By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

(March 26, 2026) The Berlin Town Council this week approved a contract with Bennett Construction for $121,436 to demolish a multipurpose building at 130 Flower Street. The job is a key step in preparing the site for the town’s planned community center.

At its Monday, March 23, meeting, town officials said the project will be funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to address blight on the property.

The municipality received six bids for the demolition. Councilmember Jay Knerr asked whether the demolition would include removing underground elements at the site.

Nicholas Bradley from the engineering firm Davis, Bowen & Friedel confirmed that the scope of work includes full removal of the building’s foundation as well as an existing fuel tank.

The demolition is supported by roughly $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding.

With some grant money remaining, Mayor Zack Tyndall raised the possibility of expanding the project to include the nearby SHOREUP! Inc. trailers.

“I don’t want to leave money on the table,” he said.

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said that because the trailers were not included in the original bid documents approved under the grant, adding them to the project may not be straightforward. However, she agreed to investigate whether the structures could be included in the demolition initiative.

Sara Gorfinkel, Tyndall’s executive assistant, said only a few people are still working out of the trailers and that relocation efforts for occupants have largely been completed. That could simplify any future demolition plans, she said.

“Before we can go after the money, we’ll have to bring it back publicly anyway,” Bohlen said. “Let us explore it first.”

The council ultimately approved the demolition contract, with Councilmember Shaneka Nichols absent.

The project stems from  grant award announced in June 2025, when the Town of Berlin received $297,449 to demolish the former multipurpose building at the Flower Street site. The property is slated to become a community center.

Town officials said the funding was specifically designated for the removal of “spot blight.” The building qualified due to its deteriorated condition, including the presence of asbestos and lead paint, as well as significant structural damage.

The structure, long abandoned and located near Henry Park, had become a safety concern and a visual blight in an area frequented by families.

Its removal will bring the town closer to its plans to build a community center, a collaborative effort involving the Town of Berlin, the Berlin Community Improvement Association, SHOREUP! Inc., and the Worcester County Commissioners. The proposed facility is expected to provide community meeting space, recreational opportunities, and public services.