Asbestos Removal at Former Clay School in Wheeling

911 Meso Info

911 Meso Info is a dedicated voice in the fight against mesothelioma, committed to raising awareness, providing reliable information, and empowering individuals affected by this rare disease. With a passion for advocacy, 911 Meso Info delivers insightful resources, up-to-date research, and practical tips to help patients and families navigate their mesothelioma journey. From treatment options and legal guidance to emotional support and prevention strategies, 911 Meso Info is your go-to source for comprehensive mesothelioma knowledge. Connect with us to stay informed and find strength in community. Follow 911 Meso Info for trusted advice and support, and join us in spreading awareness for a brighter tomorrow.

News Summary

The former Clay School on 15th Street in Wheeling is set to undergo asbestos removal, a vital step toward redevelopment. The Wheeling City Council awarded a $498,000 contract to Reclaim Company LLC, utilizing a $500,000 EPA Brownfield grant and additional city funding. The abatement, planned for 90 days, is expected to clear the way for future demolition and potential community development, transforming a long-vacant structure into a safer environment for residents.

Asbestos Abatement Set to Begin at Former Clay School in Wheeling

WHEELING — In a significant step forward for the former Clay School building located on 15th Street, the task of asbestos removal is set to commence this week. This substantial undertaking marks the beginning of the end for a structure that has long been a source of concern for the community due to its prolonged vacancy and potential hazards associated with lingering asbestos.

The Wheeling City Council, in a decisive move, awarded a contract valued at $498,000 to Reclaim Company LLC, a firm based in Fairmont, West Virginia. This contractor was selected as the lowest bidder following a competitive bidding process. The abatement work is expected to draw upon resources from a recently secured $500,000 Brownfield grant awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aimed specifically at environmental cleanup efforts.

Funding Breakdown and Project Scope

The financial plan for the abatement project reveals a mix of funding sources. While the EPA grant covers the majority of the costs for asbestos removal, local funding from the city in the amount of $123,624 from its Restricted Capital Improvement Project fund will supplement the effort. Notably, a portion of the EPA grant has already been allocated to consulting services for project specifications, emphasizing the complexity of undertaking such a major initiative.

The contract for the asbestos removal has a duration of 90 days, although the exact timeline for completion remains uncertain. City officials, eager to see progress at a site that has stood empty for years, have expressed optimism that the abatement work will soon pave the way for further developments at the property.

Future Plans for the Clay School Site

Once the asbestos remediation has been successfully completed, plans are in place for the eventual demolition of the 75,000-square-foot building. This decision is influenced by recent assessments and community input that indicated a new direction for the property. The West Virginia Environmental Protection Agency’s D-Lap program has committed funds for the demolition process, reinforcing the city’s commitment to transforming the site into a safer and more productive space.

The Clay School has an extensive history, having first opened its doors more than 80 years ago and serving as an educational institution for decades before closing permanently in the 1990s. Various attempts by private investors to repurpose the structure have ultimately failed, underscoring the challenges inherent in redeveloping such a large facility.

The city took ownership of the Clay School building in December 2021 and subsequently engaged in a comprehensive study of potential future uses for the property. Local leaders reached a consensus that demolition was the most feasible course of action, with ambitions to potentially construct a new indoor recreation facility on the site. This new development would be strategically located adjacent to the J.B. Chambers Memorial Recreation complex, promising to enhance recreational opportunities for residents.

A Community Anticipates Change

The initiation of asbestos abatement signifies not just the removal of environmental hazards, but also a tangible shift in the community’s engagement with a historical building that has seen better days. As the abatement work unfolds, residents of East Wheeling are poised to witness the transformation of the Clay School site from a dilapidated structure burdened with asbestos issues to a revitalized space that can benefit the community.

The start of this project is a hopeful sign for many in Wheeling who have long awaited meaningful action regarding the Clay School’s future. Anticipation builds as the city prepares to move forward with plans that could uplift the local neighborhood and enhance amenities for all community members.