Hastings to Ask BP/Arco to Move on Building 52

The Hastings-on-Hudson Village Board is looking to see some action in regards to the potential preservation of Building 52, a 100,000 sq. ft. structure that has been on the Hastings-on-Hudson waterfront for more than 100 years. 

“We need to take this to the next logical step,” said Mayor Peter Swiderski, at Tuesday’s village board meeting.

Building 52, also known as the saw-tooth building for its jagged roof design, is located on the northern portion of the contaminated superfund site that is owned by BP/Arco, who is required to remediate the site. BP/Arco set aside an account with $2 million towards the preservation of the building after a group of residents called for the building’s adaptive reuse.  About $1.5 million of that funding is left.

The Village plans to formally request that BP/Arco solicit prices from contractors to perform the work necessary to preserve the building and make is structurally sound for a future use. 

“If we are keeping Building 52 for a future use it must be mothballed in a way that is available to the community in eight years time when the property is finally remediated,” said Swiderski. 

There is contamination under Building 52, however the state determined that if the building remains, its slab will act as a protective barrier. Swiderski said he wants to make sure that the preservation of Building 52 is economically viable now, so that if it does need to come down the remediation in that area can be done at the same time as the rest of the site. Once BP gets prices, it will be determined whether there is enough left in the account to fund it, and/or who will fund any cost overages. 

“We’re thinking in terms of mothballing the building. Not with brand new skylights and windows, but minimally,” said Swiderski. “In good enough shape to be used as something like a parking facility—structurally sound and in a safe condition that prevents further decay. So we don’t end up with a falling building or slab, but not overkill so we wind up with a $20 million expense."

Since the funding is BP/Arco’s money they would get to choose their own vendors. The Village will also request that it be involved in any meetings, discussions or bid openings related to the solicitation of vendors.  

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