JOHNSTOWN — The city has established its own, new demolition team.
City Engineer Christopher Vose reported to the Common Council last week that the makeup of the new team has been rounded out and complete.
He said the city now has four city employees trained in asbestos abatement with licenses.
“We can be self-sufficient,” Vose said.
He said he will also have to go to school himself in connection with the team.
Elsewhere in his city official report to the council at City Hall, Vose noted: “The brush dropoff is open.”
The area exists off West Main Street for city residents, he said. He said residents can also take their brush to the curb until May 11.
“We just ask that it stays in the terrace and not in the road, Vose aid.
Vose reported the delivery date for a prefabricated bridge to replace the Miller Street Bridge is June 11. The city Department of Public Works will replace the bridge — an empty and closed area that has been closed for some time.
“Now, it’s in the fabrication process,” Vose said.
Vose noted a state Department of Environmental Conservation contractor in early April dug up underground tanks at the site of the city-owned, former Hi-Way Oil Inc. gas station at 237 N. Perry St.. But he said DEC still wants the city to take down the building, which is still at the site.
The city engineer said the Fulton County Demolition Team equipment may be used to raze the building .
The building is due to come down May 1 and 2, followed by action by the state to remove contaminated soil.
Regarding Hi-Way Oil, the site will be redeveloped. The city has an agreement with the New York Environmental Protection and Spill Fund. The city agrees that when the property is sold, the city will pay the state fund 50 percent of the sale.
