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Authority outlines cleanup, security and demolition options for newly acquired 45 Anawan Street; temporary parking discussed
Summary
After taking ownership of 45 Anawan Street on July 17, the Redevelopment Authority described site security, hazardous-materials inspections, options to notify the local historic commission or seek a hardship exemption, and plans for a temporary free parking lot that could later be restriped and charged when final design is complete.
Karen Martin told the board that on July 17 the Authority became the owner of 45 Anawan Street and has begun securing and preparing the site: "On July 17, we became the proud owners of 45 Anawan Street," she said. Martin described keyed cores changed across buildings, camera installation, cleaning of brush, and work by De Silva to clear corners and fence lines. She said an electrician will evaluate lighting and that strip lights and normal switches are planned for Building 6 (which she described as an "explosion proof" building in current condition).
Martin recommended notifying the local historic commission of the Authority's intent to demolish buildings on the site. She explained the options: the historic commission can impose a six-month moratorium (and potentially extend to a year), or the board could appeal to city council for a hardship exemption that, if granted, could allow up to five years to take action. The board discussed keeping some structures if public interest emerges (particularly Building 1 on Water Street) and the statutory waiting period/process once notice is given.
On parking, Martin reviewed a preliminary layout showing roughly 110 spaces in the current configuration and an estimated ~180 spaces if all buildings are removed. The board discussed using the lot temporarily as free parking, whether to permit overnight parking, gate automation requirements, insurance and signage, and estimated striping costs (roughly $35 per spot; Martin estimated $5,000–7,500 to stripe ~100 spots). Beta will perform hazardous materials inspections on-site (two days of field work; ~3 weeks turnaround for report). Martin said she will prepare bid packages for demolition, resurfacing, lighting, electrical relocation and the parking system once the scope is finalized.
Next steps: hazardous-materials report expected in about three weeks; staff to send a letter to the historic commission, refine scope and bid packages, and present finalized costs/schedule to the board.
