Plans Under Way For VFW Building Abatement
The abatement of hazardous substances along with a partial demolition of an abandoned building in Wolf Point is scheduled to start next spring.
During a public meeting regarding the former VFW building located at 108 Main St., Karly Lacock, Great Northern Development Corp. Brownfield program coordinator, said, “We’re hoping for next spring.” The timeframe depends on an abatement contractors’ schedule. Another possible delay is how the EPA might be impacted by the government shutdown. “It will be a great asset for Wolf Point,” Lacock said of the project.
She explained after an analysis was developed, three options were available. Option one was taking no action. Option two was the abatement of all hazardous materials and a partial demolition. Option three was to demolish the entire building, including the basement, and removing all hazardous materials. Option three would leave just an empty lot.
Lacock said that with the landfill costs included, option three would cost in the neighborhood of $300,000 to $350,000.
A sub grant of $191,000 was awarded for the project. The application was made on behalf of First Baptist Church, who has owned the building since 2015.
Option two was the preferred process not only because of the high cost of option three, but also because the church wants the basement for future development plans.
Once the project is completed, the church can redevelop the site to something that is usable and benefits the community such as a gathering spot.
“GNDC’s role is just for the abatement,” said Tori Matejovsky, executive director for Great Northern Development Corp. Pastor Michael Kauffold of First Baptist Church said there are no concrete plans what to do with the area after the project is completed.
“We don’t have any particular plans quite yet,” Kauffold said. “There are too many variables right now.”
He has been trying to remove the former VFW building for about six years.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the building cleaned up so we can do something,” he added.
Lacock noted the grants are intended for such projects where commercial buildings can be cleaned up.
