Of Preservation and Fiscal Importance. Read into public record at the Board of Selectpersons meeting before the vote on the Mead Park Barn. 

Kit, Nick, Kevin and John,

                So often when individuals run for public office, their platforms often include promises of transparency, fiscal responsibility and an open inclusive style of governance. Please trust that many of us, despite our best intentions are missing the mark. As a municipality, we surround ourselves with committee members, boards, commissions, paid “experts” and legal opinions that validate what ever it is that we want approved or what ever end result we desire.

                  With regards to the Mead Park Brick Barn, we are told that the abatement and demolition costs will not exceed $65,000.00. When I checked with the DEEP (Department of Energy & Environmental Protection), I am told that once the slab, (that is now coved by the Brick Barn structure) is exposed, if it is found to have concentrated levels of contaminants, an order of enforcement action should be expected. In the private sector, this process can be costly and unpleasant, I would assume that the regulatory enforcement would not be any different for a municipality. I also had the opportunity to speak to the DPH (Department of Public Health), it is my understanding that even if we have no intent to remove or disturb the existing slab, that area would have to be tested to show that it is free from contaminants. The DPH is actually the regulatory body with regards to remediation standards.

                  It is on record that the Brick Barn originally had a dirt floor until around 1915. It is also on record that this structure has housed hazardous waste, including kerosene, fuel oil and other petroleum products, that being said, the potential for contamination under the slab should be a surprise to no one. While I have not seen the bid documents or the detailed bid estimate for the remediation of this structure, it is my understanding that the town has no plans to remediate the slab and subsequent soil. If that is correct, then we most likely have no funds for soil testing or remediation in the 65K project bid. While I am not a soil scientist, it appears as though there are wetlands within 100 feet of this structure and 150 feet from a watercourse.

                  The alternative to demolition would be to embrace the diverse group of talented individuals who are part of the NCPA. This group has been trying to save this structure since 2010. They are prepared to take this building from it’s current state and do a complete renovation as a pilot program to benefit the The entire town of New Canaan. Rather than embrace this group, we have treated them with such disrespect that I fall short on the proper words that might express my true feelings. When Nick Williams sent this issue back to the town council last month, we had a unique opportunity to change the course of action and allow the NCPA an opportunity to embrace this project. Rather than to capitalize on this, the majority of the TC hid behind the legal opinion from our town attorney and decided to send it back to the BOS for the final say. Does anyone think that such an accomplished practicing attorney like Nick Williams would have sent this back to the Town Council if we did not have the legal right to revisit this issue? Absolutely ridiculous.

                In closing, I am respectfully requesting that the BOS remove the demolition order and allow the NCPA to continue the mission of preserving the Mead Park Barn. Enough of this chess match, let’s do what is right for the structure in the spirit of preservation. My sincere apologies for anyone that I may have offended, as that is certainly not my intent. While I often disagree with some of my colleagues, I have great respect for each of you. Please trust that I would have been at this meeting, unfortunately, I find myself with another serious health issue with one of my core family members that requires much of my time, including this morning. I am sure that if any of you spent as much time as I have at Yale hospital over the last three years, you probably would appreciate and embrace those around you who truly want to make New Canaan a better place. Please allow the NCPA the opportunity to save the Mead Park Barn.

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph Paladino