08-28-13 News Release - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

NEWS RELEASE Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 3 p.m. ` Prom: 6th District Council Member Oliver J. Davis Contact: 876 -6938 Public Morks & Property Vacation Committee Chairperson City-Council Concerns Over Protecting the Public Health From Asbestos Risks Related to Proposed Demolition of Vacant and Abandoned Homes Validated On April 26th, Council Members White and Schey joined me in a issuing a News Release asking the City Administration to make sure that the "...public health, safety, and welfare of our City are protected" with regard to the vacant and abandoned proposed demolition program. We focused on four (4) key public safety areas: 1. Has the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) approved the City's demolition program and if so may we have copies? 2. What are the budgetary implications regarding compliance with IDEM's asbestos regulations? 3. Are there penalties if the City fails to comply with state and/or federal asbestos regulations? 4. Has the City contacted the EPA Region 5 Asbestos Coordinators on the proposed demolition program? A copy of that April 26th News Release is attached. Monday's, update from Code Enforcement Director Shubhada Kambli to the Council's Residential Neighborhoods Committee on the vacant and abandoned program validated the Council's public safety concerns raised over four (4) months ago when she noted that: • 116 vacant and abandoned house have with inspected for asbestos with a prevalence rate of about eighty -eight percent (88 %) • $16,000 has been spent by the City on asbestos training, licensing fees and inspections after the Indiana Department of Environmental Management required the City to comply with Indiana state laws on asbestos inspection and removal One wonders what would have happened had the Council not used its oversight role in asking pertinent questions which focused on public safety. The Council will continue to be a watchdog seeking to protect all interests. Now that we are reviewing the proposed 2014 City budget, we look forward to Mayoral updates on private funds for the vacant and abandoned demolition program, so that our limited tax dollars can be addressing additional city priorities. We will continue to seek answers for the greater good of our community.