Bourne Community Building Remains Closed After Pipes Burst

BOURNE – The Veterans Memorial Community Center in Bourne will be closed indefinitely. 

A water pipe that burst on January 7^th  is the cause. 

Town Administrator Thomas Guerino, who informed selectmen and department heads about the closure on the 12^th, said many parts will need to be completely replaced. 

“All of the damage is being removed.  All of the walls have been taken down.  We’re working on a new sprinkler system to be put in,” he said. 

During a short tour of the building, he informed members of the public and selectmen that there is extensive damage to the ceiling and that at least two large floor areas will need to be replaced. 

The entire building is now a construction site, and public safety issues dictate the elimination of access. 

 “About 80% of the building was touched by the break, some substantially more than others.  There’s not a whole lot of the building that was not affected by at least some water damage,” said Guerino. 

There are some exceptions to the closure.  Meals will continue to be provided by the Supportive Day Program, which is located in a separate part of the structure that was not damaged, and the staff of the Bourne Council on Aging and Recreation Department will be able to work in a space sealed off from the on-going construction. 

Some of the damage cannot be fully assessed until certain areas have been completely torn down.  The cost is currently estimated to be over $400,000.