Demolition makes city $5,000

Published 1:37 pm Tuesday, September 9, 2008

By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Demolition of Dowagiac's old electric plant will cost the city less than zero.
In fact, the contractor with the low bid, Melching Inc. of Nunica, Mich., will pay the city $5,000.
The building will be razed, the materials removed and the property will be restored to grass.
"It speaks to the scrap value," City Manager Kevin Anderson said. "Melching is willing to pay us $5,000 to take that down and restore it to a grass surface."
Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Comstock noted that bids ranged up to $69,500 paid to the contractor.
"That's a good deal," he said of the $5,000 offer.
Twelve demolition contractors visited the site, with eight submitting proposals, including one for nothing and one for a dollar.
Second Ward Councilman Bob Schuur asked the administration to be sure the city keeps the cornerstone plaque.
The contractor indicated it can start the three-week project in four to six weeks.