After months of gathering community input and analyzing potential redevelopment scenarios, Jim Ambrose of Tipping Point noted that the building, which has been vacant since the 1990s, presents significant financial and environmental challenges, including asbestos, lead-based paint, and mold.
Despite community interest in preserving the structure, the cost of repurposing it far outweighs the benefits, leading to a recommendation to rebuild to meet the community's needs more efficiently. The final decision will be influenced by an upcoming EPA technical assistance report, with a focus on either preserving the existing structure or opting for new construction.
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