By Matt W.
Bids for the demolition of the Wheeler and McGranaghan buildings and construction of the new Lourdes Healthcare clinic in the Village of Hancock are in, but work has yet to begin.
Two stumbling blocks have presented themselves: the presence of asbestos, and the village requirement of a two-story facade for all downtown buildings.
“Work on the buildings can’t start until we are given permits and authorization to begin,” said Robert Wrighter, Sr., chairman of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder fundraising campaign.
Both buildings contain hazardous material, and bids for its removal have come in significantly higher than expected.
“We’ve received a few different bids for asbestos [removal] and we’re not sure which one we’re going to use, but they’ve come in at around $200,000,” said Wrighter.
Wrighter reported that because of the high costs and levels of labor involved in traditional asbestos removal, the Lourdes Foundation is requesting a variance from the state for a less expensive, alternative method of removal.
Wrighter also reported that due to the asbestos, the estimated cost for constructing the clinic will be greater than the funds raised by the campaign, creating a gap of about $250,000.
Wrighter reported that due the gap in the $2 million budget, the clinic will have to be downsized.
“We’ll be getting rid of the second story facade,” said Wrighter, despite the Village requirements. He added that the changes won’t affect the new clinic services at all.
