Board approves $38,662.50 purchase order to abate and demolish building behind Hampstead Annex

The Pender County Board of Commissioners approved a $38,662.50 purchase order Tuesday for abatement, demolition and removal of a deteriorated building located behind the Hampstead Annex.

Wyatt Richardson, the county's facilities and fleet director, presented photos showing structural collapse, interior mold and the presence of materials requiring abatement under state regulations (including popcorn ceiling material, mastic adhesives, gypsum and other identified items). The county's environmental report, included in the board packet, lists those hazardous materials and recommends abatement prior to demolition.

Richardson told the board staff concluded the building has no current viable use and recommended full abatement and demolition to prepare the site for the new Hampstead Library and potential stormwater modifications. He said the contractor could likely begin within 30 days and complete abatement before demolition.

Commissioners pressed whether the slab and footings would be removed; staff said the bid included an alternate for slab removal and that leaving the slab in place could provide a credit toward future stormwater calculations for the library site. One commissioner moved to approve the purchase order including removal of the slab and footings if present; the board voted to approve the purchase order. The contract will proceed to abate hazardous materials, demolish the structure and prep the site for future library planning, officials said.

What happens next: staff will schedule the contractor, complete required abatement per state regulations and coordinate site work with the Hampstead Library design team.