Demolition crews hired for Jay Street, Schenectady, buildings

SCHENECTADY -- The Jay Street buildings destroyed by fire March 6 are unstable, and the city declared a state of emergency until noon Saturday on Jay Street between Franklin and Liberty streets, according to the mayor's office.

Jackson Demolition of Schenectady was awarded the demolition contract, with low bid of $419,000. The work at 100-102 Jay St. and 104 Jay St. is to be done in four weeks, city officials said Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, demolition contractors were hoisted aloft in a fire department ladder bucket in order to inspect the extent of the demolition work required to raze the two structures before submitting bids to the city.

Officials from several demolition companies were on the scene in hard hats to get a detailed look at the project.

Eric Shilling, the city building inspector, estimated there are more than 4,000 tons of debris at the fire site.

The state of emergency extends to 427 Franklin St. and down Liberty Street to the intersection of Yates Street, including the parking lots behind all buildings on Jay Street between Franklin and Liberty streets.

City Hall, across the street from the fire scene, remains open.

Business owner Benjamin Morales appealed Tuesday afternoon to the city to let him retrieve items from his Jay Street jewelry store before demolition begins.

Conditions at the buildings have deteriorated, "which has left them in imminent danger of collapse," according to a release from Mayor Gary McCarthy.

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Demolition crews hired for Jay Street, Schenectady, buildings