A demolition crew has begun to clear the site.
The work is being done by LVI/Mazzocchi Wrecking, Inc., a leader in special demolition site work, from asbestos and lead abatement to soil remediation and mobile concrete crushing and recycling.
“We were selected for the job because we specialize in unique projects,” said Gerald Eglentowicz, Jr., New York City Operations manager.
LVI/Mazzocchi Wrecking, Inc. recently worked on the $25 million Con Edison demolition project on the East River next to the United Nations.
As for the White Plains Road property, asbestos from the roof contaminated the entire site, leading to a number of safety precautions that will need to be followed, making the cleanup a lengthier process than at a similar structural venue.
The project follows EPA, DEP and NY State Department of Labor guidelines, according representatives of Mazzocchi, who could not give an estimated time for the completion of the project.
“We know it’s been an eyesore,” Eglentowicz said, “but we needed proper variances and approvals in place before we could continue the work.”
On February 4 at 8 a.m., over 200 firefighters fought the inferno that started at the Super Laundromat, formerly at 632 Lydig Avenue, leaving a boarded up mess amidst the bustling shopping district.
White Plains businesses that were destroyed include Rose Flower Balloons, Adam’s Jewelry, Hua Yung Kitchen, Sprint, Sleepy’s Mattress, GEM Pawnbrokers, Subway and Proland Sneakers.
The Sprint store has moved across the street to the Sterling Optical location, while Tono Barbers is now located at 768 Lydig Avenue. Julia Unisex is now at 2128 White Plains Road.
Larry Prospect, of the Pelham Parkway Business Improvement District organization, commented on the progress of the cleanup.
“We’re happy to see the demolition, and look forward to some new stores,” Prospect said.
The future of the site is still unknown. Prospect has had trouble contacting the owner of the property, listed as Riverdale Equities, Ltd.
Prospect says that the fire has not hurt commerce in the area to a large extent.
