The city acquired the Edgewater Inn building; others may
know it by Knoxies, through a donation at year end. The owners had been trying to sell the
property for a good number of years but were not having success with it and asked
the city if we were interested in the property, if it was donated. The city council agreed to acquire the
building with the understanding that there were no conditions placed on the
donation. The council determined if
acquired it should be razed.
We have been working towards removal on a few fronts. The
first order of business is a required asbestos survey. If materials were found that exceed a certain
threshold they need to be removed as hazardous waste. The survey and testing was accomplished. One area of about 350 square feet of textured
ceiling was found that needed to be removed and that was accomplished.
Habitat for Humanity had an interest in removing what they
could from the building. The materials
removed would be resold in their Re-Store.
They were also interested in recycling what they could such as copper
wires. They have been working on removal
of items from the structure.
The Pequot Lakes Fire Department was asked if they were
interested in a training burn of the building.
They have an interest in this and also asked if a Search and Rescue
training could be accomplished as well in the structure. This will be done jointly with Ideal Fire
Department. The training burn of the
building has not been scheduled as of yet but will likely be done in early April.
Although the building was a piece of history for Breezy
Point for many decades, with lack of use it became more and more of an eyesore
as time passed. The building is being
put to a good use in its final days with recycling and training. Once the building has been reduced to ashes
and rubble the spoils will be hauled away along with the concrete and asphalt
from the site returning it to an open area. It will be seeded and left as such
until future plans for the site are developed.
