Safety Concerns Loom at North Haven Fairgrounds

The presence of three damaged buildings at the North Haven Fairgrounds may lead to tightened safety restrictions at this year's CT Irish Festival currently scheduled for June 25-26.

Battered by harsh winter weather, the three buildings were deemed out of compliance with the building code by Building Official Elio Floriano, who contacted the North Haven Fair Association's owner Martha Vincent about possible remedies to the situation. 

"Their options were to repair, demolish, or cordon off the damaged buildings so no one attending the festival would be hurt in the case of a collapse," the Building Official explained today.

Now, with the Irish Festival a little more than one week away, Floriano is still waiting to hear back from the NHFA.

"No one has applied for a demolition permit," he noted, suggesting that the Association had opted to build a fence around the precarious structures. Building a fence does not require a permit.

Vincent confirmed today in the New Haven Register that the NHFA has hired a contractor to construct a safety fence, adding that she is still waiting to receive an insurance payment for the damaged buildings before proceeding with their demolition or repair.

"I hope we can work it out," said Floriano.

For more information on the festival, check out our .