The demolition of the old Easthampton High School will take about a month.
EASTHAMPTON — Crews began demolishing the old Easthampton High School last week, and the work is expected to continue over the next month or so, according to the site manager.
Ray Morgan, site manager for Strategic Building Solutions, which is overseeing the new high school project, said crews are removing asbestos and hazardous material incrementally. “As they clean it up, it gets turned over to demolition,” he said.
The gymnasium was the first section demolished.
He said he expects the process to continue through June. He said crews can’t work on the parking area until school gets out at the end of June because the parking at the old school is needed for the new school.
Residents, meanwhile, have been inquiring about the bricks being removed. Morgan said it is not safe for people to come on the site.
Michael Buehrle, the chairman of the School Building Committee, said he has asked the general contractor, Springfield-based Fontaine Brothers, to put aside 250 to 300 bricks for the public, and he will publicize the date when they will be available.
The new high school opened to students April 23.
In May 2010, voters by a 3 to 1 margin supported the $43.7 million project. The costs were reduced to $39.2 million as bids came in low. The city is paying about 37 percent of the cost.
Chicopee-based Caolo & Bieniek Associates designed the building.