It may take a village to raise a child, but it took a congregation to respond to the asbestos emergency in the entryway and childcare space of the RE building. Thanks to the committed efforts of our Board of Trustees, the Building & Grounds Committee, a remediation specialist, and a flooring company, the abatement project for the RE building’s first floor hallway has been completed on time. Meeting the deadline imposed by the City and State, as well as of our childcare tenant, Play to Learn, scheduled summer week-long shutdown that began August 17 required the dedication and commitment of all those involved!
The final cost of the asbestos project is $17,000, due on completion. This is more than double what was considered in the 2025/2026 UUC operating budget. Bonnie Currie took the initiative to put together a matching funds campaign to help defray the deficit. And with a “little” help from friends who promised $3,000 if we could raise the rest, and with a lot of help from you, our Congregation, in two short weeks we have been able to raise over $8,000 toward our nearly $13,000 shortfall.
And the buck doesn’t stop here. We are still analyzing the source of leaks from the building’s flat roof, gutters, drainpipes, and exterior wall surfaces. As soon as that is finalized, we will have a new expense to repair those leaks. These leaks were the original cause of the damaged tiles that contained the asbestos.
UUC will continue to accept contributions toward finishing the job we’ve begun. A job that will ensure the safety of all those who use the facilities in our Conley Scanley Religious Education Building – the children in the childcare program, our own children in the RE program, and our dedicated staff. If you have not already, please consider writing a check, in any amount, made out to UUC with B&G Fund on the memo line, and mail it to UUC, 20 Forest Street, Stamford, CT 06901.
If you have any questions or would like to take a peek at our new entryway floor, reach out to the Building & Grounds Committee and someone will meet you after childcare hours. Or ask at this week’s social hour!
