The city of Little Falls, New York has decided to move forward with the demolition of a former home located at 4 Catherine Street, reports the Little Falls Times. The Common Council awarded contracts to companies associated with the project on Tuesday.
The asbestos abatement, demolition, hauling and backfilling contract was awarded to D&S Excavating for a cost of $32,000. Barton & Loguidice, P.C., of Syracuse, was awarded the contract to provide air sampling and project monitoring. The firm is set to receive $555 per shift for project monitoring and air sampling field services, as well as $10 per sample for PCM analysis.
City Treasurer David Petkovsek noted that funding for the project will come from the city’s Urban Renewal Agency. The agency has provided Barton & Loguidice with $2,780 to complete the pre-demolition asbestos survey.
The city is making sure to take such asbestos precautions prior to the demolition of the building. For when the toxic material is disturbed, particles can become airborne–posing a serious health risk to workers, as well as Little Falls residents. Asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma are all known forms of diseases to arise from asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is the most rare and aggressive form, which affects the mesothelium.
Due to an extended latency period, patients are most often diagnosed in the later stages of the disease. At this time, patients undergo standard medical treatment such as mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
The demolition is set to begin soon, and conclude within five days. The city intends to create a parking lot on site once the demolition is complete.