Five fire-damaged buildings in Tyler, Texas have been signed over to Smith County officials. The properties, all of which line Spring Avenue, were formerly owned by the Genecov Group. Genecov provided $100,000 as part of their donation. The money is slated for use for asbestos abatement and cleanup. Cleaning up the asbestos is crucial, as their airborne fibers can cause mesothelioma, as well as other respiratory illnesses.

The property transfer occurred last Friday. County officials have yet to determine what the future will hold for these five damaged buildings. According to County Judge Joel Baker, an investigation will be launched in order to determine what can be salvaged from the sites.

Martin Heines, a past president of Heart of Tyler organization, says that a structural engineer will likely be hired to assess the damage and future potential of the buildings. "We want to work through this with a structural engineer who actually goes onto the property and gives factual data back to our community regarding the asset," he said. "I think we need to step back, let a professional look at it and then county government can make the appropriate decision based on those facts."

Heines said the engineer would be paid using donations to avoid costs to taxpayers. "The main thing is that we do everything we can to bring the community together, that everybody’s point of view is respected and that we move forward with good, factual information for government leaders to decide what to do with this wonderful gift they have been given by the Genecov Group," Heines said.

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