Board examines 1992 quitclaim deed for Peterson Elementary and asbestos liability

Administration circulated a copy of a 1992 quitclaim deed and correspondence from a former base commander that, according to staff, show the Coast Guard gave Peterson Elementary to the borough in lieu of demolishing it.

"This quit claim deed was established back in 1992. ... It was given to the borough in lieu of demolishing it," said Damon, summarizing the record. He said the Coast Guard allocated funds to retrofit the building rather than demolish it; those funds addressed exterior lighting, drainage and a gym expansion but—staff said—did not complete full asbestos abatement.

Board members and staff described the asbestos as "encapsulated," meaning it was contained rather than removed. "They encapsulated it and containerized it so it's completely safe," one staff speaker said, but trustees warned that demolition or a change in use could require costly abatement and that the original deed and contract language should be reviewed to clarify the borough's obligations.

The board asked staff to circulate the deed and the accompanying email from Capt. Hall and to return with a summary of legal obligations and possible cost estimates before making decisions about repurposing Peterson.