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Council approves steps to demolish fire-damaged Sylvia School; insurance, asbestos and demolition logistics discussed
Summary
After a recent fire, councilors authorized orders to expedite demolition work at the former Sylvia School on Hopewell/Hotwell Street, discussed insurance coverages and asbestos contamination, and were briefed on a related deed-in-lieu submitted for a police station property.
The Fall River City Council on Nov. 5 approved staff orders to begin expedited demolition planning for the former Sylvia School (listed in the agenda as 138 Hotwell/Hopewell Street) after staff reported the building is fire-damaged and environmental reports show significant asbestos contamination.
Staff told the council they had notified the city’s insurer and submitted required documentation; the insurer indicated the city may proceed with demolition planning. The city secured emergency waivers from the state for advertising and bidding so demolition procurement can be expedited; staff said those waivers cover the advertisement and bidding process but the city must still meet DCAM certification, prevailing wage and diversity requirements for vendors.
Officials said the building inspector (Mister Hathaway) and the fire chief submitted letters supporting emergency action and that MassDEP will require a non-traditional work plan because asbestos and structural access complicate the demolition. Staff estimated the demolition could be expedited within about 30 days, but said some work depends on MassDEP approvals and insurance determinations.
A staff member told the council the environmental reports supplied by a third party show the building is “loaded with asbestos.” Councilors repeatedly pressed staff about whether insurance would cover demolition costs; staff said insurance is being explored and that the policy includes a provision that can cover unnamed buildings, which may apply, but no definitive coverage figures were available at the meeting.
Separately, a deed in lieu from an entity described in the transcript as "Wethersfield" (as stated on the letter presented to council staff) for a police station property was on the council agenda; staff advised the council of that submission and said the deed-in-lieu and its environmental reports had been provided. Staff cautioned councilors about asbestos in that building as well and recommended reviewing insurance and environmental documentation before taking a final acceptance vote.
Council voted to adopt the staff order to proceed with demolition planning and related RFP/waiver authority. The motion and second were recorded and the chair called for the vote; the transcript records an affirmative voice vote. Staff listed approximately 20 demolition vendors to contact, and said plans and procurement materials could be issued as soon as insurance and MassDEP questions are cleared.
What happens next: staff will finalize demolition scope and the non-traditional MassDEP work plan, seek insurance confirmation, and release procurement materials for qualified, DCAM-certified contractors while ensuring prevailing wage and diversity requirements are met.
