SEA BRIGHT — Plans are underway to demolish the buildings that once served as the headquarters of first responders on Ocean Avenue, which were heavily damaged by superstorm Sandy.
The Borough Council voted in favor of a resolution authorizing advertising for bids for the demolition at an April 7 council meeting.
Acting Business Administrator Joseph Verruni said borough officials are hoping the demolition would be completed by the summer. He said the bids could range from $20,000 to $60,000.
Police have been operating from several office trailers in the municipal parking lot next to the currently vacant firehouse. Police vehicles are being parked nearby in front of the vacant police headquarters.
The move was a result of mold that was discovered at police headquarters in March 2014, which was the result of floodwaters from superstorm Sandy and leaks from the building’s windows and roof.
Sea Bright Fire and Rescue has been housed at several garages off New Street since June 2014, after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) condemned the fire department headquarters in March of last year.
Last month, borough officials presented the plans for a proposed municipal complex that would house all the public safety departments, including police and the fire departments, Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services.
The plans include a proposed beachfront community center that would serve multiple uses, including men’s and women’s changing facilities, bathroom stalls and beach lockers on the first floor for those utilizing the beach; and a library, media center and community meeting rooms — which can hold up to 150 seats — on the second floor.
Each building would be built along Ocean Avenue, backed by the seawall that is slated for reconstruction.
Borough officials have said they are optimistic that up to 90 percent of the costs to build the two facilities would be reimbursed by FEMA.
Verruni said the revised plans are expected to be submitted to FEMA for approval within the next 60 days.