news-record.com

GREENSBORO — The environmental cleanup of a city redevelopment site on South Elm Street has begun, city officials said.

Once the work is complete by mid-October or November, the 12 acres will be ready for development.

The Greensboro Redevelopment Commission, which owns the land, could start the process to hire a developer by the end of the year, said Dan Curry , acting director of the city housing and community development department.

The city has used four grants from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to investigate and clean up the land at South Elm and Lee streets. The land was home to businesses and residences, which were demolished.

After a cleanup plan was approved by the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, crews unearthed six underground storage tanks.

The tanks could have been used for heating oil or gasoline storage from former gas stations or businesses.

The workers also are removing soil that might be contaminated with petroleum products.

They have removed 3,700 tons of soil from the site, according to the city’s environmental contractor. The soil will be taken to Mebane, where the petroleum will be removed.

A plan for the site recommends a mixture of residential and commercial use.

 The redevelopment commission will create a request for proposals from developers by year’s end. They could choose a developer  in 2010.

One group has recommended using the land for a new Guilford County Schools administration office and a hotel.
But Curry said the city hasn’t heard anything definitive about the proposal.

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com