May 2014 Story: TxDOT: Initial phase of Lincoln Center demolition to start by end of the month

TxDOT will begin the initial phase of the demolition of the Lincoln Center by the end of the month, according to spokesman David Glessner.

The first phase will involve the removal of asbestos and mold from the building and is expected to take a few weeks to complete.

“We intend then to move forward with our plan to tear down the structure,” Glessner said in an email to ABC-7. “During the initial phase, we will keep open the dialogue with Rep. (Joe) Pickett, Senator (Jose) Rodriguez and other elected officials regarding the disposition of the Lincoln Center and any options that may be offered.”

The demolition company told ABC-7 Friday afternoon that the demolition will occur in two weeks.

Glessner cited safety as the reason for the demolition of the Lincoln Center.

“There have been many unfortunate instances where vehicles have crashed and driven off of overpasses falling onto the ground below,” Glessner said. “Our goal is to prevent such an occurrence in El Paso.”

View some examples of vehicles falling off overpasses onto the ground below at http://www.kvia.com/news/26023730

Activists planned to protest the center’s demolition at 6 p.m. Friday.

At a City Council meeting in October, the agency said it would give the city and supporters of the Lincoln Center one year to come up with a plan to finance and renovate the property.

But now TxDOT says the center has to be demolished.