Town flags leaking roof and mold at former Nike base community building; staff to seek immediate repairs and grant options

Board members raised urgent concerns about the former Nike base community building after members reported hearing active leaks and seeing signs of ceiling deterioration and mold.

What officials said: The building was described at the workshop as having water intrusion through the roof, damaged suspended ceiling tiles (some of which contain asbestos), and evidence of mold in the interior following recent rains. The board directed staff to recontact the contractor who previously attempted roof repairs (the vendor referenced in the discussion as BlueOx) and to obtain an immediate site recheck and an estimate for a definitive repair. Officials also asked staff to investigate potential funding sources for remediation or demolition, including brownfields or national historic-preservation grants that staff said might apply.

Why it matters: The condition exposes the town to health and liability risks if water intrusion accelerates ceiling decay or mold growth; ceilings with asbestos-containing materials require specific remediation protocols. Board members stressed the need to secure the structure and stop further water entry while the town evaluates long-term disposition (repair and reoccupy, remediate, or demolish).

Action items: Staff will contact the previous contractor to re-evaluate the roof and provide an emergency repair estimate; facilities staff will evaluate interim steps to secure the building and limit access; staff will research grant and remediation programs (including historic-preservation and brownfield funding) and report options to the board.

Ending: The board did not decide on demolition or a specific remediation path at the workshop; members directed staff to return with repair-cost estimates and possible grant sources.