Fairhaven High School Construction Resumes

Construction near the turf athletic field at Fairhaven High School is back on. The construction has been a topic of conversation for months after progress on the job site grinded to a halt for months, leaving residents wondering what happened. 

Initially envisioned as a restroom facility to meet stadium accessibility standards, the project faced a budgetary roadblock when bids exceeded a million dollars. This led to a change in the plan, retrofitting the existing food shack facilities for an ADA-compliant restrooms and use the new building exclusively for storage.

The new storage space will address critical needs for Fairhaven High School, housing leftover turf, maintenance equipment, and sports gear while decluttering other areas. 

To make the project feasible, Fairhaven turned to Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech carpentry students for help. GNB Voc-Tech students have been instrumental in constructing the storage building, bringing both enthusiasm and expertise to the site. The collaboration eliminated labor costs, significantly reducing expenses for the school. 

“We can’t say enough about how phenomenal this relationship has been,” said Fairhaven Public Schools Superintendent Tara Kohler.

“The students have done an incredible job, and the administration has made the project seamless," Kohler said. "The partnership has not only saved us money but also allowed us to design a building that aligns aesthetically with the campus, pleasing both the historical society and alumni association.” 

Since September, GNB Voc-Tech carpentry students have made remarkable progress, building stairs, constructing the second floor and installing dormers. For many, this project represents the most ambitious and rewarding work they’ve undertaken. 

“This is the biggest thing I’ve ever worked on,” shared GNB Voc Tech senior Sherlin Ferrer. 

GNBVT instructors echoed the sentiment, noting that these hands-on experiences benefit both students and the community.

“These projects not only teach essential skills but also give back to the towns that support us,” said the superintendent of GNBVT, Michael Watson. 

Challenges and Delays

While the construction had paused over summer vacation, another challenge emerged: a zoning dispute regarding the building’s location. Although the town’s building inspectors initially approved the site, the zoning department later had concerns.  

Legal counsel for the school has since advocated for the project under an “educational purposes” law, arguing that such initiatives should not face unnecessary delays. Despite this setback, there is optimism that the issue will be resolved, allowing construction to continue. 

Once completed, the storage facility will fulfill a vital role on campus, providing much-needed space for equipment and materials.