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Friday, December 19, 2008

12/19/08 Greenwich Post News Links




Breaking news
Posted 5:43 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, 2008


After promising a decision by Friday afternoon on whether to try a holiday break move into the new Hamilton Avenue School, the school district is instead extending the deadline through Monday to try and make it work.


The project did not get the temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) from the building department by Friday after concerns flared up around the school boiler. Superintendent of Schools Betty Sternberg and building committee chairman Frank Mazza decided late today to postpone the decision until next Monday in a last ditch attempt to get the new school ready for students before classes resume following the break on Jan. 5.


At issue, is the refusal of the boiler manufacturer to issue a letter attesting to the building’s safety even though the wrong kind of pipe had been used in the system. Because the boilers had the wrong kind of pipe the possibility existed, once the pipes wore down over time, that carbon monoxide could get into the building air


The mistake was not thought to present any immediate danger but the building committee had to meet five requirements for the town’s building department to sign off on the TCO. The committee needed to get test results proving there was no danger, the approval of the town’s fire marshal, a letter from the project’s engineer agreeing to a safe status for the school, a letter from the manufacturer stating that it was safe and carbon monoxide detectors installed.


Four of those conditions were met by Friday, but the manufacturer would not issue the letter despite assurances the building will be safe until the proper pipe is installed, which will likely happen in February. Mr. Mazza spoke to the Post today, saying the manufacturer was concerned about potential liability and without the letter, the building department did not want to grant the TCO.


The committee is now exploring the idea of setting up a temporary boiler out by the school’s loading dock and using that until the repairs are made. The cost and timing of such an idea are unknown at this time, according to Mr. Mazza, but they will be evaluated over the weekend and a decision is expected on Monday.


ALSO:




Breaking news
Posted 12:19 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, 2008


After receiving a recommendation from Dan Warzoha, the town’s director of emergency management, the Board of Selectmen unanimously declared a snow emergency Friday morning. All vehicles parking in designated, marked zones for snow plowing must be moved within 24 hours so roads can be cleared off.


MORE FROM THE GREENWICH POST:




Snow is falling this afternoon and expected to last through 11 p.m. Another storm is expected this weekend. The Greenwich Red Cross is reminding people to take precautions when driving in inclement weather. According to the National Weather Service, about 70% of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in the car.




Congressman-elect Jim Himes today announced that he has endorsed his opponent in the November election, Congressman Christopher Shays, for appointment as Director of the Peace Corps in the Obama Administration. Mr. Himes led the rest of the Connecticut delegation in the House of Representatives in writing to President-elect Barack Obama.




YWCA Board of Directors, Leadership Council and donors recently attended a party to thank them for their support of the YWCA. The party was donated by Archimedes Builders, IFI Auction Company, Il Songo Resturant, Supreme Wines and Burke Catering. Mark Blechman of IFI Auction Company, YWCA President and CEO Adrianne Singer and Tal Etshtein of Archimedes Builders were among the attendees.




Western Middle School students will travel to the Stamford Town Center on Monday, Dec. 22 to perform for holiday shoppers at 11:00 a.m.


The hour-long performance will feature the school's jazz band, chamber orchestra, and sixth, seventh and eighth grade choruses, directed by Maria Davis, Karen Anderson and Mercy Vaillancourt. This is the fifth year that the Western Middle School's music department will perform holiday music at the Stamford Town Center.




Minnie Peggy Quatrone-White, a lifelong resident of Greenwich, died of a massive heart attack on Sunday, Dec. 14. She was 68.




ASSAULT


A 14-year-old Greenwich boy was charged Dec. 15 with second degree assault, third degree assault and breach of peace. He had allegedly assaulted two children at the Arch Street Teen Center on Dec. 6. He was referred to the juvenile court for further action.


THREATENING


A 14-year-old Greenwich boy was charged Dec. 15 with threatening and breach of peace. The boy allegedly assaulted and threatened another student at Central Middle School on Dec. 5. He was referred to the juvenile court for further action.


BREACH OF PEACE


Emmanuel Garcia, 19, of 7 Chestnut St. was arrested Dec. 17 and charged with second degree breach of peace. He was arrested by warrant connected to an incident on Aug. 17. Garcia was being held in lieu of a $500 cash bond and is due in court Dec. 24.


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