Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on June 12, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on June 13, 2024, authorizing the emergency demolition of the property located at 205 South Fifth Avenue and a transfer of funds for payment for the work performed - (total cost of demolition: $618,300.00; transfer of $250,000 from City-Owned Property Capital (DPWH1620.2030930) Project ID (PHS-004) to the Zombie Home Demolition Project/Outside Contracted Services (A3620.405ARP) Project ID (PHS-006), from which payment will be made upon completion of funds), be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EMERGENCY
DEMOLITION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT
205 SOUTH FIFTH AVENUE AND A TRANSFER OF
FUNDS FOR PAYMENT FOR WORK PERFORMED
Whereas, by letter dated June 10, 2024, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings has certified that there is imminent danger that requires urgent demolition due to unsafe building conditions at the property located at 205 South Fifth Avenue, which has a high risk of collapsing and needs to be demolished immediately; and
Whereas, the property located at 205 South Fifth Avenue has been identified as a high risk of immediate collapse due to multiple fire incidents, structural instability, and various complaints from neighbors regarding squatters, vermin, falling debris, and other hazards; and
Whereas, on June 1, 2024, a partial collapse of the retaining wall resulted in debris falling onto the sidewalk and penetrating the existing sidewalk bridge, exacerbating the dangerous conditions of the property; and
Whereas, the property, currently owned by the Mount Vernon Urban Renewal Agency, was vacated in February 2016 due to structural instability and has been deemed unsafe and dangerous since that time; and
Whereas, previous violations, including Article 21, Section 21.01, "Unsafe Building" violation number 36390, issued on December 3, 2009, have highlighted the ongoing risks associated with this property; and
Whereas, pursuant to Chapter 106, sub-section 5, “[i]n cases where it reasonably appears that there is immediate danger to the life or safety of any person unless an unsafe building is immediately repaired, vacated or demolished, the Commissioner shall cause the immediate repair, vacation or demolition of such unsafe building.” The property located at 205 South Fifth Avenue is at high risk of collapse, which, if not immediately remedied, may cause damage to neighboring buildings and property if a collapse should occur; and
Whereas, the emergency demolition work commenced on June 7, 2024, including asbestos investigation and full demolition of the structure, abatement of asbestos-containing materials, and site clearance, performed by Iron Foot Asbestos & Lead Investigations at the cost of $7,300.00, and Capital Industries Corp. at the cost of $618,300.00; and
Whereas, an Air Quality Monitor consultant was required to monitor on-site during the demolition and debris removal phases, with an invoice for this work pending; and
Whereas, funds for this project are available through a transfer of $250,000 from City-Owned Property Capital (DPWH1620.2030930) Project ID (PHS-004) to the Zombie Home Demolition Project/Outside Contracted Services (A3620.405ARP) Project ID (PHS-006); Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Authorization. The City Council authorizes the Mayor to utilize City funds for the emergency demolition of the 205 South Fifth Avenue property.
Section 2. Emergency Demolition. The emergency demolition work, including asbestos investigation, full demolition of the structure, abatement of asbestos-containing materials, and site clearance, has been completed by Iron Foot Asbestos & Lead Investigations at the cost of $7,300.00 and Capital Industries Corp. at the cost of $618,300.00.
Section 3. Air Quality. An Air Quality Monitor consultant has been engaged to monitor on-site during the demolition and debris removal phases, and an invoice for this work is pending.
Section 4. Transfer of Funds. The funds for this project are authorized to be transferred from City-Owned Property Capital (DPWH1620.2030930) Project ID (PHS-004) in the amount of $250,000 to the Zombie Home Demolition Project/Outside Contracted Services (A3620.405ARP) Project ID (PHS-006), from which payment will be made upon completion of funds.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.