EPA to Help With Cleanup of T&G Building

Lisa Eckelbecker, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $200,000 to a Worcester agency to help fund the clean up of asbestos at a downtown building.

The Worcester Business Development Corp. plans to begin cleaning up the building at 20 Franklin St. this summer as part of an effort to redevelop a 35-acre neighborhood around the Hanover Theater, according to WBDC President Craig L. Blais.

“The remediation of this building will serve as the cornerstone for the revitalization of the next district of downtown Worcester,” Mr. Blais said.

The downtown building is owned by the WBDC but was previously owned by the New York Times Co., parent company of the Telegram & Gazette. The Telegram & Gazette remains in the building but plans to move to leased space in the coming weeks. Mr. Blais said the WBDC continues to negotiate with the New York Times Co. to obtain additional money to help clean up the property.