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Date: 8/15/2023
EASTHAMPTON — While officials are hopeful that the situation will be resolved within the next couple of weeks, Easthampton City Hall remains closed due to air quality concerns. Although inconvenient, the city has assured its workers and residents that the City Hall will remain closed until all the issues have been resolved.
“We hope to get back into the building as quickly as possible, but not before we are assured that the building is safe and healthy,” said Lindsi Mailler, executive assistant to the mayor.
Air quality issues came to light around July 17 when people started to report symptoms like headaches. The city quickly decided to close the building on an as-needed basis to fix the issues. On July 24, it became clear that the repairs to the HVAC system would take longer than originally thought and the building was formally closed. Officials believe the air quality issues are likely a “result of recent duct and HVAC work designed to make the building more energy efficient,” said Miller.
Currently, crews are repairing the HVAC system as well as some damage to things like ceiling tiles. This work should continue over the next couple of weeks.
While City Hall is closed, some offices have been moved to other locations and some have their employees working remotely. The collectors, finance, human resources, technology services and mayor’s offices can all be found at the public safety complex at 32 Payson Ave. The school department is currently working out of the former Mountain View School and the DPW is at the waterworks building. The assessor and city clerk offices, as well as the Planning and Health departments, are working remotely and can be reached via email. All city employee email addresses, as well as updates, can be found on the city website.
“I’m grateful to and appreciative of the people that make up this city’s workforce, who have shown time and time again that they are dedicated to their roles in public service,” said Mailler. “They have continued to provide excellent uninterrupted support for our residents despite the challenges we have faced these recent weeks."