Brookline to Receive $1.27 Million Insurance Settlement for Spring Flood Damage

Brookline's insurer has agreed to pay nearly $1.27 million to pay for repairs to school buildings, fire stations and libraries damaged by torrential rains and flooding last March.

Crews performed emergency repairs on many town facilities in the weeks following the storms with money from a $200,000 advance from the insurance company, One Beacon. The latest agreement, which was approved by the Board of Selectmen last night, would bring in an additional $1.07 million.

"This is really good news for the town," said Acting Town Administrator Sean Cronin.

Since March, town officials have documented $1.47 million in total damages, which includes sewage that back up into town buildings, leaking roofs and windows, waterlogged supplies and equipment and a damaged sprinkler system at Putterham Golf Course. Cronin said the town already paid around $500,000 for repairs so far using money from the advance and the town's own contingency fund.

The remaining work includes painting and plaster repair, ceiling tile replacement, drainage improvements and repairs to various lighting, electrical and air-conditioning systems. Charlie Simmons, Brookline's director of public buildings, said the work at some facilities, including the schools, could last into the fall.

"We'll try to get this done as quickly and efficiently as possible," he said.

Under its insurance policy with One Beacon, the town is responsible for a $200,000 deductible.