Condemned building yields surprises

A large part of a block in downtown Seneca for many years was the prideful home store of Harper’s, a regional family-run 5 and 10. But the building aside N. Depot Street between the blocks of Main and N. 1st fell into condemnation in recent times, only to be acquired by city government. Now those in government are finding surprises as they explore just exactly what the building contains. Seneca now awaits an $8,200 environmental survey after the discovery in part of the building tiles that are suspected to contain the health hazard asbestos. Now it’ll be the job of a licensed contractor to estimate the cost for the asbestos removal and disposal, along with any lead-based paint material.