City moves to demolish contaminated garage amid safety concerns

During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the demolition of the Florence Street garage, a city-owned property that has been identified as contaminated. Project officer Kenny Lamarche presented the proposal, seeking authorization to utilize a $286,000 grant from the EPA's revolving loan fund for the demolition and cleanup.

The garage, which has been abandoned for years, has raised concerns among constituents due to its deteriorating condition and potential hazards, including the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos. Senior advisor Octavian Spanner emphasized the importance of addressing the contamination, noting that the building's demolition is a necessary first step before any future plans for the site can be developed.

While the city currently has no specific plans for the area post-demolition, Spanner indicated that the intention is to subdivide the property for potential industrial or commercial use. The councilors expressed concerns about the lack of a clear plan for the site and the timeline for the demolition process, which remains uncertain pending approval and contract finalization.

The discussion highlighted the city's ongoing efforts to remediate contaminated properties, with officials acknowledging that funding availability significantly impacts the timeline for such projects. The council is expected to vote on the demolition proposal in the coming weeks, which would mark a significant step towards addressing the contamination and revitalizing the area.