GREENFIELD — The city was awarded ownership of the abandoned, condemned property at 188 Main St. earlier this year, and demolition is set to begin Monday.
Greenfield decided four years ago to raze the former home of Lucky Nail Salon, but a lack of money made the task impossible. The project now has the green light, made possible by local funds and financial assistance from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and a Community Development Block Grant, as well as coordination with MassDOT’s Highway and Rail and Transit divisions.
Mayor William Martin said Greenfield acquired ownership of the property in land court and the project will cost $168,744. He said local taxpayers have had $85,000 committed, with roughly $74,000 remaining after an engineering study and a hazardous materials assessment.
According to a press release from Martin’s office, the public may notice the demolition contractors — from American Environmental Inc. — wearing suits to protect themselves from hazardous materials, as the demolition will include asbestos remediation. The state Department of Environmental Protection has reviewed and approved the asbestos removal and demolition plan submitted by Greenfield.
Abutting property owners have been informed of the deconstruction schedule, the release states, and some parking will be out of service until the project is finished. Also, sidewalk access will be restricted in the area and pedestrians are asked to use the sidewalk on Main Street’s south side during the work.
“It’s taken a long while to take care of this,” Martin said, adding that demolition should last 10 business days. He said he will be relieved when the eyesore and safety hazard is no more.
Once the building has been taken down, the site will be backfilled and a temporary “faux facade” will be constructed to host temporary public art while the city contemplates the site’s future use.
“Once it’s gone we’ll have a better idea of what we’re dealing with,” he said.
The rear of the property will be secured by fencing.
Environmental monitoring of air quality for asbestos will be performed by ATC, according to the release. GeoInsight, an engineering firm, will monitor the structural integrity of the adjacent buildings and railroad overpass that runs under Main Street.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.