The medical facility was originally built in the 1920s and served residents of the Mon Valley for more than 50 years. When no longer needed as a hospital, plans were discussed to convert it into an apartment complex or senior citizen housing. However, because of the asbestos used in buildings during the early part of this century, the structure had to be condemned as environmentally unsafe.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen.
Removal requires costly procedures and strict environmental protection methods. Although the Washington County Redevelopment Authority had the money for demolition, it did not have the money to cover the costs of environmental remediation necessary to remove the asbestos. Razing the building had to be postponed until the additional money could be found. Last April, Solobay submitted a request for the money as a capital budget expenditure but it did not meet budget guidelines. This week, he was notified of the grant.