Community Update #5

With abatement nearing completion at 5260 Western Avenue, we wanted to share a quick update on where things stand, recap a recent community meeting with the state regulator, and address a few questions we've heard from the neighborhood.

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Community Meeting

 

Last week, at the invitation of the Friendship Heights Village Council, the MDE held a virtual public meeting to walk residents through the regulatory framework governing the abatement process at the site and to answer questions directly. A representative from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection also attended. During the call, MDE noted that:

• All abatement work is being performed by trained professionals licensed by the State of Maryland, who are required to follow strict federal and state safety standards.

• MDE has visited the site multiple times, including unannounced inspections, and has found no violations at any visit.

• Interior containment structures are in place throughout the building, and MDE has directly observed these controls during its site visits.

• Air monitoring conducted outside the containment areas has confirmed levels below regulatory limits to date.

• MDE agreed to make additional information available to the community going forward, including previously filed public reports and details on the testing methods used to verify air quality and material safety.

We appreciated the turnout and the level of engagement, and we know residents will be watching this work closely as it continues. MDE has indicated that it will remain in close contact with the Village Council, Montgomery County, and the project team, including additional spot-checks – some of which will be unannounced – as work progresses.

As part of this commitment to make additional information available, we are sharing the Hazardous Building Materials Survey referenced during the meeting, which is available here. We anticipate sharing additional documentation through these updates as the project progresses, and will continue to keep the community informed.

Abatement Progress

Abatement of regulated substances is now complete in multiple sections of the building, with the required documentation and certification sent to Montgomery County for review. Remaining abatement work is ongoing in other contained portions of the building and is expected to wrap up in the near term.  All abatement work is proceeding with the appropriate MDE notices.

The project team consulted with the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) regarding the work underway, and DPS confirmed that this work is authorized under the permits and approvals currently in place. All abatement and preparation work is being performed under those permits and required County approvals were obtained before this work began.

As this work continues, the project’s full-time industrial hygienist and MDE will inspect the building to ensure that all abatement is complete in accordance with all applicable regulations.

What's Next: Raze Activities

With abatement of regulated substances nearing completion, the project team is finalizing permitting with DPS to begin structural demolition. This work could begin in the near term, following issuance of the raze permit. This is an expected and planned next step in the project, not a change in scope or schedule. All structural demolition will be performed under the raze permit issued by DPS and in accordance with applicable County permitting requirements. The raze permit sets the conditions the work must follow, and DPS will inspect the site for compliance with those requirements.

The same protections outlined in our last update remain in place as this work begins, including:

• Fence-line air monitoring around the site perimeter.

• Wet methods used throughout to suppress dust at the source.

• Perimeter fencing and debris screening around the full site boundary.

• Ongoing coordination with MDE and Montgomery County, including continued site inspections.

We will share an update when these activities are underway.

A Note on Tree Preservation

We know that residents are concerned about tree preservation during the demolition process and during the redevelopment of the site. Any tree removal associated with the demolition process is governed by the approved Forest Conservation Plan (FCP) on file with Montgomery County and available here. Only trees identified in the approved plan will be impacted. We would also encourage residents to review the documents filed by the firm selected to redevelop the site. You can learn more about the future vision of the property by visiting www.5260western.com.

Stay in Touch

Please continue to visit friendshipcommons.com for the latest information, FAQs, and to contact the project team directly - we appreciate your continued interest in the project.