HCCC gym closed for lead testing
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

As of late last week the gymnasium at the Harlem Road Community Center was closed after paint flakes tested positive for lead.

"We are being proactive at this point," said Jim Zymanek, director of emergency services for the Town of Amherst. "The gym is closed to the public while we take a look at it."

The paint in question is located near the ceiling. A small amount of flakes was noticed last week and tested with a home lead testing kit.

Assistant Building Commissioner Robert Danni told the Amherst Town Board on Monday that the paint was positive for lead and further testing was necessary.

The board approved $450 for Upper New York State Environmental to do the testing.

Mary-Diana Pouli, senior youth services program coordinator for the Youth Board, said the closure has not affected programming and expects the gym to reopen by the end of the week.

"It was closed as a precautionary. We were able to contact the groups that use the gymnasium and place them in other rooms in the center," she said. "This has been a case of better safe than sorry."

Anne E. Schiferle, director of recreation, said activities for the Recreation Department have been cancelled until Sunday, May 6. This affects badminton, Open Gym and Afternoon Athletes.

For information call 631-7132.

The group hired to test the paint started on Tuesday. Zymanek said the only hazard at this time was if someone were to ingest the paint chips.