Mold crisis may bring 2 Berlins together

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Mold crisis may bring 2 Berlins together

Cherry Hill Courier Post - Cherry Hill,NJ*

By RICHARD PEARSALL • Courier-Post Staff • April 29, 2008

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

AID=/20080429/NEWS01/804290375/1006/news01

BERLIN BOROUGH — The mold that caused the recent evacuation of the

municipal complex here may lead borough officials to abandon the

nearly century-old structure altogether.

The chances of demolition vs. remediation are " about 50/50, " said

borough administrator Charleen Santora.

The crisis also could lead to a cooperative building venture, or

even union, with neighboring Berlin Township.

Meanwhile Santora reported no complaints of mold-related illness

from borough employees.

Samples showed " extremely high levels " of two types of mold in the

basement that housed the police department, according to

, an environmental health specialist for Camden County.

Those types of mold -- Penicillium and Aspergillus versicolor --

" are known to produce mycotoxins which can cause health effects in

individuals predisposed to allergies, " she wrote in an April 9

letter to borough officials.

Borough Police Chief Bob Carrara said his main concern is with " long-

term problems five to 10 years from now, as opposed to today. "

Some of his officers expressed concern about " coming home with

contaminants on their uniforms, " the chief said, but were assured by

county officials that " that was not something to be concerned with. "

Berlin Township Mayor Phyllis Jeffries-Magazzu said officials from

the two municipalities have " talked briefly " about constructing a

new building together, " just to see if its a possibility. "

Talks were expected to continue at a meeting of the township's

governing body Monday night.

" It would save us both money, " the mayor said of a joint

building. " We could both use common areas such as the courtroom or

the holding cells. "

The township, which lost its municipal building to decay a year and

a half ago, now operates out of several trailers and a senior

citizens hall.

Jeffries-Magazzu called outright union with the borough " a

possibility somewhere down the road. "

The borough, which evacuated the borough hall two weeks ago, now is

soliciting proposals for remediation.

" Once the governing body sees what is needed to correct the

situation, it will have to make a decision on whether to move

forward, " Santora said. She said she expected the borough to be able

to correct the problem and return to the building, but could not

guarantee that outcome.

" It could be a number that's astronomical, " she said. " Berlin is

going to come up with the best feasible solution for its employees

and residents. "

Originally found in the basement, mold was later discovered in

ceilings and along pipes throughout the building.

Remediating the problem will likely include replacement of wall

board, ceilings, furring strips and insulation, as well as repairs

to the roof, foundation, air conditioning systems and other sources

of moisture, according to a study done for the borough by

Environmental Testing Consultants of Cherry Hill.

Reach Pearsall at (856) 486-2465 or

rpearsall@...