Green Bay OKs $250,000 for asbestos abatement, renovations at 729 Day Street for police evidence storage

The Green Bay Finance Committee on Feb. 25 approved a $250,000 contingency request to abate asbestos and complete building renovations at 729 Day Street to create a police evidence storage facility.

Police Chief Davis told the committee staff discovered asbestos-containing spray insulation on exterior and interior walls while preparing tenant improvements (including openings for overhead garage doors). "If you were to look on the exterior building walls, there is, oh, maybe a 6 or 8 inch thick spray insulation right there on the wall...that is 73% asbestos, I believe, was what the test result came back," Chief Davis said. He said the material is reachable and extends up to 35 feet, and that the building cannot be safely occupied for evidence storage until asbestos is removed. The department said the project will also allow central storage of larger evidence items such as vehicles used by SWAT and other specialized units and will reduce pressure on existing storage at South Broadway.

Committee members asked whether the landlord had an obligation to disclose asbestos; staff said the material was not evident until structural work was planned and that the owner had purchased the building as-is and had no prior knowledge. Chief Davis said options include paying the abatement cost up front or renegotiating lease terms so the landlord covers the cost over time; the committee noted the project is eligible for Tax Incremental District (TID) support in the project packet.

The committee approved the contingency payment unanimously and directed staff to proceed with procurement for abatement and renovations. Members discussed the lease term, chain-of-custody requirements and the possibility of moving some evidence to other city-owned properties in the future, but said the size and security needs for vehicle evidence make the Day Street location necessary pending further architectural review.