Bridgeport Hall Renovations Await Go-Ahead

By Kendra Bobowick

As construction work continues near and around Bridgeport Hall, interior work is still on hold per the state’s request.

Department of Environmental Protection Sanitary Engineer Ross Bunnell indicated Wednesday that renovations could soon begin to turn the now-empty former state hospital building into office space for municipal and education departments. “There is some additional information I am looking for,” he said. He has a letter ready to send to Newtown, “Depending on how soon they [reply] they can get going.”

Specifically, he explained, “We’re asking that they hold off on work that could disturb lead-based paint and asbestos.” Other work is “okay,” he said. Regarding his questions about Bridgeport Hall’s lead or asbestos material abatement, for example, Mr Bunnell said this week, “It really has to do with the information [Newtown] provided — some of the hazardous materials — it’s not clear if the materials have been removed.” Basically, he explained, “We have some follow-up questions about what’s been submitted.”

Recent weeks have found the hum of machinery near the building, which is gated to prevent interruptions from traffic.

Since September, Mr Bunnell is among state personnel who have asked for paperwork detailing projects taking place at Fairfield Hills, including the abatement practices for hazardous materials.

Earlier this year representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection and the state Department of Public Health began asking for documentation for Fairfield Hills projects, creating setbacks in workflow. The early September exploration of Fairfield Hills stems from anonymous calls to the state. Mr Bunnell said, “Given the fact that people felt concerned, we felt it was appropriate to look into it.”

Public Works Director Fred Hurley welcomes the state’s company. He has said, “I have no problem with it, and I’ll tell you why; they’ll still get calls from people who don’t wish the Fairfield Hills project well, so the more paperwork and documentation [the state] has, the better.”