NY OFFICE 76 Lafayette Ave Tel: 845.357.4411 Suffern, New York 10901 Fax: 845.357.1896 NJ OFFICE 46 North CentralAve Tel:201.684.1221 Ramsey, New Jersey 0?446 Fax: 201.684.1223 September 17, 2015 Rockland County Department of General Services 50 Sanatorium Road, Bldg. A Pomona, NY 10970 Attn: Robert H. Gruffi, PE, Director of Facilities Management Re: Cropsey Farms Barn Structural Assessment 220 Little Tor Road, New City, NY BE #15142 Dear Mr. Gruf?, On August 21, 2015 I conducted a site visit to evaluate the condition of the existing red barn at the Cropsey Farms property. Attached is a diagram indicating the barn and the surrounding areas. In addition, several photographs are attached as reference. Synopsis of Findings 1. Main Barn The portion of the building is the northern portion of the structure approximately two stories in height consisting of a tractor parking area, an area being utilized for goods, and some hay lofts (photo The main barn consists of a perimeter post and beam construction with two rows of columns and beams supporting the roof (photo Hung from the middle of the barn are haylofts, over the produce storage area (photo #3 and The condition of the roof looks to be acceptable on this portion of the building. The interior columns and the main beams supporting the roof appear to be in satisfactory condition. The entire perimeter of the barn is severely deteriorated and sagging in several areas. It has been braced at one corner with a temporary support beam and exterior column (photo The exterior siding is in poor condition, missing in many areas allowing water to enter the barn and helping to deteriorate the condition of the exterior posts (photo #4 and There does not appear to be a foundation although there is some stonework making up the lower skirt of the barn that could be a rough foundation. The sill and columns have disintegrated where they rest on the stonework and as a result, the barn has sagged in those areas (photo #6 and The hayloft in the produce area is in very poor condition. The columns supporting the hayloft and the joist and beams are in poor condition and have been reinforced with temporary braces (photo Many of the joists are split, the ledgers are failing and the loft area is unsafe for use (photos 9, The recommendation would LAND DEVELOPMENT 0 MUNICIPAL 0 STRUCTURAL 0 WATER RESOURCES 0 LAND SURVEYING Brian Brooker, P.E. Eve Mancuso, P.E.. C.M.E. Ken DeGennaro. P.E.. C.F.M. Stuart Strow, P.E., C.F.M. Glenn McCreedy, P.E.. C.M.E. Anthony Riggi, P.E. Elizabeth Mello, P.E. John Bezuyen, P.L.S. Alan Gar?nkel, P.E.. P.P. be to remove any of the stored items that are on top of the loft area (photo #4 and #12) and to add additional braces. At the perimeter of the main barn, the sills and posts which are rotted will need to be removed and replaced to provide support for the edges of the barn. The roof structure appears to be in reasonably good shape, with the exception of the support of the perimeter. The roof shingles are in aging condition and should be replaced as part of any remediation plan. The main columns supporting the two rows of beams supporting the roof are in reasonably good condition which is keeping the barn from collapse. East and West Cooler Wing The cooler wing projects to the south of the main barn and the ridge line of the cooler wing ties into the main barn roof (photo The perimeter walls of the cooler wing have doors accessing the coolers that are inside the building. The perimeter walls are in very bad condition, listing and deteriorating (photo The roof line appears to be in reasonable shape, although I could not gain access to it in the loft area. From what I could see from looking over the top of the coolers, the roof structure is in reasonable condition. The eastern side roof shingles are badly deteriorated and need replacement. The western side shingles are aging but not as bad as the eastern side. All the roof shingles should be replaced as part of any remediation plan. The three external sides of the perimeter walls are in an extremely deteriorated condition, the studs and the posts are seriously deteriorated and leaning (photo #14 The post and exterior walls, similar to the main barn, will need to be rebuilt to adequately support the edge of this portion of the barn. The area should be considered unsafe where the loft area is and utilizing this portion of the barn should be restricted to only accessing the coolers. Repairing this area would involve removing the siding and replacing the posts and the sill plates as well as the studs that are rotted and replacing the siding and roo?ng. Shed Roof (South of the Main Barn) The shed roof attaches to the main barn and is supported by columns at the southern perimeter. The columns have been deteriorating and shortening providing little support (photo #16 and Some beams have been added to shore up the opening between the columns but the amount of de?ection is beyond a reasonable amount. Therefore, my recommendation would be to replace the columns and jack the roof back to its appropriate position and provide footings for the columns that hold up the shed roof. The roof shingles are aging and should be replaced as part of any remediation plan. I consider this area of the barn unsafe for use at this time in its current condition. . The Rear Shed Lean-t0 (Eastern side of the Main Barn) The roof has been repaired however the sub roof is in very poor condition with holes (photos #18 and The shed roof in the shed area is in such poor condition that in my opinion, it should be removed and either completely rebuilt or if it is not necessary, not replaced. The shed is un?t for occupancy at this time and represents an unsafe condition. BROOKER ENGINEERING, PLLC I Page 2 Conclusion Based on the above report, it appears that the main problem with the structure is that the perimeter support and siding is in deteriorated condition. There does not seem to be an adequate foundation along the perimeter to protect the wood from contact with the soil. The deterioration has progressed to the point where it needs to be addressed in order to provide a safe and lasting structure. The siding needs to be addressed to prevent moisture from deteriorating the perimeter. The roof shingles are deteriorated in one location and nearng the end of their useful life on the rest of the building, therefore, they should be replaced as part of any remediation plan. The hay lofts use must be abandoned and rebuilt or braced in order to prevent them from collapse. The exterior out buildings that are attached to the barn should either be demolished or corrected as per the report above. This concludes my condition report, if you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. 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