700 flooded properties likely to come down by fall

Cedar Rapids plans to demolish approximately 700 flood-damaged properties by fall 2010, the city said in a release today.

This demolition process is separated into several phases and geographic zones.Each demolition is eligible for FEMA reimbursement, as long as the City follows a 19-point checklist of regulations.

Ninety-percent of the demolition costs will be covered by FEMA and 10 percent will be covered by the state, the release said. The estimated cost of the demolition process for each structure ranges between $12,500 and $15,000, including costs for assessment, remediation and demolition.

This week, crews began demolishing a group of approximately 281 residential structures determined to pose an imminent threat to the life, health, property and safety of the public, according to the city.

At the request of the City Council, the 32 properties acquired through the hazard mitigation grant program (to date) have been added to that demolition contract. The acquired properties are scheduled to be demolished by May 7. All of the “imminent threat” properties currently scheduled for demolition will be complete by the end of July.

In the coming weeks, Cedar Rapids will request bids for approximately 50 properties that are too unstable to inspect or to enter to remove possible asbestos materials.

In addition, tthe city will continue requesting bids for the approximately 350 remaining “imminent threat” properties over the next two months. These properties are scheduled and categorized for demolition by quadrant to accommodate the most efficient mobilization of equipment, reduce the impact on traffic flow and reduce the logistics costs of the project.

All 700 demolitions are expected to be complete by fall 2010.

Throughout this process, the City will continue to contact property owners to confirm permission to demolish flood-damaged structures. Every property owner has the right to rescind permission or delay the demolition of his or her property.

- This information comes from the City of Cedar Rapids