Paulsboro officials weigh repairs, renovation or new police/admin building after flood and mold damage

Mayor John Giovannitti and Borough Administrator Marino presented council members with the results of emergency response and damage assessments after a Feb. 18 water leak that flooded the municipal building. Administrator Marino said "according to the camera playback, the water leak flowed throughout the front office area for about 2 hours before running down into the police department," and that vendors removed carpets and damaged wood furniture and began mold testing and remediation.

Council discussed options including a full remediation and HVAC overhaul, renovating the existing structure, or building a new combined police and administration building on borough-owned property (Nassau Avenue opposite the Alibi Inn or the Delaware Street parking lot). Mayor Giovannitti said the Property & Finance Committees should meet and added that "we can’t drag our feet any longer with these building decisions." Police Chief Gary Kille told council the department could continue operating in the current space for now but that "it's going to take at least 24 months to build a new building," a timetable officials said would affect interim accommodations and budgets.

Council members asked practical questions about health and safety risks and interim operations: Councilman Singleton asked whether the mold was "black mold," and Administrator Marino confirmed it was. Members also queried the pipe type; Marino said the failure involved a sink hose. Councilman Haynes raised financing concerns and suggested the possibility of a large bond through the GCUA as one funding option. Administrator Marino estimated remediation could take "about 8 to 12 weeks," but council acknowledged the longer timeline and higher cost of any new construction.