Taylor's Repairs Get Go-Ahead From Officials

While the inside and outside of the iconic Chester business, Taylor’s Ice Cream Parlor, , borough officials said they’ve done whatever is necessary of them to facilitate a quick reconstruction.

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While the electric, plumbing and other utilities necessary to reopen the business were reviewed on Wednesday, May 9, plans submitted by the construction company’s architect were not signed off, causing a delay, Zoning Officer Kerry Brown said.

“The plans were submitted on May 6, and in less than two days we had our construction department review everything,” Brown said. “But we couldn’t give a go-ahead on the permits until the plans were signed and sealed by the project architect.”

The construction company overseeing the project is Long Valley’s Harrington Construction.

"From the first time we walked in there, we knew it was going to be a bit of a process," general contractor John Harrington said. "The damage to the roof and walls was more extensive than it originally looked. We needed a structural engineer, then a fire audit – we knew it was going to be a couple months before we got anything started.

"But no one drug their feet, that's for sure," Harrington said.

Originally, Brown said, the architect wanted to submit plans “piece meal,” but permits can’t be issued if plans aren’t submitted under one order.

New, signed plans were submitted on May 10, leading to a permit issuance in just three days, Brown said, and once the permit fees are paid, construction can begin.

Harrington said final drawings from the structural engineer weren't even submitted until two weeks ago.

Ice cream shop owner Ron Klein told Patch earlier in the week even if construction started today, it would take about six months to complete, knocking out business for nearly the rest of 2013.

"The fire adjuster told us it would probably be about five or six months," Harrington said. "But I know we're going to go at it hard from the start."

The general contractor pointed at New Jersey shore homes and what those owners are going through in comparison, more than six months after superstorm Sandy devastated the area.

"It's been 190 days since those folks lost their homes," Harrington said. "And they don't even have permits (to start work) yet. When you consider that, I think we're moving along pretty good."

"We have done everything to speed this process along, but when you get incomplete permits in and unsealed plans that can’t be approved, our hands are tied,” said Chester Borough administrator Valerie Egan in an email to Patch. “There are state regulations that we need to adhere to. The municipality values Taylor’s as an important business in town, and the mayor has asked our Construction Department to expedite anything possible.”

Harrington said he expects his crew to begin work early next week.

Building owner Gil Taylor declined to comment on the situation.