Grand View Farm Stuck by Vandals

At last night's Board of Selectmen meeting Assistant Town Administrator Thomas Hickey, during an update on the multi-year renovation project, informed the board and the public that the main Grand View Farm building had been hit by vandalism over the weekend.

Hickey said that Monday morning it was discovered that someone had broken into the historical building and broke water pipes in the farm. The broken pipe leaked water and yesterday morning there was about an inch and half of water in the main room of the barn and the two new restrooms.

"The damage from the water pipe is a concern for us," he said.

Town Administrator Robert Mercier said there were no signs that anything was stolen. A closet with tools was open but nothing was noticed as missing. There were also copper pipes, a hot item for thieves, laying around but were not disturbed or removed.

"We don’t think there was any real intent of doing anyting but to go in and cause damage," Mercier said.

Mercier said the town's custodial staff cleaned up the water and had fans set up overnight to help combat the moisture.

The Burlington Police Department is also investigating the incident and a claim has been filed with the town's insurance. 

"It’s disappointing," Mercier said. "This is the second incident we have had at the complex. If we find who did it we will prosecute."

Mercier said it is too early to put a price tag on the damage at this point.

In response to questions from members of the board, Mercier said that at this time there aren't security cameras at the facility, though they are in the future plans. An alarm, which was not installed because it would likely go off accidentally often during construction, will also be installed.