Controversial Demolition of Patten Recreation Center Sparks Investigation

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News Summary

The demolition of the Patten Recreation Center raises concerns over asbestos and community engagement, leading to an investigation by state officials.

Controversial Demolition of Patten Recreation Center Sparks Investigation

Concerns Over Asbestos and Community Sentiment

In a shocking turn of events, the recent demolition of Patten’s historic 1941 recreation center at 12 Founders St. has drawn the ire of state environmental officials and community residents alike. The demolition, which took place on April 17, was carried out without the necessary notifications to both residents and state authorities, setting off alarm bells regarding public safety and transparency.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing two excavators violently tearing into the structure, resulting in the sudden collapse of the roof. Piles of debris, including boards, tiles, siding, and insulation, scattered across the site, raising concerns about potential asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has long been linked to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma. Previous assessments have pointed to the presence of this hazardous material in the recreation center, identified through a Phase II site assessment conducted last summer.

Violation of State Regulations

State regulations dictate that municipalities must provide a notification five business days prior to the demolition of any building containing asbestos. However, Patten officials failed to file such notice with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This blatant disregard for protocol has led the DEP to conduct a site visit on April 18, which now officially classifies this case as open enforcement.

Current laws also require that demolition sites with asbestos must be secured with proper fencing and marked with warning signs. However, photographic evidence taken during the demolition revealed a complete lack of visible barriers or notices, further compounding the situation and endangering public safety.

Questions Surrounding Contractor and Communication

As this investigation unfolds, questions loom over which contractor conducted the demolition and whether they held the appropriate licensing to handle asbestos. Clarity on the contractor’s status remains elusive, intensifying concerns for local residents. The town manager has remained tight-lipped, failing to respond to multiple inquiries regarding the demolition.

Additionally, community sentiment indicates widespread disappointment over the fate of the recreation center. Many residents believed the building could have been renovated or reopened, especially given its historical significance as a hub for community events and celebrations in the past. The abrupt demolition, which occurred just days before the town’s annual meeting on April 24, has led to speculations of a lack of public dialogue surrounding the building’s future.

A Historical Loss

The Patten recreation center held sentimental value for local residents, having served as a gathering space for decades before its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also played a prominent role in local sports history, being the site of celebrated victories by the 1947 Patten Academy basketball team. Residents had previously rallied together to save other historical landmarks in the town, making the demolition of the recreation center all the more disheartening.

Moreover, residents have voiced feelings of betrayal over the absence of any serious discussions about restoration efforts. The lack of communication from town officials, including limited discussion about demolition plans or contractor selection processes, has heightened feelings of disenfranchisement among community members.

A Call for Accountability

The Eastern Maine Development Corp. had specifically commissioned the Phase II assessment that revealed asbestos presence in the recreation center, as part of the EPA’s Brownfield program aimed at addressing environmental concerns. Residents are left grappling with questions regarding the town’s commitment to preserving its historical and cultural roots. The town’s recent actions have included the removal of decades-old plantings from Patten Cemetery, contributing to a growing sense of unease about future preservation efforts.

As the investigation continues, residents of Patten anxiously await answers and accountability from their town officials. The recreation center may be gone, but its legacy continues to resonate within the community, prompting cries for transparency, safety, and proper respect for local heritage. The stakes couldn’t be higher – not just for the residents, but for the enduring fight against the dangers of asbestos.