Hazel Park board approves $5,500 environmental inspection for Longfellow project

The Hazel Park Board of Education Committee of the Whole voted to approve a $5,500 environmental inspection for the Longfellow project, funding the inspection from the district general fund so construction work can move forward.

The inspection was described as a required environmental re‑inspection to confirm repairs and to identify any remaining asbestos or other hazardous materials before the district obtains city permits for the planned Longfellow work. Carla Gresley, Director of Community Schools, told the board the construction contractor cannot perform and invoice the inspection and that the expense must be paid separately from the grant.

Board members discussed whether the $5,500 could be charged to the community school grant. Gresley and staff clarified the inspection could not be included in the grant budget and would therefore come from the general fund. The board approved a motion to fund the inspection and proceed; a roll call recorded the motion as carrying 7-0.

The board and staff said any required abatement or removal identified by the inspection would be charged to the state grant that funds the Longfellow work, but the standalone inspection must come from district funds so permits can be obtained and the contractor can start work.

The vote followed public comments earlier in the meeting about building security and maintenance and came after staff explained the permitting timeline. Board members asked how the $5,500 would be handled in the next budget amendment; staff indicated that lines would be increased in the amendment and other lines reduced as needed.

The board recorded the formal action as approval of the inspection; no amendments to the motion were reported.