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Construction managers report New Searls move‑in soon; certificates of occupancy issued for two schools
Summary
Harvey Construction and district project managers reported that Birch Hill and Maine Dunstable received final certificates of occupancy, New Searls has a temporary CO pending signage, and Stellos Stadium work is nearly complete though a masonry issue will require an engineer's report.
Bridal Norell, project manager for Harvey Construction, told the Nashua joint special building committee that final certificates of occupancy for Birch Hill and Maine Dunstable were issued that afternoon and that both schools are essentially at punch‑list/closeout stage.
"We received the final certificates of occupancy for both buildings," Norell said, calling the milestone "a massive milestone" and thanking the team for work over the past three years.
Mike Space, assistant project manager for the New Searls renovation, said crews secured a temporary certificate of occupancy on Aug. 22 and expect a full certificate after delayed signage is installed in the coming weeks. Space walked the committee through security upgrades in the project — including a secure vestibule with a transaction window, bullet‑resistant glass in key areas and a rooftop RTU for improved air handling — and said the building has new ADA features and updated classroom millwork.
On Stellos Stadium, Mr. Smith said turf, drainage and new fencing with safety padding are in place and LED lighting is 98% complete. He noted recent inspections found masonry cracking and water penetration in a stadium column; the original architect and an engineer have been asked to review the condition and will provide a report next month. "They already have the structural drawings ... and they'll provide a report, which I'll share with you next month when I receive it," Mr. Smith said.
Norell and district staff said most remaining work is punch‑list items, final signage and a handful of installations such as wall pads and some HVAC access issues. Norell said Harvey expects to submit a final bill in October and that current project savings stand at roughly $500,000 at Birch Hill and $200,000 at Maine Dunstable, with contingency dollars remaining to address outstanding items.
The committee thanked construction teams and district staff for the work and noted community enthusiasm for visible upgrades such as new bike racks and refreshed entries. The district will continue monitoring outstanding technical items and report back as final closeout documents are prepared.
