Easthampton Municipal Building closed indefinitely while air quality issues addressed

EASTHAMPTON — Due to ongoing air quality issues, HVAC problems and safety concerns, Easthampton Municipal Building remains closed to the public and staff until further notice.

“This may be an over abundance of caution, but this decision has been made to ensure a safe working environment for all,” said Mayor Nicole LaChapelle in a statement. “We are committed to reopening City Hall quickly, but only when we are assured by experts that it meets the highest standards of safety and functionality.”

According to a press release from the city, the Easthampton Health Department will work with the state Department of Public Health and the Division of Air Quality to conduct an air quality inspection.

The agencies will also determine whether additional testing will be required for mold that has resulted from inappropriate venting of temporary air-conditioning units.

Further, the city health department will work with the Department of Labor Standards along with a third-party contractor to assess dust and particulates that pose health concerns. Those include, but are not limited to: asbestos, silica dust and fiberglass dust.

In the meantime, city services will temporarily relocate to other municipal buildings, which are subject to change.

■ Assessor’s Office: Remote

■ Building Inspections: Public Safety Complex

■ Collections: Public Safety Complex, Dispatch Conference Room

■ DPW Reception: Water Works Building

■ Finance and Human Resources: Public Safety Complex

■ Mayor’s Office: Hybrid (Public Safety Complex and remote)

■ School Department: Mountain View School

■ Technology Services: Public Safety Complex

■ City Clerk, Planning Department, and Health Department: Remote, but taking appointments by request under the tent at City Hall.

Residents can still make bill payments using the secure drop box at the City Hall entrance, by mail at the address provided on the bills, or online at unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx.