The Air Force has agreed to fund the demolition of the former BAE Systems site in the town of Union, New York. Cape Environmental Management Inc. (CEM), a Norcross, Georgia, construction firm, has been selected to demolish the old BAE site.
“Finally, with a demolition contract in hand, we can begin the process of tearing this derelict building down and preparing it for future use,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., says. “Over the months ahead, I will continue to monitor the progress and stand ready to help in any way I can to make sure this project moves along on schedule.”
Schumer continues, “The Air Force’s commitment to demolish the former BAE site is great news for the Town of Union and its residents. This site has been a black mark on the neighborhood for far too long and has been a real drain on the local economy. Now, with the Air Force fully committed to demolition, we can finally begin to turn the page on this derelict site.
He adds, “Very soon, there will no longer be an unoccupied eyesore dragging down local businesses and eating into local development funds; instead, we will have a valuable plot of land ripe for redevelopment. And I will continue to watch the Air Force like a hawk to make sure we get there.”
“We are pleased to hear the demolition of the former BAE Systems building is moving forward,” says Broome County Executive Debbie Preston. “We want to thank Sen. Schumer for his efforts in securing funding so this important project can move forward.”
According to a press release issued by Schumer’s office, the senator has long fought to demolish and supported redevelopment of the former BAE site after it was severely flooded following Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 to the point that it was no longer inhabitable. Schumer’s first effort following the flooding was to make sure BAE committed to staying in the region in order to keep 1,350 jobs in New York state’s Southern Tier. Once the jobs were safe, Schumer focused on ensuring the federal government honored its commitment to handle the shutdown and demolition of the vacant property, which is owned by the Air Force. In March 2014, Schumer announced that the Air Force had committed $1.2 million to conduct an environmental assessment of the site, the first major step in the demolition process.
In March 2014, Schumer urged the Air Force to prioritize the former BAE Systems site in the town of Union for demolition in its FY2015 budgeting, so that the Air Force could be ready to move on the project soon after the environmental baseline survey was complete. Schumer argued that the BAE demolition should be prioritized because of the significant negative impacts it has had on the community. The local Industrial Development Agency (IDA) continues to pay approximately $14,000 per month in maintenance and upkeep costs to keep the building safe and secure, and the building is a drag on nearby property values, according to the press release. Furthermore, it is a potential environmental hazard and a roadblock to redevelopment.
“The demolition of the former BAE site is welcome news and a tremendous step forward in our ongoing flood recovery,” says Town of Union Supervisor Rose Sotak. “The site is a gateway to our community and a key component in shaping the future of the Town of Union. We thank Sen. Schumer for his tireless advocacy and support, without his efforts this giant step forward would not have been possible.”
According to a report in the Press Sun & Bulletin, CEM will apply for various permits from state and local agencies. This winter, the firm will develop work plans and need to obtain approvals from state agencies. Asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) removal is scheduled for spring 2015. Then, after hazardous building materials are removed, heavy equipment will arrive and demolition will begin in summer 2015, according to Schumer’s office.
“Finally, with a demolition contract in hand, we can begin the process of tearing this derelict building down and preparing it for future use,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., says. “Over the months ahead, I will continue to monitor the progress and stand ready to help in any way I can to make sure this project moves along on schedule.”
Schumer continues, “The Air Force’s commitment to demolish the former BAE site is great news for the Town of Union and its residents. This site has been a black mark on the neighborhood for far too long and has been a real drain on the local economy. Now, with the Air Force fully committed to demolition, we can finally begin to turn the page on this derelict site.
He adds, “Very soon, there will no longer be an unoccupied eyesore dragging down local businesses and eating into local development funds; instead, we will have a valuable plot of land ripe for redevelopment. And I will continue to watch the Air Force like a hawk to make sure we get there.”
“We are pleased to hear the demolition of the former BAE Systems building is moving forward,” says Broome County Executive Debbie Preston. “We want to thank Sen. Schumer for his efforts in securing funding so this important project can move forward.”
According to a press release issued by Schumer’s office, the senator has long fought to demolish and supported redevelopment of the former BAE site after it was severely flooded following Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 to the point that it was no longer inhabitable. Schumer’s first effort following the flooding was to make sure BAE committed to staying in the region in order to keep 1,350 jobs in New York state’s Southern Tier. Once the jobs were safe, Schumer focused on ensuring the federal government honored its commitment to handle the shutdown and demolition of the vacant property, which is owned by the Air Force. In March 2014, Schumer announced that the Air Force had committed $1.2 million to conduct an environmental assessment of the site, the first major step in the demolition process.
In March 2014, Schumer urged the Air Force to prioritize the former BAE Systems site in the town of Union for demolition in its FY2015 budgeting, so that the Air Force could be ready to move on the project soon after the environmental baseline survey was complete. Schumer argued that the BAE demolition should be prioritized because of the significant negative impacts it has had on the community. The local Industrial Development Agency (IDA) continues to pay approximately $14,000 per month in maintenance and upkeep costs to keep the building safe and secure, and the building is a drag on nearby property values, according to the press release. Furthermore, it is a potential environmental hazard and a roadblock to redevelopment.
“The demolition of the former BAE site is welcome news and a tremendous step forward in our ongoing flood recovery,” says Town of Union Supervisor Rose Sotak. “The site is a gateway to our community and a key component in shaping the future of the Town of Union. We thank Sen. Schumer for his tireless advocacy and support, without his efforts this giant step forward would not have been possible.”
According to a report in the Press Sun & Bulletin, CEM will apply for various permits from state and local agencies. This winter, the firm will develop work plans and need to obtain approvals from state agencies. Asbestos and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) removal is scheduled for spring 2015. Then, after hazardous building materials are removed, heavy equipment will arrive and demolition will begin in summer 2015, according to Schumer’s office.
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