The contract is in place for the demolition of what’s become known as the “Tarp House” in the city of St. Joseph. The home at the corner of Niles Avenue and Hoyt as you enter the city from the south has been vacant and falling apart for years. Owner Dennis Knuth fought the city in court, but has run out of appeals. The St. Joseph City Commission Monday night approved the bid of B&Z Company of Benton Harbor to handle the demolition. The timing, however, will be subject to the lifting or expiration of Governor Whitmer’s action last Thursday extending and expanding the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The approval of the contract was included in Monday night’s consent agenda and was not brought up for discussion. Because there is asbestos in the siding of the house and in the bathroom flooring, the state has to be notified 10 days before the asbestos abatement begins as part of the demolition.
