By Mike Lednovich
The Fernandina Beach Building Department slapped a “stop work” order on the demolition of three downtown neighborhood homes because asbestos was being removed without the required permits. Work on the homes has been idled for more than a month.
The stop work orders were posted on Nov. 11 and the homes have not been touched since then.
The homes at 123, 124, and 119 S. Fourth St. are part of the Tringali property development and are future sites for new townhouses.
There are strict state and local requirements for asbestos removal to minimize the release of asbestos fibers during demolition activities involving the removal, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing material.
According to Angie Lester, CRS administrator for the building department, asbestos affidavits have been submitted but not paid for. Jensafe Environmental was doing the work.
Officials at Jensafe Environmental did not respond for comment on the situation.
“It’s important to note that the contractor has hired Jensafe Environmental who is very aware of the methods to remove and report on asbestos. It appears they are using the wet method for removal,” Lester wrote in a Nov. 21 email to City Manager Ty Ross.
She said the buildings were draped “and they have removed siding from two structures.”
According to local resident Taina Christner, workers were seen in hazmat suits last month removing what appeared to be house siding containing asbestos.
“Approximately two weeks ago, my neighbors and I noticed the removal of what appeared to be asbestos shingles from three of the homes on the property. Despite the workers donning hazmat suits and facemasks, none of us observed asbestos safety measures such as wetting down the shingles with water or the use of plastic sheets to contain airborne particles,” Christner said. “At that time, I assumed the contractors were carrying out the task under city supervision, adhering to all necessary rules and regulations.”
I appreciate the reporting on various happenings around the city and county. In this state, and in this county, we can never be sure that people are following the rules and regulations that are designed to keep us healthy. It takes constant vigilance to keep us safe.
November 10 I noticed the workers doing the demo work with none of the safety measures in place. I went and looked for a permit. I then spoke to the Supervisor. He said JB Coxwell had the permit and didn’t have to have it on the premises. I called city hall, it was closed for Veteran’s Day and I left two messages. I have yet to get a return call on my complaint. I also called the police who refused to stop the work even though no visible permit was present.
They are working on the property again, it started this week. I could not see a permit but have not had the time to walk over and check.
It is obvious the people involved in this project have no interest in doing things the right way. They have already proven themselves to be irresponsible and not bothered by the potential harm they are doing to the community. This is only the start of the process so I am certain things will go downhill as timelines and costs become more of a factor. Their behavior is only a small omen of things to come!
Certainly there are environmental concerns. Heavy metals. Too much plastic, etc. Nobody wants another Love Canal. But a lot of this environmental stuff has gotten way out of hand and is a complete joke – except for one thing. Extensive regulatory programs are being used to destroy middle class entrepreneurs. It seems like it is by design. At the same time the real danger posed to people and the environment is non-existent or very close to it.
Take “Lead Based Paint Abatement” programs. They apply to any structure built prior to 1976 (as I remember). If a client wants to replace windows in such a structure the contractor must comply with regulations that includes extensive record keeping for year and years. It is like you have to keep a full time person on staff, who is dedicated solely to environmental concerns to avoid being criminally prosecuted. And who can afford that but the Big Box Stores?
“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” Tacitus
“The Law is often used to enrich one group of citizens over another.” – Bastiat