PRINCETON: Demolition progressing at hospital site

Three of eight buildings at the former Princeton hospital have been razed during the first four weeks of demolition, a process that will last into 2015 before the site can be turned into a 280-unit residential development.

"Theyre making good progress," municipal engineer Robert V. Kiser said Wednesday of the demolition company Yannuzzi that developer AvalonBay has hired to clear the site. Work started Sept. 22.

He said five buildings remain to be taken down, including the six and seven-story buildings. Demolition of the taller buildings is expected to begin in two weeks, although it was not immediately known which of the two would come down first.

Crews are removing the "foam skin" of the taller buildings as part of preparation work to minimize the spread of dust, Mr. Kiser said. Overall, demolition of the site is expected to take six months "weather permitting," the town has said.

Blasting is not being used to take the buildings down but rather heavy equipment with large claws attached at the end. The town has said that municipal departments including the building, engineering and health departments have been monitoring the site on a "regular basis." The town also has an environmental consultant firm, Whitman, monitoring things too.

To minimize noise, temporary sound wall and sound blankets have been used.

In the update, the town said the municipal Health Department "is working alongside the Mercer County Division of Public Health to provide additional noise monitoring."

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PRINCETON: Demolition progressing at hospital site