NORWAY – Town Manager David Holt asked selectmen Thursday night to consider taking down the double barriers in front of the damaged Opera House on Main Street.

“I’m more worried about the barriers out front than the building caving in,” said Holt, who stressed he had no training to make that judgment but is concerned about the danger of snowy roads this winter.

“Forcing people out into the road is not a good idea,” he said.

The roof of the three-story brick building in the heart of the downtown business district partially collapsed Sept. 21, requiring immediate structural reinforcement by its owner, Barry Mazagglia of Londonderry, N.H.

Alfred Hodson III of Resurgence Engineering and Preservation of Portland, who was hired to assess the damage, has recommended that the barriers remain until the roof loads are effectively transferred to the building foundation. That will require shoring posts from the basement through the first floor to the ceiling.

While acknowledging the expertise of the engineer, Holt said he is concerned about the barriers.

“I am concerned the barriers themselves present a danger,” said Holt, who has recommended they be removed before the town’s Dec. 1 Christmas parade.

While selectmen did not act on the request Thursday night, Selectman Les Flanders said he wants to make sure that Mazzaglia continues to meet the structural engineer’s recommendations, which include making sure no more than 12 inches of snow are on the roof at one time.

Holt said Mazzaglia has done what he was asked to do in terms of shoring up the structure, but he will need to continue to be on top of the snow situation so the weight is not on the roof.

“As a town we need to do what we need to do,” said Flanders, referring to making sure the snow is kept off the roof to prevent further danger or the building from collapsing.

“I think he should be held accountable and meet what the engineer expects him to do,” Holt agreed.