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Council authorizes abatement and demolition consulting contract for former Carmelite Monastery; neighbors seek detailed monitoring plan
Summary
The council approved a $62,800 contract (plus 20% contingency) with Verdantus LLC for asbestos-abatement and demolition consulting at the former Carmelite Monastery (25 Watson Avenue). Neighbors asked for detailed monitoring, notification and salvage plans during a public comment period.
The Town Council on Monday authorized a contract with Verdantus LLC for abatement and demolition consulting of the former Carmelite Monastery at 25 Watson Avenue, approving a fee of $62,800 plus a 20% contingency to cover unknowns in abatement and demolition scope.
Town staff said the consultant will prepare a Department of Health–approved asbestos abatement plan, provide specifications for abatement and demolition, assist with procurement of contractors, and oversee on-site abatement monitoring and perimeter air sampling during demolition. Staff emphasized the scope includes oversight of contractor compliance, regulatory notifications and public-health monitoring.
Consultant Mark House described the standard process for pre-demolition asbestos assessment, abatement plan development and air/perimeter monitoring. He said asbestos monitoring is not real time — laboratory analysis of perimeter air samples typically requires about 24 hours — but the abatement and demolition contractor will employ wet methods and containment techniques designed to minimize airborne fibers; the consultant will perform independent perimeter air and dust monitoring and report to the town and Department of Health. If perimeter samples show asbestos presence, House said work stops while procedures are changed.
Neighbors who spoke urged a clear communications plan, earlier notification to abutters and preservation-society review of potentially salvageable items (for example, stained glass noted in the chapel). Residents asked that any salvage be removed before abatement work begins and proposed that the town coordinate with historical-preservation volunteers and the preservation society if items of heritage value exist.
Town Manager Herbie said the town will fund the consulting contract from available cash flow and expect to repay that with proceeds from subsequent lot sales tied to the property’s redevelopment. The manager and the consultant confirmed the town will notify abutters within the demolition-permit process and undertake additional neighborhood outreach.
Council action: Motion to award consulting services to Verdantus LLC for $62,800 plus a 20% contingency passed 5-0.
Next steps: Consultant to complete updated assessment and abatement plan; town and consultant will schedule a public follow-up meeting specifically for immediate abutters and will include a communications plan and monitoring protocol prior to any on-site work.
