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Kenosha council approves asbestos removal, demolition contracts at former school sites amid preservation concerns
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Summary
Contracts to remove asbestos and demolish former school buildings including McKinley and Lincoln properties were approved; several council members voiced regret that the buildings could not be repurposed and two members voted against at least one contract.
The Kenosha Common Council approved multiple contracts to remove asbestos-containing material and demolish school buildings in the city, including work at Washington Middle School, McKinley Elementary (now KTEC West), and the former Lincoln Elementary (KTEC East). Votes on those contract awards carried after debate about preservation and future housing opportunities.
The council approved an award to New Berlin Grading Company Inc. to remove asbestos and restore lots at Washington Middle School, McKinley Elementary and KTEC West. That approval passed unanimously on a reported roll call of 16 to 0.
A separate contract to remove asbestos-containing material and restore the lot at KTEC East (formerly Lincoln Elementary) was awarded to KR Contractors LLC. That vote drew more council discussion and passed by a recorded vote of 13 to 3.
Several council members said demolition removes the possibility of reusing historic school buildings for housing or other community uses. Alderman, 3rd District, said he hoped the buildings "can be perhaps converted into housing" and added he would be the "lone voice" arguing for preservation. Alderman, 10th District, said the city was "missing an opportunity" and said high rent levels demonstrate a need for more affordable apartments; he said he would vote no on the Lincoln-related contract.
City staff and the mayor responded that the KTEC East work is part of a larger project with Kenosha Unified School District and that demolition dollars for those sites are being paid by Kenosha Unified. The mayor noted the contract is tied to safety enhancements and a broader, previously approved project.
The contracts were described on the record as part of coordinated work with the school district; differing viewpoints focused on whether demolition forecloses reuse options for the historic structures. Councilors urging preservation were outvoted on the motions to proceed.
