Belleville, Illinois - An agreement to abate asbestos at a building occupied by an non-profit organization, City of Belleville officials uncovered an additional, possibly more damaging problem. On Monday, the City Council approved nearly $6,300 for the asbestos abatement or removal work at 30 Public Square, a building currently used by Art in the Square, one of the country's leading fine art shows.
However, leading up to the crucial City Council vote, some City Officials were questioning why the organization was granted access to the building, essentially, free of charge. From the probing by Ward 7 Alderman Trent Galetti and Ward 2 Alderwoman Melinda Hult, the City discovered that it do not have a formal, written agreement with Art in the Square.
Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert said that a formal agreement did not exist, but a “gentleman's agreement” did. This “handshake” understanding between the City and Art in the Square allowed the organization to use the building – rent and utilities free. Pressed on the issue, Mayor Eckert conceded that a formal, written agreement that outlines the terms between the City and Art in the Square is necessary.
The budgeting for the asbestos abatement work on the building was approved, and removing the deadly material will begin in the coming months. Asbestos is a highly carcinogenic or cancer-causing mineral used primarily in building materials and supplies. Found in structures built in the middle of the twentieth century, asbestos was often combined with other materials to provide additional insulation, fire resistance and sound proofing. Not limited entirely to the building trades, asbestos was also commonly used in the manufacturing of cars, ships and submarines.
Removing asbestos – especially from public buildings – is critical to the overall health and safety of the community. There are no safe levels of asbestos exposure, and any level of exposure can cause a litany of very serious medical conditions including mesothelioma cancer.
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