Mold found at Bow’s Community Building has left portions of the structure unusable until cleanup and disinfection are completed.

After last week’s testing for the potential presence of mold at the 1959 community center on Bow Center Road, it was discovered that there is an elevated mold count in both the basement and the exercise equipment storage room.

Both areas are temporarily restricted until the cleanup process is finished.

The town is currently in the process of making arrangements with an environmental mitigation firm to carry out a thorough cleaning and decontamination of the two specified areas.

In the meantime, to address air quality concerns in occupied spaces, portable air filtration units have been placed throughout the building.

Mold poses significant health risks, particularly to individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Symptoms may range from breathing difficulties to skin irritations and eye discomfort.

Moreover, the safety of Bow’s Community Building extends beyond mold contamination concerns.

Several structural deficiencies have been identified, including the absence of a sprinkler system, inadequate firewalls between gathering areas and the kitchen, and the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos. Additionally, the building falls short of ADA compliance and fails to meet established life safety standards, severely limiting its usability. 

In response to these safety concerns, the town has been engaging with the community to develop comprehensive plans aimed at addressing these issues. Whether through renovations to bring the aging structure up to code or alternative solutions, such as reconstruction, the goal is to ensure compliance with the Fire Marshal mandate by 2025.

Bow’s Community Building is used by various community groups, including the Bow Athletic Club, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, in addition to being rented out by residents for events.