In Jamestown, New York, the demolition of the Winter Garden Theater is scheduled for later this month. However, before the building can be torn down, asbestos abatement must take place. According to Jason Stronz, executive director of the Jamestown Renaissance Corp. (JRC), a contractor for the asbestos abatement and demolition will be chosen soon.

”Structurally, the building is sound. It’s an eyesore more than anything else and there’s no real significance to it in terms of architecture. Nothing is going into that space that’s feasible or that will generate enough revenue to offset the costs of renovating it. It’s honestly a situation where we can do a lot more with it torn down than we can with it remaining on the property,” he said.

Removing asbestos from the site prior to demolition is required by law. Asbestos exposure is conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and the disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms.

”A lot of people have, over the years, looked at the Winter Garden with plans to renovate it or bring something else into that space,” said John Merino, executive director of the Gebbie Foundation.

”The problem is that the costs associated with doing so are simply insurmountable. (The board) looked at the JRC’s plans and liked them. I think it’s going to be a major improvement.”

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