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Board agrees to fund testing for abandoned church at Davis Camp as donors consider renovation
Summary
Supervisors approved adding $10,000 to the parks budget to pay for a structural evaluation and hazardous-materials testing at the former St. Margaret Mary church at Davis Camp; staff said donor groups want confirmation that the building is safe and usable before committing funds.
The Board of Supervisors on May 5 approved adding $10,000 to the parks budget to pay for a structural evaluation and hazardous-materials testing at the abandoned church building at Davis Camp, a building private donor groups are eyeing for renovation.
Supervisor Lettman described private donors’ interest in renovating the building (former St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church) into a cultural arts center but said at least one group wants a professional assessment before committing funds. “One of the donor groups, before they move forward, would like some kind of certification that, first of all, the building's saveable, usable. And second of all, that there are not hazardous materials in the building,” he said.
Director Letosky told the board that asbestos and lead testing would be required for any renovation or demolition and that the county has used an ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) program to obtain no-cost hazardous-materials studies in other projects. He said structural evaluation will require a consultant and that procurement staff maintain a list of qualified engineers who can perform the work.
Why it matters: Donor groups expressed interest in renovating the building but want an engineering and hazardous-materials assessment before advancing funding agreements. The board’s approval of the $10,000 allocation is intended to support that assessment and allow donors to make informed decisions.
Details and next steps: Staff said should the county pursue demolition or renovation, asbestos and lead testing would be needed; staff plan to pursue the ADEQ no-cost HAZMAT study option and to procure a structural engineer if necessary. The $10,000 is intended to cover structural evaluation and related testing procurement; the board approved the item by voice vote.
Public comment: Local residents urged careful action and noted the building is an eyesore; county staff said the procurement process and potential grant or donor funding would guide the following steps.
