Contract awarded to raze Roosevelt
By Amanda Clegg, aclegg@altoonamirror.com
POSTED: March 11, 2008
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» View historical articles from Keith and RooseveltBristol Environmental Inc. of Bristol, Pa., won the job with a low bid of $167,000. LVI Environmental Services Inc. bid $267,400, and R.L. Asbestos Inc. bid $274,800.
Board member Richard Lockard questioned why the winning bid was $100,000 lower than the others, and he wondered if the company could increase the cost with change orders once the contract was awarded.
George Cardone, assistant superintendent, said any company could do so, but he reassured the board that everything needing removal from the building was presented to the companies, and Bristol met that requirement with its bid.
Cardone said the new junior high project is 85 percent complete with completion expected in May.
As for RJHS, asbestos removal and hazardous materials removal will begin June 15 and continue until the end of July, Cardone said. Demolition is scheduled to begin in August.
“There were not any alternatives,” Cardone said when asked if the district had explored using the building for another purpose instead of tearing it down. He said the building does not meet any codes and is in disrepair.
In a February e-mail, Spokesman Tom Bradley said the district has received little response to the demolition of the school throughout the entire process.
Sporadic letters to the editor have appeared in the Mirror opposing the demolition of the school.
Member Comments
View Comments: | 1-6 | Post a comment
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musiclarinet
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03-11-08 9:32 PM
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Again, like I've said time and time before, no one came to the school board meetings en masse to protest this, so even if you're complaining through letters to the Mirror, it's kind of futile if you didn't do anything at the time.
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Kenepp
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03-11-08 6:40 PM
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These probably were some of the same scientific researchers that leveled downtown Altoona and implemented the parking lot theme. I'm sure they have a strategic plan in place for the traffic congestion that will occur in the upcoming school year. That's right they haven't discussed this issue yet. Has anyone checked into whose pockets we're golden fleeced lined from this project. I'm out, it's a done deal. Sorry to all the parents that will have to deal with driving their children to this architectural monstrosity. I hope more thought was put into the internal building structure for the future of Altoona's children.
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mykidsdad
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03-11-08 3:44 PM
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State College can't do much right but they did know how to get rid of a good chunk of dead weight in the school board. Maybe Altoonans, or Altoids if you like, should get some help when it comes time.
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KlausVR
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03-11-08 12:58 PM
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Let's face it ... while the Keith building is "out of the way", the Roosevelt building sitting "on campus" would be a reminder every day of the boondogle this whole thing is. Almost every professional study indicates against combining schools like this and the people of Altoona were against the whole idea when the board, in all their wisdom, decided to do it anyhow. So, when the real problems start occurring with this new school, it is best to have the "reminder" out of sight (but, not out of mind). But, then again, the same clowns who voted for this project are still on the board. You get what you vote for.
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ferndawg44
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03-11-08 10:58 AM
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My question is why is there still asbestos present at a Jr. High School. What the heck!!
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mykidsdad
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03-11-08 10:39 AM
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If they could do something with Kieth they could do something with Roosevelt. A private investor could have made something out of it but the school district doesn't want to part with the property. And why should they? I mean, who would expect the school board to save the taxpayers some money?
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