Building commissioner: Sylvia School collapse demolished under state emergency approval; insurance expected to cover work

The city’s building commissioner told the finance committee the damaged Sylvia School building has been taken down under an emergency demolition process approved by the state and that an outside consultant is monitoring air quality during work.

Commissioner Michael Hathaway said the city obtained a state waiver to accelerate demolition procurement and environmental controls after the fire made the structure unsafe for long‑term stabilization. "We were able to obtain that special permission through the state, and then also, the contractor's plan had to be approved by the state, DEM, and it's all being monitored," Hathaway said. He added later that his understanding was "the insurance is fully paying for this demolition at this point in time." The commissioner said dust and asbestos controls are active and that crews are using water and other measures to limit airborne contamination. He told the committee the foundation will remain in place and that remaining city‑owned buildings on the property would be addressed by the sale/auction process once the site is cleared.

Why this matters: the partial collapse and fire raised public‑safety and environmental concerns for neighboring properties. The commissioner said state oversight is active, demolition contractors are following required monitoring protocols, and the city arranged an independent air quality monitor to validate controls during work.

Committee members asked about timelines for the auction or disposition of the remaining city‑owned structures; the commissioner said the next steps involve permitting, clearing the lot to grade, and a subsequent disposition process.