To the Editor:

I would respectfully suggest that the directors of the Brunswick Development Corporation arrive a few minutes early for their Sept. 18 meeting at the McLellan Building and take a brief walk around the outside of the building. They might notice that a majority of the wood trim is in need of replacement from rot.

I speak with some expertise, as I have been a painting contactor in Brunswick for over 35 years. The assumption by some that this building is “like new” is seriously wrong.

Who is responsible for knowing about these conditions doesn’t really matter. The deal has been done. The cost of these repairs will be significant.

I propose the BDC take charge of the situation, and expend a portion of their available funds to rectify these problems. Brunswick taxpayers should not have to shoulder the burden of another white elephant, hiring consultants and forming committees and have costs spiral out of control, as they have with the interior renovations.

Bowdoin College will occupy McLellan until May 2014, and will be responsible for utilities, insurance and maintenance. Maybe they could be helpful in some way, or at least acknowledge they’re leaving us a pretty shoddy looking building.

Michael Laskey
Brunswick