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On June 20, 2006, Brady reported that the structures did, in fact, have asbestos conta.ining materials,
<br />and, on duly 11, 2006, Brady submitted an estimate for the removal of one structure at $36,800.00.
<br />Because the properiy contains environmental hazards, only asbestos certified demolition contractors
<br />can be used, and no local companies hold the necessary certifications.
<br />It was the City's goal at that time to demolish at least 100 substandard structures in one year;
<br />therefore, the City was under contract with a local company for a specific estimated tonnage of
<br />debris from substandazd structures (by guaranteeing an estimated tonnage, the City was able to
<br />secure lower bids than it might have for an unspecified amount). Because the Community
<br />Development's annual demolition budget was $80,000.00, almost half of the budget would have
<br />gone to demolish one structure in the complex. There then would not have been suffcient funding
<br />remaining to demolish enough additional structures throughout the city to meet the estimates cited
<br />in the bid documents; therefore, the Casa Bonita project was put on hold.
<br />In late 2006, I invited staff from the EPA on a tour of the property in hopes of securing some kind
<br />of Brownfield or other grant funding for demolition of the complex. Although the EPA
<br />representative agreed that the project was worthy of some sort of funding, it was not eligible for any
<br />kind of EPA funding. She recommended the possibility of developing the property into a sports
<br />complex with a cornmunity center using Parks and Wildlife funding; however, those grants are
<br />typically 50150 awazds, and developing the project into something along those lines could be quite
<br />expensive.
<br />Demolition Estimates
<br />Because of a combination of further deterioration of the building in the complex and increased
<br />reports of individuals going into the buildings, in February of this year, I met with two asbestos
<br />certified demolition contractors and toured the Casa Bonita complex with each. I received one
<br />estimate in April in the amount of approximately $372,000.00. T'his cost included only demolition
<br />and delivery to the landfill. Based on the estimated tonnage of debris generated from the demolition,
<br />landfill fees could range anywhere from $220,000.00 to $300,000.00, at a minimum (the debris will
<br />be wet because of the required demolition method; therefore, it will be heavier than normal). A
<br />second estimate was received in May of this year in the amount of $460,000.00. Aga.in, this fee did
<br />not include disposal at the landfill. Keep in mind these figures are merely estimates and could
<br />change during a formal bid process.
<br />Current Status
<br />I have been advised by members of the Keep Paris Beautiful board that they have approximately
<br />$40,000.00 in funds they could potentially direct towazd the Casa Bonita project. Additionally, there
<br />aze approximately $50,000.00 remaining in the demolition budget for this year that I was holding in
<br />reserve while waiting for demolition estimates on Casa Bonita. However, because the remaining
<br />funds are not nearly sufficient to get this project underway, and because it is unlikely that, even if
<br />the project is undertaken, it will be commenced during the current fiscal year, unless there are any
<br />objections, I will immediately undertake the bid process and begin to demolish additional houses
<br />throughout the city. The substandard housing stock has again risen to a level that could allow the
<br />City to guarantee a certain tonnage in order to obtain a low bid.
<br />In the meantime, if the City chooses to fence the Casa Bonita complex, estimates from three local
<br />companies range from $13,000.00 to $16,000.00. At a minimum, a fence could help deter criminal
<br />activrty on the property, but it will do little to help visually.
<br />Also, I have a quote in hand from Brady Environmental in the amount of $2,850.00 to conduct Phase
<br />I environmental assessments on the remaining buildings to determine if there are any structures in
<br />the complex which do not contain hazardous materials, thus allowing the City to use a non-certified
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