Alpha Environmental completed an asbestos survey for the former Playhouse building and reported no asbestos-containing materials (no materials exceeded the 1% asbestos threshold used by the Environmental Protection Agency), Town Manager Josh Ward told the board.

Because the report found no asbestos-containing materials, Ward said demolition can proceed after the town obtains a demolition permit from the Macon County Building Inspections Department. He asked the board to direct staff to include the asbestos report in bid documents and seek bids for demolition.

Why it matters: confirming the absence of asbestos clears a substantial permitting and contractor-safety hurdle and allows the town to solicit demolition bids. Staff estimated demolition with foundation removal and fill will be included in bidding documents so the town can see costs before making a final decision about the site’s re-use.

Next steps: board directed staff to solicit bids for demolition and for site fill/grade work. The town manager said staff will return with bid results and cost estimates for the board’s decision on demolition and follow-up site planning.