NEW BERLIN – On Sunday, a 12’ x 8’ section of brick fell from the upper south wall of the building at the corner of Main and Genesee Streets in the village of New Berlin, dumping several hundred pounds of brick onto the sidewalk below. Fortunately the area had been cordoned off since the building was declared a hazard and tenants removed over a year ago.

On Wednesday, a crew from Burrell’s Excavation in Norwich was on site to further remove loose bricks and cover the facility so any further damage to the building or danger to vehicle pedestrian traffic would be mitigated. Assisted by DOT staff directing traffic, the Burrell’s crew used a cherry picker to knock additional loose material from the south and east face of the upper walls and covered the roof with a tarp. Village trustee and assistant mayor Robert Starr directed the operation for the village.

Village crews will remove the brick from the sidewalk and maintain the barricade to keep the area safe. Starr said the property owner, who has declared bankruptcy, has relinquished rights to the village and after consulting with the village attorney steps were taken today to take the necessary emergency action and prevent further damage or loss to the building. Starr said the village has applied for grants to assist in the resolution of the matter. At this time the viable options are to repair the facility and then try to sell it, or simply to tear it completely down. However, nothing will be done towards a permanent solution until the village receives word on funding.