Restaurant Demolition Delayed Due To Asbestos -- MesoLink.org -- 08-07-06

The demolition of a burnt out restaurant has been delayed due to the discovery of asbestos by state environmental and buildings inspector. The Jade Buffet Kitchen was destroyed by fire, and fire fighters had stated that this probably occurred as the result of a grease fire starting in the kitchens.

Demolition began on the remains of the building last month. However, following inspections by state officials, asbestos debris was discovered and the demolition has had to be put on hold until this can be removed by licensed contractors.

Plattsburgh City Building Inspector Rick Perry said: "Part of the building permit process requires that an environmental assessment be done of the property to make sure there are no contaminants such as asbestos."

He said that asbestos was discovered by officials from the New York State Department of Labor, and that this is what had caused the delay, adding: "They have to take the asbestos out of the debris, and then dispose of it in a New York State approved site."