Dormer collapses at Bennett College

MILLBROOK — A large dormer on the right side of the former Bennett College collapsed on Sunday, June 12, according to Millbrook Mayor Laura Hurley. The situation at the complex, located just off Route 44 near the entrance to the village, is the latest in a series in recent years. The dormer collapsed through three stories, leaving a substantial hole in the building, compromising the stability of the entire structure, even more than previously. There have also been reports of beams making “popping” noises, according to Hurley, speaking at a Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 14.“When word came in we immediately sent out the building inspector, Ken McLaughlin, to have a look at it and assess the situation,” said Hurley. “He has informed me and therefore the board of trustees that he does believe an emergency situation exists at the Bennett site.” The mayor informed the board that all of the proper authorities have been contacted about the situation.“I just want to let everyone know that this is a private property that is under an unsafe building citation by the village of Millbrook that was upheld in court,” she said. “The [building’s owners] are under orders to demolish the building by October of 2011. This most recent development, though, has caused us to re-evaluate that timetable.”Hurley said she spoke with David Blumenthal of the parent corporation that owns Bennett Acquisitions, on June 12. According to Hurley, Blumenthal said he intends to bring new “No trespassing” signs and spray paint. Hurley told Blumenthal that this was not acceptable and more efficient security was needed. Blumenthal agreed to the request if the village provided 24-hour security coverage at the site consisting of two patrol officers, the mayor said.“Indeed there were reports of trespassers the night before. Since the security has been in place, within two days folks have been trying to enter the building,” she said. “They have been somewhat belligerent when informed that it is indeed unsafe and unwise for them to approach the building.”The village adopted an unsafe building code in 2009. Under section 86.3 of the code it’s required that a zoning officer report to the Village Board when an emergency situation has occurred. It is currently on the record that the Village Board is aware of the situation.Hurley recommended to the trustees that the October demolition date is no longer sufficient and immediate action should take place.“A reasonable course of action would be that we demand that safety fencing be constructed around the entire property within 48 hours,” said Hurley. “If that fencing is not installed within 48 hours we will put in the installation of that fencing as it is provided in our code.”The board agreed that a durable fence needed to be installed with enough height to keep trespassers away from the property. The board accepted the findings of the unsafe building code as an emergency condition. The Village Board also warned the public to stay away from the Bennett College site, as the building is extremely dangerous.

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