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TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Jim Pilmer, Director of Neighborhood Standards
DATE: April 12, 2014
SUBJECT:
Resolution requesting authorization for the Mayor to execute a Professional Services Contract with Wills Burke Kelsey Associates for the Demolition Program at 14 Blackhawk Street in the amount of $68,500.00
PURPOSE:
This vacant and abandoned property was received by Sherriff's Deed on February 14, 2014. The building is significantly beyond repair, structurally unsafe and a safety hazard in the community. The demolition of this property will reduce the blighted property, eliminate the safety hazard and liability to the city, and create significant open space in the neighborhood which will lead to improved quality of life for the neighborhood. Wills Burke Kelsey Associates of Aurora, Illinois has significant experience for providing engineering services for major commercial demolition projects. The demolition program includes all phases of demolition with request for qualifications, bid documents, asbestos removal process, permitting, utility disconnect, permitted disposal, construction management and observation to project completion of open green space. The company has an excellent history of providing responsive engineering services to the city of Aurora.
BACKGROUND:
The acquisition of this property is from a failed development attempt which began in the mid-decade of 2000. Several economic factors prohibited the development and the property was foreclosed by the bank in June 2011. Several years of vandalism and code enforcement action including costs for board ups by the city, allowed the city to pursue the legal action to the eventual deed for the property.
DISCUSSION:
The demolition of this structure will create open space for increased quality of life to the neighborhood and a major reduction of blight on Galena Boulevard heading into downtown Aurora. Some historic art and artifacts in and of the building are bein...
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