Commissioners respond to historical commission’s concerns about building project

Carbon County officials went on record after a state historical commission official expressed her concerns for the proposed office building project on Susquehanna Street in Jim Thorpe.

The commissioners sent their response to Andrea L. MacDonald’s February letter outlining the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s thoughts on the project.

Of specific concern by both the state and area residents is the bedrock removal, because of the proximity to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

The state outlined the significance of the church, a national historic landmark, and said, “We are gravely concerned about the effects of demolition and construction activities on the structural integrity of the building. Buildings of this age and significance are irreplaceable and we urge the county to exercise extreme caution and sensitivity during the design and construction of your new facility. Specifically, we are concerned about the impact of demolition and excavation of the bedrock formation that the church and the county property will share.”

MacDonald recommended the county “engage experienced engineers to undertake the geotechnical studies to determine the risk construction may pose to adjacent properties.”

In the county’s response dated April 3, the commissioners thanked the commission for its insight and concerns, citing a conversation Commissioner William O’Gurek had with MacDonald in March.

“We certainly do not want this project to jeopardize any of the existing structures in any way, and so we are writing to confirm we have made it perfectly clear to those who are under contract with the county that there will be no ‘blasting’ during the land preparation (excavating) part of the program,” the county wrote.

“In that respect, your letter went a long way in making us realize the importance of maintaining the integrity of existing properties near the county project. … We hope this letter will help you to have an understanding of how, in fact, the county is seriously adhering to your concerns.”

The commissioners said they hired Ingram Engineering Services to inspect the area and inspect the exposed structural components of the church.

“Ingram reviewed the interior and exterior walls, floors, roof trusses and retaining walls of the church and, in general, preliminarily indicated the church’s structure and adjacent support buildings are in excellent condition.”

The commissioners said the church board members were invited to meet with the people under contract with the architect, Form Space Design, and construction manager, Boyle Construction Management, to express their concerns.

On March 21, Vibra-Tech Engineers of Hazleton also installed two vibration monitors, one near the larger Tiffany window and one near where the excavation will take place, to gather information to determine baseline vibration thresholds for the project as excavation begins. Additional vibration monitoring will be completed near the former bicycle shop at 34 Susquehanna St.

In addition, a second vibration monitoring firm will be provided by the contractor doing the excavation work.

“Please know the commissioners, as well as those working for us — construction manager, architect and contractors — are all very much aware of the intricacies of this project and share your belief that it is necessary to embrace appropriate steps to mitigate any risks that could cause potential irreparable damages to our neighbors’ properties.”

In related matters, the commissioners approved a proposal with United Inspection Services of Jim Thorpe for professional services relative to construction certification for the building project at a cost of $444.35 per day for an estimated 115 days plus a testing fee of $1,590 which is reimbursable.

United Inspection Services will be on-site during the rock removal and is through the Vibra-Tech contract.