2011 - Town of Warner

Odd Fellows Building CommitteeDuring 2011, the Warner Board of Selectmen, with the support of theOdd Fellows Building Committee, applied for and was granted fundingfor an environmental assessment of the Odd Fellows Building. TheDepartment of Environmental Services approved the Town’s applicationunder its Brownfield Program for environmental assessment andcleanup. In December the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)report was completed by the consulting firm of Weston Solutions anddelivered to the Town. This report contains a review of known informationabout the Odd Fellows Hall, a site reconnaissance, interviews withknowledgeable persons and a proposed scope for a Phase II ESA. Dueto limited funding, DES has estimated that it will not begin the PhaseII work, involving sampling and testing of materials from the building,until after July 1, 2012. The Town has been assured that the Warnerapplication is at the head of the line for further funding, once moniesare available.Having the State absorb the cost for identification and removal of hazardousmaterials and contaminants is beneficial to the Town and necessary,regardless of the ultimate fate of the building. The Phase I ESArepresents State assistance to the Town of almost $7,000.The Committee is currently preparing an application to the State Divisionof Historical Resources and to the National Park Service for listingof the Odd Fellows Hall on the National Register of Historic Places.The Committee continues to be upbeat about the chances for finding adeveloper who can appreciate the Odd Fellows Building and its potentialfor residential or other use and who will work with the Town torestore the building as a productive and beneficial part of the Warnervillage.Respectively submitted,Jim McLaughlin - ChairRebecca CourserSteve BrownAmy DixonKyle WhiteheadEdward F. MicalChristopher Closs96