Peter Hoekstra, a seasoned professional with over 15 years of sales experience in the construction and manufacturing sectors, has recently joined Engelberth Construction as the director of business development. In his new role, Hoekstra will be responsible for generating new project opportunities for the company throughout northern New England. His wealth of experience and expertise in sales make him a valuable addition to the team at Engelberth Construction.
DECCO, Inc., a prominent mechanical and process piping contractor serving New England, has promoted Mike DiBacco to executive vice president. DiBacco, who first joined DECCO in 2021, brings nearly 40 years of experience in the construction industry to his new role. With a focus on the life sciences market in New England for the past two decades, DiBacco’s promotion reflects his dedication and contributions to the company.
In another development, Hoyle, Tanner & Associates announced that senior transportation engineer Jacob Sparkowich, PE, and transportation engineer Alyssa Smith, EIT, have achieved certification as Road Safety Professional 1 (RSP1) professionals. This designation signifies their commitment to and proficiency in road safety principles, showcasing their expertise in the field of transportation engineering.
Northeast Private Client Group, a real estate firm with an office in Portsmouth, facilitated the sale of the Fairways Townhomes located at 86 Church Street in Rochester, NH. Senior associate Francis Saenz, vice president of investments Tim McGeary, and investment associates Patrick Wheeler and Steve Cerrone played key roles in the transaction between the seller and the buyer, H.J. Stabile & Son, Inc. This successful deal highlights the expertise and professionalism of the team at Northeast Private Client Group.
Moving on to a local development project, plans are underway to transform a dilapidated car repair shop on Main Street in Exeter into four new townhouses. The town’s Planning Board recently approved the site plan for the project, which involves the demolition of the Cocheco Auto Repair building to make room for two three-story duplexes with four townhouse-style residential units. The project will also provide 12 parking spaces on-site and adhere to town regulations regarding soil surveys and storm drain connections.
However, concerns have been raised by residents regarding potential contamination on the site, given its history as an automobile shop and junkyard. Despite these concerns, environmental consulting firm Wilcox & Barton Inc. conducted a review of the property and confirmed that all tanks on the site were closed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services in 2014. This assurance, coupled with the project’s compliance with regulations, alleviated some of the worries expressed by neighbors and Planning Board members.
In Dublin, the Zoning Board of Adjustment is considering fee hikes and potential changes to the application process. Board Chair John Morris proposed raising the newspaper notice and postage fees to cover rising costs associated with applications. Additionally, Morris suggested reworking the application process to clarify the timeline for hearings and site visits, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient process for all involved parties.
Lastly, the iconic „candy cottage“ property located at 445 Marcy St. in Portsmouth’s South End is back on the market at a significantly reduced price of $699,000. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage, known for its small size and high price tag, was subdivided by its owner last year, resulting in a more affordable listing. The property, with its potential for redevelopment, offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Portsmouth’s history in the heart of the South End. Prospective buyers will need approval from Portsmouth’s Historic District Commission for any redevelopment plans.
In conclusion, these recent hires, promotions, and local developments highlight the dynamic nature of the construction, real estate, and zoning sectors in New England. With experienced professionals like Peter Hoekstra and Mike DiBacco leading the way, and innovative projects like the Exeter townhouses and the „candy cottage“ property in Portsmouth, the region continues to see growth and transformation in various industries.
