Westridge Homeowners Association

A number of weeks ago, I wrote an email discussing my concern about a house on Portland Ave that has been undergoing asbestos remediation. My concern is that I believe that members of our community should be informed if their houses may be at risk for asbestos contamination. I received an email back stating that this story would be a topic in the newsletter, but I've heard nothing since. This subject is particularly worrisome since many of the homes in our neighborhood are of an age where they have or need to have extensive renovations. Homeowners should be made aware if they are putting themselves and children at risk by disturbing potentially harmful substances. I'm still awaiting an answer on this question.

It's my house

I was the one who had the asbestos spill at my house as the result of a fire on 7/1/03. Any house build before 1978 may have asbestos. It is contained in the popcorn ceiling, walls glue on the flooring, as well as some insulation. The cost of the asbestos clean up on my site was about $40,000 this figure includes the demo of the fire damaged walls as well as the safe removal and disposal of the contaminated material. Unless the asbestos is disturbed it should not be a problem, however, once it is the state steps in and you are required by law to remove it in a safe manner. Because our house was not a total loss the insurance has taken care of the cleanup cost. To other CWCA residents, I would suggest you check with you insurance agent for proper coverage. Two other items you should also check is that you have ''replacement cost'' and ''code upgrades''.