City Hall mold repairs to cost $250k

NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) --We're now getting a look at the damage in a boarded up office on the first floor of New London City Hall. Inspectors from Ledge Light Health District took pictures of mold growing in the room the Mayor says has 98 percent humidity after a steam pipe burst last month. Ledge Light has ordered the city to fix the pipe and clean up the mold forcing the city to take action, even though the Mayor says the city doesn't have the money.

"I have asked the city council to authorize an application for state LoCIP funds which can come to the city and help us make those repairs," said Mayor Daryl Finizio.

Repairs expected to cost $250,000. Even with the grant the city would have to pay up front and then get reimbursed.

"That seems a little over the top to me. I'm going to keep an open mind and hopefully get a better understanding what they intend to devote $250,000 to," said Michael Passero, City Councilor.

"The pipe that burst in that wall, there are problems all throughout the lines in the pipes, throughout the building, so it's not an immediate pipe fix," Mayor Finizio said.

Ledge Light wants a "plan of remediation" by next Friday and repairs made a week after that. A tight schedule and what the Mayor says is just the tip of the iceberg for what is a long list of capital improvements, not taken care of over the years.

"It would mean higher taxes I imagine," the Mayor said. "We have to pay for it and that's a reality."

The one thing the Mayor and the city councilor would both like to see is a comprehensive look at what total repairs are needed there.

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City Hall mold repairs to cost $250k