Arson site in city to be remediated
In 2008, an editorial in the Observer-Reporter addressed “the granddaddy of all abandoned structures,” the Salsberry Bump Shop at 443-445 Donnan Ave., Washington.
“The former garage has vegetation growing out of it, and windows are broken in the side and rear,” the editorial read. “Neighbors complain that it’s not only an eyesore but a hazard, as well, and an attraction for vandals and loiterers at night. There is a stench of urine if you get close.”
City of Washington officials were taking steps to demolish the structure when, on April 27, 2009, three juveniles set fire to it, destroying the one-time Packard dealership and the many old boats and cars inside.
City council approved emergency action to demolish the building in May 2009. Soon after, the only remains of the business were concrete pads. Recent action, though, could lead to the development of the overgrown lot.
The property belongs to the Salsberry family, who will soon donate the land to the Washington Citywide Community Development Corporation, said Rob Phillips, assistant community development director with the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington.
“(We were) working with owners to see if they were willing to donate the property, and until recently, they weren’t willing,” said Phillips.
There was no answer at a phone number listed for the family.
During a city council agenda meeting Monday, Richard Cleveland, a CDC board member and the city’s grant writer, informed council RACW awarded up to a $50,000 grant for an environmental remediation project. Funds were obtained through the Environmental Protection Agency brownfields program, which provides assistance to remedy properties with the potential presence of a hazardous substance.
“There are some petroleum issues because of … the previous use,” Phillips said. “Some dirt in the rear of the property needs to be removed.”
Two phases of required testing are complete. Work is scheduled to commence in October and end in November. Cleveland said the plan is to sell the property to a developer for construction of one or two homes.
“We’ve not determined who will develop it yet,” Phillips said. “The problem (was) the contamination. We hadn’t done testing to see what we were up against.”