(July 6, 2017) The Town of Berlin is still waiting on the results of three studies related to Berlin Falls Park.
Town Administrator Laura Allen said some preliminary information was received on a microbiological hazard analysis conducted by volunteer scientists from the Thriving Earth Exchange and Dr. Ellen Silbergeld, a professor of environmental health science at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
“I got a quick, very short email from [Silbergeld] saying the analysis indicates there was no microbiological hazard,” Allen said. “I asked her to produced a little more-detailed report, so we’re waiting for the follow-up. But, the initial results indicate there is no microbiological hazard, which is very positive.”
Allen said she had not received results of a geotechnical review of the ponds by EA Engineering Science & Tech. She said Berlin Falls Park Project Coordinator David Deutsch was also awaiting the results of a Davis, Bowen & Friedel (DBF) study of the main building on the property.
“We’ve got some preliminary information that indicates, unsurprisingly, that some portions of the building are in pretty bad disrepair,” Allen said. “There are some areas where the room is literally nonexistent.”
She said the firm was asked to attach a cost estimate to rehabilitate the building.
“We’re dealing with taxpayer dollars and we have to be responsible with how we use that money,” Allen said. “We’re asking the appropriate questions – is it more cost-effective to rehab that building, or to demolish it and reconstruct? That’s the conversation we’re starting to have.
“At this point, there’s just too many unknowns for us to really make a determination,” Allen added.
Town Administrator Laura Allen said some preliminary information was received on a microbiological hazard analysis conducted by volunteer scientists from the Thriving Earth Exchange and Dr. Ellen Silbergeld, a professor of environmental health science at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
“I got a quick, very short email from [Silbergeld] saying the analysis indicates there was no microbiological hazard,” Allen said. “I asked her to produced a little more-detailed report, so we’re waiting for the follow-up. But, the initial results indicate there is no microbiological hazard, which is very positive.”
Allen said she had not received results of a geotechnical review of the ponds by EA Engineering Science & Tech. She said Berlin Falls Park Project Coordinator David Deutsch was also awaiting the results of a Davis, Bowen & Friedel (DBF) study of the main building on the property.
“We’ve got some preliminary information that indicates, unsurprisingly, that some portions of the building are in pretty bad disrepair,” Allen said. “There are some areas where the room is literally nonexistent.”
She said the firm was asked to attach a cost estimate to rehabilitate the building.
“We’re dealing with taxpayer dollars and we have to be responsible with how we use that money,” Allen said. “We’re asking the appropriate questions – is it more cost-effective to rehab that building, or to demolish it and reconstruct? That’s the conversation we’re starting to have.
“At this point, there’s just too many unknowns for us to really make a determination,” Allen added.