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Albany planning board authorizes construction observation agreement with Habitat for Humanity
Summary
The Albany Planning Board approved a construction observation agreement with Mount Washington Valley Habitat for Humanity naming HEB as the resident project representative, discussed a $14,130 estimated retainer for inspection services, and agreed to escrow/disbursement arrangements before proceeding.
The Albany Planning Board voted to authorize a construction observation agreement with Mount Washington Valley Habitat for Humanity, approving the town’s engagement of HEB as the resident project representative and clearing the project to proceed to bidding.
The chair, Sean Wadsworth, said the agreement names HEB to perform 12 site visits and oversee inspection duties and that the applicant will pay all costs for engineering review and observations. “HEB will work on behalf of the Town of Albany to execute the necessary part‑time observations outlined in the COA,” Wadsworth said.
Board members discussed how inspection fees and bonding would be handled. The agreement’s estimate for inspection services is $14,130 plus direct expenses, which the board described as an upfront retainer to be deposited in an escrow account and disbursed as work progresses. A representative for Habitat for Humanity, Howard Baldwin, confirmed the organization’s willingness to fund the required retainer and to proceed under the town’s standard bond‑reduction schedule.
Wadsworth and other members also noted the distinction between the construction bond — a separate guarantee held by the town to cover incomplete work — and the inspection retainer that covers HEB’s observation services. “The bond is only if something happens,” one board member said; “the retainer is for the inspection services.”
After clarifying that the applicant is responsible for inspection costs and that bond reductions are tied to construction milestones (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%), the board moved, seconded and approved the authorization. Wadsworth said he will sign the agreement once the board’s approval is recorded and administrative steps for escrow and retainer handling are in place.
Next steps: the town administrator will coordinate escrow/account setup and the chair will notify Josh McAllister and the applicant that the board approved the COA so Habitat for Humanity can move to bid the work.
