Minutes

SACRED HEART REUSE COMMITTEE

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Approved on November 30, 2010

The Sacred Heart Reuse Committee (“SHRC”) held its tenth meeting on August 6, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center.  Members present were: Stephen Carter, John Davis, Rita Fontes and Ed Keenan.

The SHRC reviewed three reports received today from Peter O’Cain, P.E., Town Engineer (dated July 16, 2008), Eric Hooper, P.E., Superintendent of Department of Public Works (dated July 18, 2008), and Joseph X. Kent, Inspector of Buildings (dated July 24, 2008).  All three reports concern the condition of the vacant dormitory structure still standing on the Sacred Heart property, based on a walk-through conducted by Messrs. O’Cain, Hooper and Kent (at the request of the Board of Selectmen) on July 16, 2008.

In his report, Mr. O’Cain states that, in his opinion, the structure is flawed in several ways that make it “unsafe and unsuitable for reuse.”  First, the bolted connections attaching the steel beams to the steel columns are “severely rusted” due to water infiltration from roof leaks.  Second, the concrete panels that comprise the ceiling/floor of each level “are so saturated with water that the panels have actually begun to bow under their own weight.”  Finally, the steel columns that support the entire structure are “badly corroded from years of exposure . . ..”  In summary, Mr. O’Cain concludes that major components of the building are in “extremely poor condition . . ..”  He recommends that the Board of Selectmen pursue a path leading to demolition.

The DPW Superintendent concurs with Mr. O’Cain.  In Mr. Hooper’s opinion, the major structural components of the building “are severely flawed.”  The steel columns and bolts (connecting the columns to the steel beams) are rusted to the point that they require replacement.  The concrete flooring is sagging in many places due to “water loading” and, likewise, must be replaced.  Finally, although the exterior walls (built of un-reinforced masonry) appear to be in “acceptable condition,” they are not adequately tied to the floor and beam structure; thus, any shaking could cause the walls to collapse.  Mr. Hooper also recommends demolition.

Mr. Kent is of the same opinion as Messrs. O’Cain and Hooper.  According to the Inspector of Buildings, the structure has “significantly deteriorated” and is “structurally flawed to the point that makes [it] both unsafe and unsuitable for future reuse.”  Mr. Kent bases this opinion on several observations.  First, the steel bar joists and structural columns supporting the floor and roof systems are deteriorated, rusted and “badly corroded” through years of water infiltration from the leaking roof.  Second, the exterior masonry walls are significantly damaged, including much of the brickwork around the wall openings.  These deficiencies, suggests Mr. Kent, could result in a “catastrophic failure of the flooring system.”  Third, due to water infiltration, the concrete panels that comprise the flooring system have “deteriorated to the point of being unsafe and dangerous to walk on.”  Mr. Kent recommends that the Sharon Fire Department placard the building as unsafe.

The SHRC reviewed the several issues previously raised regarding the future viability of the existing dormitory structure on site and concluded, based primarily on the reports of Mr. O’Cain, Mr. Hooper and Mr. Kent, that the structure cannot be cost-effectively restored.  Any potential developer should, therefore, work the cost of demolition into its plans.  Mr. Carter raised an inquiry regarding temporary stabilization of the structure.  He will meet with Mr. Kent and report back to the Committee.

Mr. Carter will invite David Wluka, a local developer, to attend a future SHRC meeting.  Mr. Davis will contact the School Committee to inquire whether the School Department has any interest in the Sacred Heart site.  Mr. Keenan will contact the Horizons for Youth Reuse Committee about attending future Horizons for Youth meetings.  Ms. Fontes will invite Recreation Director Brett MacGowan and State Representative Lou Kafka to attend a future meeting.   

Zoning and parking must be discussed at future meetings.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m.