Asbestos Delays,Other Issues, Prolonged Building’s Update

In Glen Rock, New Jersey, the borough hall has finally reopened after a two year closure during renovations. The project cost a total of $6.89 million, and was plagued by multiple delays and numerous frustrations. “I’m upset because we promised residents something and we didn’t come through on the timeline, even though it didn’t cost us anything,” said Mayor John van Keuren. “It cost us in time and aggravation. The construction has cost us time that we could have been back in the building, but we got what we signed up to get and at no additional cost to the taxpayers.”

The project began back in 2007, and almost from the beginning the project was months behind schedule. The 1920s-era building was plagued with mold, structural issues, faulty wiring, and asbestos. Asbestos exposure is linked to the development of mesothelioma.

The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, and the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis. The cancer can take hold in the lungs, lining of the heart, or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity.

Police Chief Frederick P. Stahman said the Police Department will be fully moved into the hall this week. ”This is an updated facility that now meets state standards,” Stahman said. “There’s security inside and out and it’s state of the art with a new sally port [to move suspects in and out of the building], a more functional booking office, and new traffic and DARE offices.”

Source: http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/79473942.html