HUDSON: City Council received an update on the Youth Development Center demolition project at its workshop on Tuesday, and was informed that the bidding process can be underway and completed by the end of March. It is council's current plan to demolish all of the existing structures on the site.
Matt Montecalvo of the Environmental Design Group, addressed council. EDG is the consultant group hired by the city to facilitate the demolition project. It is a planning, design and engineering firm located in Akron.
Montecalvo said that they began with the extensive information already acquired about the site, by the city. This information was verified and collated. They then identified areas where they needed additional information, including an investigation on asbestos, lead paint hazards and waste materials left in buildings.
After completing the research, EDG has prepared specifications to help contractors with the bidding process. They will provide detailed information as to the pre-demolition work needed in each of the fourteen buildings located on the site.
EDG anticipates that there will be a single, general contractor who will then subcontract to specialists as needed for asbestos or other hazardous materials. Bidding contractors will have to provide information on where all hazardous materials will be taken, as they must go to licensed facilities.
Mayor William Currin asked whether consideration was given to recoverable materials such as scrap steel.
Montecalvo said that the bidding contractors will include possible recovery of funds for scrap as part of their their bids, however; the EDG report did not factor in potential scrap value. Items such as steel prices "rise and fall like the wind," Montecalvo said, which would cause his report to become quickly outdated.
Several council members expressed concerns over the potential environmental hazards on the site. Montecalvo said that you "try to wrap your arms around all possible risks and then move forward," and that is what is being done in this project.
Montecalvo said that the bidding process should be completed and a contract ready to present to council between April 1 and 10. The matter will be submitted on an upcoming council meeting agenda for approval to proceed.
