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Planning commission updates on BookCliff demolition, EPA brownfield testing and burned‑building cleanup
Summary
Commissioners reviewed asbestos remediation and demolition plans for BookCliff, said an EPA brownfield phase‑1 testing grant covered roughly 22 buildings and discussed slow enforcement on burned properties; staff promised follow‑up on unpaid fire bills and demolition permits.
Speaker 2 said the BookCliff Subdivision demolition remains pending and that asbestos remediation work “was done” but paperwork and permit status were still being confirmed. City staff reported that BookCliff had completed asbestos remediation and that demolition contractors were being sought. Speaker 1 pressed where demolition debris would be taken and asked for clearer timelines for when contractors would start.
Staff summarized a federal EPA brownfield phase‑1 testing grant that covered hazardous‑materials testing for about 22 buildings; Speaker 2 said phase 2 would seek funding for demolition but warned that federal grants may not cover all costs and the city or landowners could be responsible for remaining expenses. Speaker 3 noted the city is testing multiple sites and that some owners are pursuing faster private demolition outside the longer federal process.
Commissioners raised code‑enforcement concerns tied to multiple burned or boarded properties in town. Speaker 1 asked whether property owners had paid fire‑department cleanup bills and asked staff to follow up; Speaker 2 agreed to check outstanding balances and report back. Multiple speakers urged more visible, public tracking of enforcement steps so residents can see progress on cleanup and enforcement actions.
The session recorded no formal vote on demolition funding. Commissioners directed staff to confirm permit and payment status, continue brownfield grant work, and pursue demolition options where feasible.
Ending: Staff will return with updated permit, remediation and payment status at a future meeting and will report progress on phase‑2 funding for demolition.
