Proposals Sought for Phase One Assessment at American Legion

Slated for demolition in the future, the building in River Edge will now await to undergo an assessment to determine if there is any asbestos, underground storage tanks or lead paint on site. The borough will begin advertising for a request for proposals from professionals to determine if there are any environmental concerns relating to the detoriating building.

"We need to know if there is any lead paint or asbestos in there prior to either a demolition or renovation," Councilman Edward Mignone said. "If there is lead paint, asbestos or an underground tank, there are certain levels of precaution a contractor needs to take."

As part of the 2012 municipal budget the council set aside $50,000 toward the demolition and phase one assessment costs in the . 

"From a builders point of view it should be done either way," Council President Paul Cordts said. "It should have been done prior to the purchase. Phase one is the first step of doing anything."

The Dutch Colonial-style building is approximately between 80 to 90 years old but is  along with not being ADA compliant. An estimate received by architect Peter Pulice put renovation costs running between $300,000 to $1.3 million.

In the past, the council had received Community Development Block Grants towards the initial purchase and goal of transforming the American Legion into a  but had later decided to  seeking additional grants.