For more than an hour July 20, members of Newtown’s Municipal Buildings Strategic Plan Advisory Committee heard preliminary observations from consultant Ken Best of DRA, Inc detailing a series of findings about three key town-owned buildings the panel is evaluating for best use potential, repurposing, sale, or even possible demolition.

Mr Best explained that along with his draft conditions assessments summary, he also produced priority ratings for addressing certain deficiencies in the buildings, as well as a ten-year budgeting plan to accomplish necessary or suggested renovations.

The consultant began with his tour of Town Hall South, which houses multiple agencies including the Police and Emergency Communications Departments, Parks & Rec administration offices, Social Services and its food pantry, and storage for the local voting officials.

Detailing his findings in walk-through fashion, Mr Best said he uncovered a number of “life/safety” concerns that involved state building or safety code violations. He recommended removing a door atop a staircase connecting the upper level police services wing with the lower level, which houses the other town offices, as well as separating uniforms stored in a closet alongside nonhazardous janitorial supplies and chemicals.

Mr Best also pointed out an issue he suggested required more immediate attention, an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) violation involving a lack of handicapped accessible shower and cell facilities, along with appropriate door handles throughout the facility.

While the consultant noted that Town Hall South’s construction preceded the initiation of ADA directives, he told the panel that “potentially critical issues not addressed could develop into hazardous situations.”

He also discovered cosmetic exterior finish on foundation walls deteriorating and pulling away. While not an imminent issue, Mr Best said the condition could enhance the likelihood of mold developing within the structure. He also found some beginning signs of rust on roof columns in the structure, drywall deterioration in the secure sally port, window leaks, floors needing repainting, plumbing systems in need of upgrading, and a lack of fire protection in certain areas of the building.

Turning to preliminary financial impacts, Mr Best noted that while pricing out each significant repair separately could exceed $2 million, he said further refinement of costs and pricing a number of — or all — the renovations as a single project could reduce the overall cost substantially.

He also pointed out under questioning about possible future use by other agencies - likely bypassing a need to install an ADA compliant cell and shower - that his recommendations result from the facility’s current users, not on how the building might be used in the future.

Hook & Ladder Headquarters

Mr Best then turned his focus to the long-deteriorating Hook & Ladder headquarters at 45 Main Street. Discussionon this town-owned facility developed into not only a conversation about its many deficiencies, but also its potential for a future cultural arts center.

The consultant said there is much work to be done to shore up deteriorating structural features once the fire company moves to its new base at 12 Church Hill Road. But noted that making appropriate renovations could open up the vacant building for optimal cultural arts uses taking advantage of the large, empty interior spaces.

That said, Mr Best ran down a list of safety, structural, and ADA violations he developed, including water invasion in multiple locations, deteriorating concrete apparatus floors requiring supplemental structural supports below, collapsing ceilings in the upper level, and a lack of an elevator.

He then reminded committee members if the projected cost of renovations exceed 75 percent of the pricetag to replace a building, razing and replacement is generally the recommended way to go.

Multi-Purpose Building

The final draft assessment concerned the town’s Multi-Purpose Build at 14 Riverside Road. Home to Newtown Senior Center and The Children’s Adventure Center preschool, Mr Best's assessment turned up primarily cosmetic and minor structural, safety, and ADA concerns.

He referenced an Exit sign hanging by its electrical cord in one location, and some other minor electrical issues.

He noted that some ADA compliance had been addressed, but the town should strongly consider bringing the facility fully up to state code. Outside, Mr Best referenced a crumbling rear driveway, areas prone to large icicles and ice dams forming, and a roof in imminent need of replacement.

When he was onsite doing his analysis, Mr Best said he was told to avoid walking on the roof, because it was deteriorating so badly. He said the facility’s mechanical systems are also due for replacement, and that while not required, fire protection systems should be added to preserve this “public investment.”

Mr Best told the committee that he will be factoring in additional information and will report back on August 5, in time for committee leaders to develop a preliminary presentation for the Board of Selectmen meeting August 17.