Reopening remains uncertain for North Brunswick’s municipal building closed since Ida

NORTH BRUNSWICK – Two years after the township's municipal complex was significantly damaged by flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida, it's uncertain when it will reopen.

The latest snag to delay work on the municipal complex was the discovery of fungal spores in the ductwork of the HVAC system, said Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack.

"This is resulting in an additional expense and it's going to cause some delay," Womack said.

Fungal spores had previously been discovered in the basement ductwork, but that has been remediated, the mayor said.

"We're still working our way through this, but obviously since the HVAC system is intertwined through the whole building, it is where you would look to make sure you're environmentally doing things correctly," Womack said. "We're taking a step back to make sure it's all done right before we return to the building."

Womack said the township is moving as fast as possible, but he doesn't know how long the work will be delayed.

"I don't know how long that delay will be, but it's going to set us back a little further," the mayor said.

And with each new complication, the cost is rising.

"The raw costs for fixing all the damage to the municipal building is expected to be tens of millions of dollars," Womack said, adding the township is hoping most of the cost will be covered by insurance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The mayor said the cost to taxpayers will be minimal.

"Part of what has us creeping rather than speeding along here is that we're trying to work everything in coordination with our insurers and also stay on top of the FEMA claims," he said.

The Sept. 1, 2021, storm caused severe damage to the Hermann Road complex to sections of the Police Department, 0main lobby, courtroom, exterior façade and basement where the mechanical room is located.

Some township offices have been operating out of trailers at the site, while others have been moved to other locations.

The mayor hoped to be back in the part of the building that houses council meetings and the clerk's office in the fall, but with this new wrinkle with the HVAC system, he doesn't see that happening as quickly.

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In August, the township received a draft report by Hillmann Consulting which identified levels of various fungal spore groups in the HVAC system possibly caused by increased humidity.

At its Sept. 18 meeting, the Township Council approved adding $500,000 to the contract with Servpro Disaster Recovery Services for more work on the ductwork

At that meeting, the Council also agreed to spend no more than $20,000 for T&M Associates to assist with analysis of the first, second and third floors and for continued work associated with the HVAC remediation and restoration within the municipal building.

"It's an area of concern that we have to address prior to commencing the next phase of restoration on the inside of the building," said North Brunswick Business Administrator Justine Progebin. "The township has not yet received a final recommendation, which is anticipated to be released in the coming weeks. That will be the linchpin to whether we're back in the building in six months or a year. We want to make sure we cover all areas of concern before we bring anyone back to the building. “

Another reason for the slow progress is making sure contractors, insurers and the government are all working together, the mayor said.

"We want to make sure that everyone is on the same page and there is no lack of communication between the township, our insurers and FEMA, where we have also submitted claims," he said. "Since we are relying on the insurance companies to forward money as we progress, we are keeping them fully involved and apprised of everything that is happening at every single step. We are making sure we don't drop the ball as we go down either pathway."

But there is progress being made.

"We're very near completion of the roof," Womack said.

Replacement of the compromised exterior sheathing began in late September, and scaffolding has been erected around the police side of the building.

The first replacement windows should be available for delivery in late October or early November, and the doublewide trailer adjacent to the police entrance has been removed because of its proximity to the brick facade.

The Municipal Clerk’s office is working from a new trailer along the fence line.

As of Sept. 25, third floor framing is complete, drywall for entire buildout has been received and work is continuing on the plumbing and electrical systems. In addition, painters are working on the Council chamber and courtroom and offices.

Water-damaged documents stored in the basement were removed and treated by a specialized contractor.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: North Brunswick NJ municipal building reopening remains uncertain