Awaiting Asbestos Report: Ulster Town's Demolition Plans Draw Attention

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News Summary

Ulster town awaits asbestos report results that will impact demolition plans for nine vacant cabins, caught in legal disputes and community concern.

Awaiting Asbestos Report: Ulster Town’s Demolition Plans Draw Attention

The town of Ulster is on the verge of a significant decision as officials await the results of an asbestos report that will determine the future of nine vacant cabins located at 338 Glenerie Boulevard. This property has become a focal point of contention between owner Catelo Viviani, the town, and concerned residents of the neighborhood.

Asbestos Assessment Under Scrutiny

Paradigm Environmental Services, located in Latham, conducted a meticulous assessment of the cabins after collecting samples from the structures and their foundations. Each cabin has yielded extensive reports, each approximately 20 pages long, filled with various findings that include numerous repetitive elements. Building inspector Warren Tutt is set to compile and summarize these intricate findings, with optimism that the presence of asbestos may be more favorable than initially anticipated.

The intensive focus on the asbestos testing is not merely procedural. The findings are critical as they may play a substantial role in the overall demolition costs, which are currently estimated between $250,000 to $300,000. This total includes necessary fees to dispose of hazardous waste, which will be pivotal for the town as it maneuvers through potential financial implications.

Fractured Relations Amidst Legal Battles

Ownership of the property since 2018 has not been smooth sailing for Viviani, who purchased the 1.3-acre lot for $104,000 during a county tax sale. Since then, he has been embroiled in a series of legal battles, facing multiple code violations. Tensions escalated to the point where the state Supreme Court had to intervene, authorizing the town to demolish the cabins after allegations surfaced that Viviani violated a stop-work order.

Residents living in proximity to the cabins have long expressed their frustrations, accusing Viviani of continuing construction activities despite the order. Investigations later revealed that claims made by Viviani to grandfather the use of the cabins as vacation rental units lacked credible support. Town officials found no evidence indicating these cabins were ever utilized as seasonal rentals, leading to further dismissals of his claims.

Documenting the Situation

In conjunction with the asbestos evaluation, Tutt has initiated plans to maintain a comprehensive photo log of the site, capturing its current state for future reference. This documentation will be crucial, especially given concerns regarding possible changes to the cabins that could undermine the legality of any ongoing constructions.

Methodical Approach to Environmental Concerns

The legal and environmental dimensions surrounding this property are further complicated by necessary actions taken by the town, which were required to secure a search warrant. This warrant was activated primarily due to apprehensions about potential trespassing issues involving Viviani. Following the search, comprehensive environmental testing was performed, underscoring the town’s commitment to addressing the complexities associated with the property.

Looking Ahead

If the findings from the asbestos report reflect a manageable situation, there could be a chance to move forward with demolition within a month. Town supervisor James E. Quigley, III, has stressed the need for caution moving forward—an essential step to avoid the hefty penalties incurred previously, such as a $150,000 fine imposed by the EPA. There is an ongoing effort by town officials to demonstrate that any past commercial activities associated with the property exceed the allowable time limits for grandfathering, further solidifying the standpoint against Viviani’s claims.

In light of these developments and challenges, the town of Ulster is poised to tackle both the legal and environmental issues surrounding the vacant cabins, determined to address these longstanding concerns with a methodical strategy.