Street, a total of $32,200. Commissioners approved funding for those proposals and staff said the team will submit a certificate of appropriateness to the downtown design committee prior to executing construction work because the property lies within the downtown design district.
Staff also said the historic preservation committee denied an EDA request to demolish the bank building at 53 Aptton Parkway; that matter was discussed in closed session. After closed session the board moved to add consideration of a purchase offer for 53 Aptton Parkway to the agenda and then voted to offer $20,000 to purchase the property for the city.
Separately, the board approved a six‑month extension of a behavioral health services lease for suite B at 301 Columbia Street while renovations to the new facility continue.
All recorded motions described above passed on roll‑call votes with the commissioners present voting yes.
The EDA will receive a budget update reflecting the approved change orders and will return with further cost details and the architect’s pricing for requested gooseneck lighting across the renovated facades.
