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Saint Bernard CIC reports structural surprises, asbestos and utility concerns during shopping-center demolition
Summary
Board members were told demolition uncovered an old substructure beneath the former bank, and crews found asbestos in a strip-mall overhang (removal cost cited at $6,800). The board said developer due diligence and utility coordination with Duke remain ongoing.
The Saint Bernard Community Improvement Corporation was briefed June 24 on unexpected conditions uncovered during demolition of the village shopping center, including an old substructure beneath the former bank building and asbestos in the strip-mall overhang. The board’s president said those discoveries could cause additional costs and delay completion.
"There were actual... an old structure down below that they covered up," the president said, describing a substructure discovered under the bank; the precise additional debris volume and total cost were not known at the meeting. During demolition of the strip-mall overhang, crews found asbestos-containing material; the president said asbestos removal to date has cost $6,800.
The president also reported the site has an active utility transformer that remains partially supported; he said Duke Energy has responsibility for securing or relocating the unit and is developing a plan. The board did not direct staff to perform utility work; the president said the transformer remains stable for now.
Board members were told the developer under the purchase-and-sale agreement remains in a cure/due-diligence period. The president said the developer has a multi-month cure period and that a scheduled update call with the developer is set for early next month. Legal counsel for the shopping-center matter is Steve Gooden of Porter & Wright, the president said, and staff noted Cushman & Wakefield has a new contact representing ACE, though no change in leasing status was announced.
Why it matters: unexpected structural and environmental issues can increase project costs and extend timelines for demolition and redevelopment, which affects the village’s plans for the site and the CIC’s budget oversight.
The board asked staff to continue monitoring costs and to report back with updated figures at the next meeting. The CIC set its next regular meeting for July 22 at 6 p.m.
