Senior Center 'salvageable'
Toolbox
By SUSAN ALLEN TIMES ARGUS STAFF - Published: December 17, 2009
MONTPELIER – Although the official verdict from Vermont State Police arson investigators is still out, Montpelier Fire Chief Gesualdo Schneider said Wednesday that at this point the cause of this week's blaze at 58 Barre St. does not appear to be suspicious.
"Investigators were over there (Tuesday) looking at that," Schneider said. "They still need to get a little information."
Tenants were being allowed into the building Wednesday to remove property, although Schneider said it would be up to six months before the building would be ready for occupancy.
"It is OK for tenants to go into the areas. They should work through the Police Department so we don't have people wandering around there," said Schneider.
Mayor Mary Hooper publicly thanked the Montpelier Fire Department and the assisting firefighters who moved quickly to fight the fire, probably saving the structure. About 62 firefighters from Montpelier and several surrounding communities helped fight the blaze, which started in the center's crafts room.
City Manager William Fraser said the majority of the building is in sound condition, other than the presence of soot, ash and a smoke smell. He mentioned that many interior doors were closed at the time of the fire, which helped limit its spread. One concern with renovation, he said, was the presence of asbestos in the building.
Fraser said there has been no talk of tearing the building down because of its historic significance as a former school.
"It appears the building is salvageable," Fraser said Wednesday afternoon. Although there was smoke damage throughout the building, according to Schneider, Fraser said the heaviest damage was in an area in the back of the building on the second floor where the fire and heat damaged the floor.
"That floor will have to be demolished and taken out," Fraser said.
Fraser said the building was insured for more than $1 million, with an additional $100,000 for contents, which covers the senior center's property that was destroyed. It was unclear Wednesday whether the city will be able to recover any relocation costs associated with moving the senior activities to another location until the building is reopened.
"That building will be closed for months, at least, perhaps longer as we choose what to do with it," he said.
Assistant City Manager Beverlee Pembroke Hill appeared before the council to discuss the proposed revenue and spending plan for the center for the coming year.
Fraser said "we're dealing with a real unknown here." He said with the building shut down for months, the loss of rent would be offset by the savings on expenses. There was already a reduction in food services built into the budget, dropping in one year from three meals per week to one – a Tuesday luncheon.
Hill said on the average week, about 60 seniors attend the weekly luncheon. On special events, such as the holiday meal that had been planned for Tuesday, about 100 planned to attend, she said. That meal was canceled after the fire, but Hill said several area organizations, including U-32 Middle and High School, have offered space to host the holiday meal at some point.
Jim Sheridan, the council member whose district includes the center, said he visits there almost every day. He said the seniors "love it over there," touching on public discussion about whether the center should be renovated or moved to a new location.
The city council agreed to seek proposals for renovating the building to include the Senior Center, as well as housing on the upper floors. The proposals should also include the possibility of an outside partner – perhaps even buyer – being involved in the project.
10