Don’t pass up chance for new city hall building

To the editor:

South Portland has a unique opportunity to acquire a newly constructed four-story building that would allow the city to have its departments under one roof.
This would save the city from spending money to renovate and maintain these very old buildings that are falling into disrepair.
For several years I have watched South Portland City Hall become an eyesore. The building is beyond rehabilitation due to several deficiencies. The building meets none of the city’s building codes such as plumbing, electrical, fire, handicap accessibility and most of all, air quality, due to the moisture in the lower level causing mold and mildew.
The city has spent thousands of dollars trying to fix this problem and it failed. The lower level is now used for storage instead of offices.
This foul air permeates the entire building. The employees have a right to a healthy environment not having to breathe this daily.
In addition to the moisture problem the building needs a new roof, insulation, furnace, elevator and floorboard replacements under existing floor coverings.
The building on Waterman Drive was built to LEED specifications with latest  environmental technology. “Build green” is the way of the future. This has been built green. There will be no maintenance on this building for 30 years.
I urge the city not to pass up this opportunity.

Kay Loring
South Portland