The City of Excelsior Springs has announced a Listening Session scheduled for February 25th, aimed at discussing the future of the historic Wyman School building. The meeting is set to take place at 4:00pm in the Council Chambers at the Hall of Waters, where city staff will present findings from recent testing conducted on the building.
The focus of the session will be on sharing the results of environmental assessments and exploring what these findings imply for the building’s future. The school, located at 108 Dunbar, has been the subject of concern due to its long-standing vacancy and the challenges posed by environmental hazards such as lead-based paint (LBP) and asbestos.
This meeting follows a significant development last November when Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy presented a resolution of support for a $250,000 Department of Natural Resources sub-grant. The grant, obtained in collaboration with the State Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority, is intended to facilitate the cleanup of the site, addressing key obstacles to its redevelopment.
The grant aims to mitigate the financial burden of abating hazardous materials from Wyman School, a necessary step before any development plans can proceed. Mehaffy highlighted that the cost of asbestos removal alone could range from $39,000 to $65,000, with lead-based paint abatement potentially reaching upwards of $100,000.
The city’s commitment to the building’s preservation was further underscored by a previous contract for the demolition of the old power plant on the same site, emphasizing safety and redevelopment readiness.
The upcoming Listening Session marks the first public meeting concerning the property since a Visioning Session in February 2020, which saw significant community engagement. Residents of Excelsior Springs have shown keen interest in the future of Wyman School, a landmark owned by the city since April 2017.
As the city navigates the complexities of environmental cleanup and historical preservation, this meeting offers a crucial platform for community members to voice their opinions and learn more about the potential paths forward for Wyman School. The session promises to be a pivotal moment in determining the next steps for this historic site, reflecting the community’s values and vision for its future.
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