Mold problem resurfaces at Englewood municipal building, deemed 'critical'

ENGLEWOOD — The city has paid more than $5,000 so far to combat mold in a building that houses the Municipal Court and the Police Department.

Signs were posted in the South Van Brunt Street building after mold reached a “critical” level. Interim City Manager Jewel Thompson-Chin confirmed that the city is in the process of assessing and remediating the problem.

“Any place that finds mold is obligated to inform their employees,” she said. “In many cases this was caused by dampness.”

She noted that remediating the mold without taking care of the underlying problem would not be helpful. She said the state Department of Environmental Protection and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration were both involved in handling the issue.

Frantz Volcy, who serves the city as engineer, said the mold is not airborne. Airborne mold spores are a common allergen that can cause respiratory irritation, coughing and eye irritation in people who are sensitive. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold can also cause an increase in the frequency or severity of asthma symptoms. 

“Any time there is an older building, it is prone to leakage,” Volcy said. “Someone needs to stay on top of things, and again, the building is aging, and if someone doesn’t stay on top of it that leads to mold and mildew."

This isn’t the first time the city has dealt with mold. Volcy said earlier this month that "this has been a problem on and off for quite some time, but it’s critical.”

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“It’s gotten to the point where you can visibly see some of the impact. It’s being tested and studied so that we can get back into compliance,” he said.

At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Volcy said the city had received quotes for remediation at the police station and were waiting for quotes for the rooms in the court. He also said the city is checking the roof for leaks.

In addition to the money spent on the Police Department and court, nearly $9,000 has been spent to remediate the municipal ice rink.

Katie Sobko is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: sobko@northjersey.com  Twitter: @katesobko