Elkhart Redevelopment Commission approves $98,670 asbestos-removal contract at Woodland Crossing

The Elkhart Redevelopment Commission on April 29 approved a $98,670 contract with Specialty Systems of South Bend Inc. to remove asbestos from the Woodland Crossing shopping center site, using Woodland Crossing operating funds and targeting a work window of about May 19 to June 13.

Commission staff said the work is the first step in preparing the former Big Lots space for future redevelopment and noted an approaching tenant lease opportunity that creates urgency. “We had two quotes … your quote is at $98,000,” a redevelopment staff member said during the meeting. Staff recommended awarding the contract to Specialty Systems of South Bend Inc., citing closely matched bids and contractor availability.

The staff member said the affected floor area contains two layers of tile totaling about 19,000 square feet and described the contractor’s removal process: contractors will use machines to gather asbestos-containing materials, place them in a dumpster, and transport the material to the contractor’s facility. Staff noted the pool of licensed asbestos contractors is limited; a new staff lead, Holly, identified the selected contractor after attending lead training and following up with an on-site inspection. The contractor proposals included assurances that work would comply with “federal, state, and local EPA” requirements as stated in the meeting.

A commissioner asked whether references are checked for contractors; staff said requests for quotes typically include qualifications and references and that the commission follows up as part of procurement. The commission made the award and appropriation by voice vote; the transcript records a motion, an unnamed second, and voice approval. The meeting record states “Aye” and “Motion carried.” The motion text in the meeting was to approve the Specialty Systems of South Bend Inc. proposal and appropriate $98,670 from Woodland Crossing operations; mover and seconder were not named in the transcript.

Staff said interior demolition will follow asbestos abatement. An architect will return to finalize demo scope; staff indicated parts of the building (back rooms and mechanical equipment) will be removed in the next phase. Staff also discussed renewing a management agreement for the shopping center manager (name not specified), continuing neighborhood engagement, and next steps for leasing and portfolio analysis.

Separately, staff noted related calendar items: an Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday to approve an EDC report and bond ordinances for the Boulder Run project, and a projected development-agreement item for the commission’s May 13 meeting.

The special meeting adjourned after the contract vote.