DOWNEY - The former Verizon building at 8314 2nd St. will soon be cleared for a 50-unit affordable housing development after the City Council agreed Tuesday to begin soliciting bids for its demolition.The city expects to pay $520,000 for the demolition work, to be paid with state and federal grants. Before demolition can begin, however, the city will work to solve an "unanticipated challenge." The building formerly used by Verizon was built over an underground Edison electrical supply vault, which served as a distribution point for electrical service to adjacent properties. The vault must be deactivated and electrical supply lines rerouted before demolition can occur, said Brian Saeki, community development director for Downey. The city will hire a contractor to complete the work at an estimated cost of $165,000, also using state and federal grants.

********** Published: April 14, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 52