Preparatory work for the eventual demolition of the former hospital has begun, with Green Infrastructure Partners workers, vehicles and garbage skips on site.
Power tools and hammering could be heard coming from the site early Thursday, and a dust screen was installed on the surrounding fence on Wednesday.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said he has been told the demolition will start 'as soon as possible.'
"The sooner it is demolished, the quicker the area becomes ready for development," said Shoemaker.
Larry Girardi, the city's retired deputy CAO of public works and engineering, said in an email on Thursday that GIP is doing preparatory work on site, including a structural inspection of the site and hazardous assessment. Currently, Girardi is working in the CAO's office on special projects.
Multiple GIP vehicles and garbage skips were on scene Thursday and a number of workers in safety vests were busy on the job site.
As part of its agreement with the city to purchase the site, GIP agreed to a rapid demolition of the building.