EASTHAMPTON — The city’s municipal building remains closed over air quality concerns resulting from HVAC repairs, but is expected to reopen to staff and the public next week.

The building has been officially and indefinitely closed since July 24, a week after Director of Public Health Allison Egan sent a notice to Mayor Nicole LaChapelle outlining violations she observed during a visit to the 50 Payson Ave. building and ordering its closure.

Violations included excessive heat and lack of ventilation; excessive dust and exposure of employees to the HVAC work environment; general concerns for air quality; and health concerns of employees.

The notice also noted that employees began to report symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightening, headaches, coughs and aggravated asthma on July 17.

LaChapelle said staff were working remotely and the building was closed on a day-to-day basis during the week leading up to its official closure on July 24.

In the notice, Egan wrote that she and human resources were coordinating medical care for employees who reported symptoms.

LaChapelle said a survey to employees was sent out twice, and responses about symptoms are confidential.

The building remains closed as air quality tests and deep cleanings are performed, but LaChapelle said it is expected to reopen next week.

“Work over the last week was really productive,” LaChapelle said. “This weekend we’re going to run all the systems to make sure the air quality is OK and that the building has enough air circulation.”

During technical update meetings with city officials, the building repair contractors have noted that new equipment, including a new air handler, have mitigated air quality issues, according to LaChapelle.

“So far, the air handler and whatnot have performed the way we expect in the tests,” she said.

The building is now being deep cleaned “to the point where they’re vacuuming the walls,” along with cleaning surfaces, carpets and other areas, LaChapelle said.

If deep cleanings and inspections go as planned, equipment such as computers and printers will be moved back into the building early next week, and employees and the public will be allowed back inside. No official opening date has yet been announced.

LaChapelle said the finance team will remain in 32 Payson Ave. for the time being, “to make sure that daily financial operations are consistent,” in case the building needs to close again.

“The staff have been amazing. They are working in buildings across the city and they’ve really risen to the challenge,” said LaChapelle. “I’m really proud of them, and the residents of Easthampton should be proud of them too.”

Maddie Fabian can be reached at mfabian@gazettenet.com or on Twitter @MaddieFabian.]]>