Commission denies landfill fee reduction request for West Crawford demolition debris

Andrea Investments asked the commission to reduce the city’s construction-debris tipping fee from $96 per ton to $48 per ton for roughly 4,000 tons of rubble remaining at 1616 West Crawford Street, the former Ambassador Hotel. The owner’s attorney said reducing fees would free capital to speed redevelopment and presented preliminary redevelopment renderings. City staff explained the $96 rate reflects higher processing costs and space use for large rubble and that staff lacks authority to unilaterally waive the fee for this type of material.

Commissioners raised concerns about precedent — that lowering fees for one large demolition could prompt similar requests — and noted the city’s long-running enforcement process for the property. After a request for legal counsel the commission recessed into a 15-minute executive session to consult with the city attorney about negotiation and legal considerations. Following the closed session, the commission voted 5–0 to deny the fee-reduction request and said staff may continue enforcement, including the option for the city to contract the work and assess costs to the property if the owner does not act.

The owner’s attorney said his client could start removal within 30–60 days and finish within 60–90 days if the commission granted a reduction, but commissioners emphasized that the city had not previously waived similar fees and that staff had not paid for demolition work to date.