Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Roofing is once again one of the top three deadliest civilian occupations, with workplace fatalities increasing by 7.8% in 2022, according to the latest data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary, which tracks the previous years fatal workplace injuries and their causes. According to the report, the total number of fatal injuries for roofing contractors was 124, an increase from 115 in 2021. Of those fatalities, 100 of the incidents, or 80.6%, were due to a fall, trip or slip.

The data differentiates specific sectors from the total mentioned above. Residential roofing contractors experienced 33 fatal injuries, a 6.5% increase from 2021. The data shows 27 of those deaths were caused by a fall, trip or slip nearly 82%.

Nonresidential roofing contractors saw fewer incidents in 2022. Of the 19 fatal injuries that occurred down from 28 in 2021 nearly 79% (15) were falls, trips or slips.

Slightly different numbers emerge when viewing fatalities by occupation as opposed to industry. In this case, deaths have decreased by 8.6% for roofers, going from 115 in 2021 to 105 in 2022. Of those 105 deaths, 90 were the result of a fall, slip or trip (85.7%). This is a 6.25% decrease from 2021.

Although the occupational numbers are heading in the right direction, its done little to affect roofings status as one of the deadliest occupations in the U.S. The bureau calculates fatal work injury rates per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. In doing so, roofing has a fatal work injury rate of 57.5.

Despite being lower than last years rate of 59, it is the second-highest rate among all other civilian occupations, with logging workers having the largest rate at 100.7. Fish and hunting workers is the third deadliest occupation, with a rate of 50.9.

Nationally, the data shows workers in construction and extraction occupations had the second most fatalities (1,056) in 2022 compared to other occupation groups. Falls, slips, or trips caused 423 of these fatalities.

Work-related fatalities due to falls, slips, and trips increased throughout the nation by 1.8% in 2022, resulting in 865 fatalities, up from 850 in 2021. Most fatalities in this category (80.9%) were due to falls to lower levels, which had 700 fatalities in 2022, a 2.9% increase from 680 fatalities in the prior year. Falls were the most reported workplace safety violation for the 13th consecutive year in 2023.

Suicides increased 13.1% to 267 fatalities in 2022 nationally. This followed consecutive decreases in both 2020 and 2021. Its an issue the roofing industry is not immune to, something National Roofing Contractors Association CEO McKay Daniels touched upon during an industry update at the 2023 Best of Success conference earlier this month.

This is happening in our industry, Daniels said. Were playing catchup, but were going to do it in a hurry and bend this curve down.

The BLS data shows grim trends for the largest minority groups in the U.S. Fatal injury rates increased for Black or African American workers and Hispanic or Latino workers, which totaled 734 and 1,248, respectively, in 2022. These are 12.4% and 10.4% increases, respectively, over the previous years totals. For comparison, white (non-Hispanic) workplace fatalities increased by 2% in 2022 (3,167), while Asian deaths decreased by 5% (169).

For Hispanic and Latino workers, the 2022 total breaks down to 456 workplace deaths happening to native-born workers, while 792 deaths occurred to foreign-born workers.

Transportation incidents were the highest cause of fatalities within both groups, with 278 for Black or African American workers and 439 for Hispanic or Latino workers. The second highest cause of fatalities to Black or African American workers was injuries due to violence and other injuries by persons or animals (199), while for Hispanic or Latino workers, it was falls, slips, or trips (286).

The nationwide total of workplace fatalities in 2022 was 5,486, a 5.7% increase from 5,190 in 2021. This equates to a fatal workplace injury rate of 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, up from the previous years rate of 3.6. According to the BLS, this meant a worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury in 2022.

Todays announcement by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of a 5.7% increase in fatal occupational injuries is a sobering reminder of the important work we must do, especially for Black and Hispanic workers who saw the largest increase in workplace fatalities, said U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker, in a statement.

Excerpt from:
Roofing Has Second Highest Workplace Fatality Rate in the U.S. - Roofing Contractor

Choosing the right commercial roofing company is a significant decision for any business owner, and opting for professional commercial roof services in Indianapolis offers a guarantee of quality and reliability. The integrity of your commercial property's roof is crucial, as it not only safeguards your investment but also ensures the safety and comfort of occupants.

Given Indianapolis's diverse weather patterns, it's essential to select a roofing solution that is both resilient and effective. This guide will help you find the best commercial roofing company in the city, ensuring that your decision is informed, leading to long-lasting satisfaction and top-tier service.

Indianapolis experiences a mix of weather conditions, from heavy snowfall in winter to hot, humid summers. A local roofing company with years of experience in the area will deeply understand these conditions and how they affect roofing materials and structures.

Look for companies with a proven track record in commercial roofing. Experienced roofers not only bring expertise but also a familiarity with local building codes and regulations.

Ensure the company is licensed to operate in Indianapolis. Licensing indicates that they meet the state's standards for roofing contractors. Equally important is insurance, which protects you from liability in the event of accidents or damage during the roofing project.

A reliable company will offer warranties on both materials and workmanship. This is a sign of their confidence in the quality of their work and materials.

Ask for a portfolio of their previous projects, particularly those similar in scope and size to yours. This gives you a tangible sense of their capabilities and quality of work.

Request references or read online reviews. Feedback from past clients can provide invaluable insights into the companys reliability, communication, and overall customer satisfaction.

A company that offers a wide range of services from installation to maintenance and repair can be a more practical choice. Having a single go-to company for all your roofing needs is beneficial.

Some companies specialize in certain types of roofing materials or systems. Consider this if you have specific requirements or preferences for your commercial roof.

The best companies communicate clearly and respond promptly. Their communication skills are crucial from the initial inquiry to the final debrief.

A company that values customer service will make the process smoother and more pleasant. They should be willing to answer your questions, address your concerns, and keep you informed throughout the project.

Obtain quotes from several companies to compare pricing. Be wary of significantly lower quotes, as this could indicate a compromise on quality or hidden costs.

The right company will provide a detailed and transparent quote, outlining all costs. This transparency helps you make an informed decision without any surprises later on.

Selecting the best commercial roofing company in Indianapolis is a critical decision that goes beyond mere cost comparison. It's about finding a partner who understands the local climate challenges, offers comprehensive services, and maintains high quality and customer service standards. Remember, a well-chosen roofing company doesn't just provide a service they offer peace of mind and a solid foundation for your business's future.

Jamie is a 5-year freelance writer who enjoys real estate. He is currently a Realty Biz News Contributor.

Read more:
Commercial Roofing: A guide to hiring the professionals - RealtyBizNews

Its been a big year for us at Upon Closer Inspection, and we couldnt have done it without our loyal readers. We celebrated our 200th column a milestone, to be sure but even in a real estate-devoted crowd, home inspection-inspired material is pretty nichey, so we remain humbled to continue contributing our musings.

This December, as I look back over a years worth of material, it strikes me that we mostly achieve the goal of educational-with-a-side-of-humor (though sometimes people do such ridiculous things to their homes, we can go straight to humor). But since were looking back, I thought Id point out some times when Upon Closer Inspection was actually pretty helpful.

Yes, (toot-toot) this here is a round-up of the times we handed out some tips at a particularly timely or useful moment. Were doing some good around here, it turns out! Keep reading to the end for an update on the South Dallas gas explosion.

And boy howdy, did we have lots of good advice for not only protecting your home before the freeze, but what to do after the freeze! Timely, seasonal tips!

This was a TWO-PART SERIES! This primer on your home electrical system from the utility pole to the panel box gave all the basics of your electrical system, what all the parts are called, what they do, and whose responsibility they are. Great info for any homeowner or home buyer to have. (Not, however, so you can DIY electrical, because we never, ever recommend that.)

Upon Closer Inspection provided special coverage of my personal journey through insurance adjusters, roofers, and attorneys after the spring storms destroyed my roof and two cars in Collin County. On the spot, personal reporting, with heart!

Home Inspectors carry caulk like gunslingers during the summer nary a cool breeze gets past these guys without they seal up a door or a window. And we were there all summer to bemoan the heat and tell you what to do about it.

Then it got serious real quick when a familys house blew up in South Dallas, and were still wondering why. We talked about gas safety, and what to look for, and thats when the jokes stopped because for all our kidding around, the reason for this column, the reason for home inspectors, is so people can have as much information as possible about their homes. Because knowledge is power. Hopefully against tragedies like this one.

As of December 18, 2023, family spokesperson Jeffrey Martin reports that the Escobar family is doing as well as can be expected. They have rented a home so that they can be together for Christmas, while the family home is being repaired, but this is a hardship because their home insurance is not paying for the expense. The investigation into the explosion is still ongoing. The family has retained lawyers to look into the cause as Atmos has claimed that their equipment was not at fault. Francisco, the family friend who was burned in the explosion is out of the hospital but remains badly injured.

Repair 6717 Woford Drive GoFundMe

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Upon Closer Inspection,This Column Is SO GOOD - CandysDirt.com

By ClarksvilleNow.com December 26, 2023 8:00 am

Congratulations to Journey Home Inspection Services on being named Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Veteran Business of the Month!

With Journey Home Inspection Services, you can rest easy knowing that youve chosen the right home inspector, said owners James VanDerLinde and Tashina Richardson. We work exclusively for you, to serve your best interests and to provide you with the information you need. We hold ourselves to a high standard of ethics and professionalism to provide you with a comprehensive, unbiased report on the condition of your home.

Before starting Journey, VanDerLinde was an Army infantryman, paratrooper, and noncommissioned officer. After 12 years of service, he retired in 2020. He attributes his attention to detail, integrity, and work ethic to his time served in the military, which allowed him to grow his small home inspection company into a multi-inspector firm in just six months.

Journey Home Inspection Service can be reached at 931-237-5278.

For more about the Chamber, visit the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce website or call 931-647-2331.

BUSINESS OWNERS: Click here if you are interested in a free marketing and branding consultation for your business.

Link:

Journey Home Inspection Services named Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Veteran Business of the Month ... - Clarksville Now

Colleyville trees were up for debate yet again Tuesday night. For the third time inside of a year, it was new residences from WillowTree Custom Homes vs. old-growth trees in a battle put before the Colleyville City Council

The city council debated and then voted on a revised proposal from a developer who wants to build estate homes on 14 acres located between Pool Road and Wilkes Drive. Its WillowTree Custom Homes versus nearby homeowners and tree preservationists, round three.

And in a four to three vote, the council denied the developers proposal without prejudice for what would be The Bluffs Colleyville. For almost a year, the 14-acre property has been at the center of a debate about whether it should be rezoned from agricultural to single-family residential. Tuesdays vote means the developer can return to the city council for further discussion at a future date.

The ongoing clash centers on a parcel situated between Pool Road and Wilkes Drive in this Northeast Tarrant County suburb. Colleyvilles remaining lots are scarce, making 14 acres look attractive to housing developers, while the plans for this site inspired a group of citizens to organize in opposition. The citizens oppose what they maintain will destroy an urban forest.

The latest vote on Dec. 19 denied the developers latest proposal, which focused on reducing the number of residential lots to nine and placing the primary entrance on Pool Road into the planned, gated development. Voting with the councils majority to oppose the latest revisions were Chuck Kelly, place 5; Brandi Elder, place 1; Scotty Richards, place 3; and Ben Graves, place 4. Voting in the minority were May Bobby Lindamood; Mayor Pro Tem Callie Rigney; and George Bond, place 2.

The council previously voted unanimously in February and June to deny the zoning change that would allow The Bluffs Colleyville to be built. Initially, the plan included 14 lots for luxury homes, and this last plan called for nine. The councils most recent split vote indicates changes were deemed acceptable to some council members.

Meanwhile, the community opponents remain in dissent.

The native, old-growth Eastern cross, Timbers Forest is divinely situated on a steep slope into the Bear Creek watershed, which is prone to flooding, Tim Waterworth messaged after the vote. Waterworth is a leader of a group organized to oppose the development. Save Colleyville Trees It should be conserved as public property into perpetuity as primarily a nature conservation area with limited public access trails. Based on the many conversations Ive had with citizens about this land and the development proposalThats what the people want and will support.

Continue reading here:
Houses vs. Trees in Colleyville: Trees Win Against WillowTree Custom Homes For Third Time - CandysDirt.com

Whats so smart about smart thermostats? They not only ensure your homes temperature is comfortable, but they also do that while saving money andnot coincidentallyfighting climate change by better conserving energy resources. And the smartest ones do all that automatically.

Our pick, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, kept the temperature more consistently pleasant year-round than any other model we tested, likely because of its ability to calculate the effects of humidity on comfort. It comes with a remote SmartSensor, which balances temps in your home, and it has a built-in smart speaker for use with Alexa or Siri. Ecobees privacy policy is best in class, and the company still provides support for even its earliest years-old models.

Ecobees top-tier model comes with the best remote sensor weve tested, a built-in microphone and speaker, Alexa for voice control, and an air-quality monitor.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

Our top pick, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, isnt the absolute easiest model to set up, but its the best overall for eking out every last BTU of efficiency. It provides lots of settings to fine-tune your indoor climate, includes the smartest remote sensor around, can be tweaked by voice commands, and can play audio via a built-in Alexa smart speaker. In our tests, it was the hands-down best performer at keeping the whole house consistently comfortable. (The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced, which has fewer features, works just as well and has a far lower price.)

The smartest thermostat is also the easiest to set up using AI, but those extra brains come at a higher price.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings

For a simpler setup, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is the best choice because built-in AI does most of the work for you. It doesnt come with a remote sensor (and Nests arent as useful as Ecobees) or have built-in smart-speaker capabilities, which some owners may not need anyway. And some users have found that they sometimes have to override Nests AI to optimize their comfort and energy savings.

Though not as sophisticated as our other picks, this thermostat works with a wide variety of HVAC systems, is dead simple to use, and is inexpensive.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Ring

The Amazon Smart Thermostat may be basic, with simple controls and rudimentary AI, but it does what it does well, and for some people that makes it ideal. It can be configured to run on a timed schedule, or, using Alexa Hunches (Amazons term for Alexas AI-based learning feature), it can eventually learn your patterns and suggest customized settings. The one conspicuous missing feature wed like to see is compatibility with remote sensors, which our top picks have.

One of the few smart thermostats able to control inefficient electric baseboard heaters, the Mysa uses scheduling, geofencing, and an Eco mode to help you save money and energy.

Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home

If you have electric baseboard heating (or another type of high-voltage resistance heating), the Mysa Smart Thermostat (v2) adds smart control to those inefficient units. (It isnt able to control cooling systems.) To help save money and energyas much as 26% of your annual heating bill, Mysa claimsit makes use of scheduling, geofencing, and an Eco mode that subtly drops the temperature without affecting comfort. As many electric baseboard systems require a thermostat for every room, which can add up to a hefty price tag, for multiroom setups you may want to consider the more affordable Mysa Lite, which performs the same but has more basic controls and fewer features.

See the article here:
The 4 Best Smart Thermostats of 2023 | Reviews by Wirecutter - The New York Times

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Kitchen countertops are equally functional and decorative. A beautiful countertop is a joy to beholdand to use, which makes your choice of material pretty important. Granite remains one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops for a lot of good reasons: Its durable, beautiful, and easy to keep clean (and not so hard to repair, either). But there is one potential downside to granite countertopsmaintenance.

Granite seems like a solid hunk of impenetrable material, but its actually very penetrable: Granite is a relatively porous stone, and it absorbs water and other liquids easily. That can lead to staining and damage over time, shortening the useful lifespan of your countertops. As a result, most granite counters have to be sealed in some way to prevent those liquids from penetrating. It isnt difficult or expensive, but if you seal an already-sealed countertop youll do more harm than goodit can result in a hazy film that you wont be able to get rid of. So if youre concerned about properly maintaining your granite countertops, how can you tell when they need to be resealed?

Depending on where your granite countertop was bought, who installed it, and the specific type of granite used, your countertops may have been pre-sealed. If you bought them new, you can check the paperwork associated with themmany granite countertops come pre-sealed with a specific guarantee of 10-20 years before the seal will fail you. If thats the case, your countertops probably dont need sealing until after that has expired, at the very earliest. Realistically, though, you probably didn't keep those papers.

If you inherited your countertops or theyre a bit older, one clear sign that they need to be sealed is frequent staining. Its true that even a properly sealed countertop will stain if you leave something like red wine or pizza sauce sitting on it for a long time, but if your counters are easily stained regularly, you probably need to seal them (after a proper cleaning). Just let the water fully evaporate before you do the workthe dark water stain should fade in a day or so.

If youre not sure, there's a simple test you can try. Pour about a quarter cup of water on the counter and track how long it takes to be absorbed. Anything less than half an hour means you should consider sealing your counters sooner rather than later. If the water just soaks right in immediately, you should reseal it as soon as you reasonably can. And if the water never absorbs and just sits there forever, the seal is in great shape and you can leave it be, though you should repeat the test annually. Its also a good idea to perform this test in a few different spots.

You can also perform this test with a small amount of oil (a few drops should be sufficient), just be sure to choose a spot where a stain wont be noticeable. If the oil soaks in within 15 minutes, your countertops need sealing.

The good news is, sealing a granite countertop isnt difficult. After cleaning, just pick up a bottle of high-quality sealant and apply according to instructions. Generally speaking, this is just like cleaning your countersyou spray on the sealer, wipe it off, and then buff your counter with a dry cloth. If your countertops were very porous in your test, repeat the sealing process once or twice more for a good seal. After sealing and following instructions for dry times, repeat the water test to make sure that youve taken care of the problem. Granite countertops dont need much maintenanceas long as you keep them properly sealed.

And stop leaving your sticky wine glasses and pizza boxes lying around.

See more here:
How to Tell When Your Granite Countertop Needs to Be Resealed - Lifehacker

Aside from the risks, using your countertop as a bottle opener is a relatively straightforward process, which you can master with a bit of practice and finesse. First and foremost, you need to check that your countercomes to a sharp edgeso that the bottle cap can catch on the corner. Then, situate the edge under the lip of the cap, and you're ready to start smacking.

Once your bottle is in position, make sure that you have a good grasp on its body. You wouldn't want to drop your drink, and a good grip will improve your leverage with the countertop. Then, it's simply a matter of firmly hitting the top of the bottle with the palm of your hand. Your smack should separate the bottle from its cap, and voil you have yourself an open drink. However, before you start routinely opening your bottles on the countertop, you should be aware of some potential pitfalls.

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You Can Use Your Countertop To Open Bottles, But Be Careful - Daily Meal

I keep seeing lava stone countertops everywhere and I'm obsessed with the look. Its smooth surface has a subtle sheen and the nature of the material lends itself to being cut and molded to whatever shape you want. It's the perfect countertop material, not least because it's also a great way to bring natural stone to your kitchen, but lava stone offers a huge variety of colors and varying palettes you can play around with in the kitchen.

Marble and granite have long reined as king of the kitchen, with its beautiful veining bringing luxury to the space, but its environmental credentials leave a void for new material to take the kitchen crown. I think lava stone might just be it. Convinced? We speak to the designers to find out the merits and drawbacks of this interior design trend.

(Image credit: Hauvette Madani)

So what exactly is lava stone, well it's pretty much exactly how it sounds. It is extracted from natural volcanic rocks, mostly in continental Europe. Lava stone's geographical home means it's not quite reached the States yet, but we think it's on the up and predict it will be crossing the pond soon.

Lava is finished with an enamel glaze and fired at high heat for that characteristically smooth finish, available in a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors, perfect for any style of modern kitchen.In the kiln, the glazing fuses with the natural stone, creating little tonality differences according to the noble metals inside the natural stone,' says Roberta Cederholm of lava stone specialists, Made a Mano. 'So no two tabletops are the same.'

Their ability to stand such high temperatures stems from the 2,200 degree Fahrenheit climate its used to, so it's super durable when used in the kitchen. The overall look is sleek, with a subtle sheen that helps light bounce around the room.

'Additionally, lava stone requires minimal maintenance and does not need to be sealed, making it a practical choice for those who want a beautiful worktop without the hassle of extensive upkeep,' adds Olga Alexeeva from interior design studio, Black & Milk. 'With proper care, lava stone can last for decades, making it a long-lasting investment for homeowners.'

Outside of the aesthetic, lava stone is also believed to have magical properties, absorbing negative energy and bringing about calmness. They are often used in hot stone massages for this exact reason.

(Image credit: Paul Raeside. Design: K&H)

First up, and important for the kitchen, lava stone is resistant to heat (which doesn't come as much of a surprise given it starts life in a volcano). But it's also resistant to cold and any dramatic temperature changes - so hot pans placed straight on the surface won't change the patina. It's so resiliant that it doesnt scratch either, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be using chopping boards.

'We only use natural materials in our furniture making and interior design and therefore often choose natural stone,' says Frdric Collette of Copenhagen-based furniture and kitchen makers, Kbenhavns Mbelsnedkeri.

There really arent any drawbacks; it is almost impossible to damage, adds Roberta. 'The glazed lava withstands knives, heat, pots, pans as opposed to most other glazed products that can break.'

Color is a huge factor as to why we are currently loving lava stone. The finish is beautiful and available in all kinds of pops and more subtle tones too, perfect for a colorful kitchen. 'On top of being one of the strongest and most easy-to-maintain natural stone for flooring, tabletops and glazed lava stone can be made in a wide pallet of colors and glaze structures, enabling us more freedom to design sustainable interiors with color,' says Frdric. However, be aware that once it's done, it's done, and you can refinish the material or change the color later down the line.

(Image credit: Made a Mano)

Another huge benefit is that it's sustainable and environmentally friendly. We're all aware of the dwindling resources of marble and granite, but lava stone is naturally occurring, so it's environmentally friendly (whereas marble kitchens involve chipping away at beautiful Italian mountainside).

We also use solar energy for the kilns and collect and recycle the water for the machines that cut the stone too, says Roberta. Apart from the eco-friendly production, the life expectancy of Made a Mano product far surpasses that of most other glazed products, which in itself makes it more sustainable.

(Image credit: Kbenhavns Mbelsnedkeri)

Unfortunately, the major drawback to lava stone is that it comes at a price of around $300 per square foot up to $3,000 per square foot and glazed. It's one of the more expensive kitchen countertop materials, similar to that of marble, mostly because of the shipping costs from Europe.

This means there are only a handful of suppliers who work with lava stone, and so you're paying for the experts who know a thing or two about the glazing process. But if you have the budget between marble and lava stone, you might be more drawn to the latter because of its environmental credentials.

Its top of the table range and neither cheap to make nor to buy,' points out Roberta. 'It should be considered a long-term investment. A Made a Mano tabletop will last you for generations, and we accordingly offer a lifetime guarantee on our products.'

(Image credit: Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri)

When it comes to cleaning, you'll be glad to know that water poses no threat to the material, and no matter how hard you scrub, your chosen color won't fade. This is because the lava stone provides a non-porous surface, so you shouldn't be wary of stains or damage from chemicals either.

Really, all you need is your cleaning spray, cloth, and a bit of elbow grease. With proper care, your lava stone countertop can last for decades.

Lava Stone Mortar and Pestle

French kitchen marble butter keeper

Original post:
I'm obsessed with this new kitchen countertop trend - LivingEtc

It was very exciting to see it finally coming down, Cinquanti said. It's a milestone weve accomplished.

Contractors hired by the city for up to $304,500 to perform the grant-funded demolition reduced the westernmost corner to rubble within about 20 minutes of starting the operation. Officials estimate site work could be complete within as little as two weeks depending on the weather.

The building and stone slab it stands on will be knocked down before all debris is hauled from the property for proper disposal. The site will subsequently be covered with six inches of sand.

Christopher Carpenter, a neighborhood resident and 4th Ward alderman-elect, said removing the blighted building at one of the main entryways to the city marks a turning point for the area.

Thousands of people drive in and out of our city along Church Street daily and that dilapidated plaza is one of the eyesores they see. I want their impression of our city to be more than what's there now, Carpenter said.

City officials agree removing the crumbling building that was abandoned over a decade ago will immediately improve the appearance of the highly visible property.

It's a huge step just getting it down, cleaning up the site and leveling it out, Cinquanti said. It's going to be a positive thing for our city and for the neighborhood.

Demolition was originally expected to be completed last month, but the project faced a brief bureaucratic delay.

To proceed, the city was awaiting final review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of environmental testing conducted at the site. The unexpected death of the assigned federal staffer prevented the review from being completed by the statutory 30 day deadline on Oct. 26.

Conducting the demolition without authorization from the EPA could have jeopardized the $2 million Restore New York Communities Initiative grant awarded to the city for the project roughly one year ago.

The city worked with the state to proceed with the work as an emergency demolition of an unsafe structure without risking the grant funds. Cinquanti added final steps with the EPA will be completed in the coming days, enabling Amsterdam to take full title to the property.

Getting it down is one thing, now weve got to develop it, Cinquanti said.

Following the demolition, the city is expected to launch full marketing efforts seeking developers interested in the site. Previously conducted environmental testing will inform developers of any contaminants identified at the site requiring remediation as part of redevelopment plans.

It's going to be an ongoing process, Cinquanti said. We do have interest from a number of different developers.

The former strip mall was built on top of Kellogg Pond after it was used as an open pit landfill from the 1930s to the 1960s. Lumber ash, brick, household waste and sheens and odors from petroleum were among the materials previously discovered during site testing.

Asbestos and lead paint were also confirmed to be present in the building. All demolition debris will be disposed of in compliance with state and federal standards based on the known presence of the hazardous materials.

It's an amazing start to a new beginning for the 4th Ward. It shows progress and an opportunity for neighborhood revitalization, Carpenter said. The memories will always be there, but so looking forward to what's next.

Since the demolition contract cost much less than anticipated, Cinquanti said the city is seeking authorization from Empire State Development to use the nearly $1.7 million that will be leftover from the grant toward additional studies or remediation projects at the site. He said preliminary discussions have been positive.

Were looking forward to what the future brings to that site. It's been an eyesore for too long and I'm thrilled we were able to get it down, Cinquanti said. Were hoping there is a really positive ending to this story.

Watch the demolition video below:

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Demolition of former Five Corners strip mall underway | therecorder - The Daily Gazette