New Milford Mayor David Gronbach: 'No Asbestos in Walls, Drop Ceilings at Pettibone'

NEW MILFORD, CT — Facing a lawsuit alleging that the town misappropriate funds for the renovation of the John Pettibone School building as well as a complaint to the state health department, New Milford Mayor David Gronbach announced Monday that there was no asbestos in the walls or drop ceilings at the building.

In anannouncement on the town website, Gronbach indicated that a report from the town's contractor found there was asbestos in the floor tiles and some of the insulation, but said such material is common in buildings like the Pettibone.

"We knew that the floor tiles and some insulation contained such material, which is common in such buildings," wrote Gronbach."We will either avoid disturbing such areas or rely on certified contractors to address any issues."

The announcement indicated that report confirmed the absence of toxic levels of lead paint, and that work on the building would not create any airborne concentrations over the action level.

"We look forward to occupying this Building soon," said the mayor."Thank you for your support."

Filed by Republican Town Committee chairman Michael Barnes, the suit against the town seeks to stop the renovations alleging that town officials took funds from the Waste Management fund without the Board of Finance's approval. Gronbach argues that approval was not necessary because the fund is not made up of tax dollars.

Town officials were scheduled to appear in Litchfield Superior Court Thursday, but the court date has been changed to March 9 at 10 a.m., reports the News Times.

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