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Public works committee approves demolition and asbestos-abatement contracts for four former Kenosha schools
Summary
The Kenosha Public Works committee on Sept. 8 approved contracts to remove asbestos and demolish several former school buildings, awarding abatement and demolition work and authorizing a contingency for unforeseen environmental work; members pressed staff on schedules and neighbor protections.
The Kenosha Public Works committee voted Sept. 8 to approve a package of contracts to remove hazardous materials and demolish four former school properties, moving forward with the city’s plan to clear and market those lots.
Tim Casey, identified in the meeting as director of the city of Bowman, told the committee staff had solicited bids from more than a dozen firms and recommended awards after site walk-throughs. "Our intent is to demolish those schools and replace it with approximately 30 single family homes," Casey said, describing the city’s broader redevelopment aim while also urging caution about scheduling and environmental controls.
Staff recommended awarding the demolition of the former Lincoln Elementary to KR Contractors for $542,375 and adding a 15% contingency to the contract to cover unforeseen abatement or demolition costs. Committee members were told that most contractors estimated about 16 weeks (roughly four months) to complete one school demolition, and staff said they would work with contractors to mobilize multiple crews to speed work across sites.
The committee also approved asbestos-abatement contracts and related work. The clerk read a contract award for removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials and universal waste for Kenosha Technology Enhanced Curriculum sites and middle/elementary schools to New Berlin Grading Inc. for $2,324,867; an earlier item awarded abatement at KTEC East to Care Contractors LLC for $623,740. Casey said the work will require licensed abatement crews, negative-air systems and water suppression to limit dust: "We’re gonna make it very clear…we're gonna have a lot of eyes on this project," he said.
Not all members supported the approach. Alderman Kennedy said he would not back the contracts as presented, arguing the city was missing opportunities to pursue affordable rental housing on the parcels rather than single-family development. "I think we're missing a great opportunity to do something that is helpful in the housing market," he said, noting an earlier apartment proposal for McKinley that he favored.
Staff and members discussed contingencies and the process if work uncovers additional hazards. Casey said the recommended 15% contingency is intended to cover asbestos or other unforeseen abatement tasks and that the administration would return to the committee if costs exceeded the authorized amount.
The committee approved the package by voice vote. Staff said they will finalize contract language, confirm crew mobilization plans with contractors and coordinate dust-control and neighbor-protection measures before demolition begins.
