AUGUSTA — Getting rid of an old, asbestos-laden apartment building isn’t going to cost quite as much as officials first feared.

The city has obtained court permission to tear down 6 Morton Place — a dilapidated, vacant apartment building owned, at least in name, by Zane Holdings LLC.

City attorney Stephen Langsdorf said Zane Holdings essentially no longer exists.

Officials previously had estimated the city could get stuck with a bill for as much as $100,000 to demolish the building, which neighbors say has attracted vandals and thieves. However, City Manager William Bridgeo said it now appears the city will be able to hire contractors to remove the building for about half that.

Thursday, councilors will consider authorizing Bridgeo to sign a contract with West Gardiner-based McGee Construction to demolish 6 Morton Place for about $31,500.

Councilors previously authorized hiring a New Hampshire firm to remove asbestos from the structure for about $16,000, so it appears the city could get rid of the building for about $47,500.

“In our initial estimates, we were afraid costs could be as much as $100,000,” Bridgeo said.

Councilors will consider authorizing Bridgeo to sign the deal with McGee at their meeting Thursday, which begins at 7 p.m. in council chambers at Augusta City Center.

Councilors also are scheduled to conduct a first reading of a proposed ordinance that would set the city’s four polling places as Ward 1, Augusta State Armory; Ward 2, City Center; Ward 3, Augusta Civic Center; and Ward 4, St. Andrews Parish Hall.

Currently, the Buker Community Center is listed as the Ward 1 polling place, though the Augusta State Armory was its location during the most recent election.

Councilors also may consider:

* closing Mount Vernon Avenue near Bond Brook Bridge for about 24 hours on July 24 for work to take place on part of a $17.3 million Greater Augusta Utility District sewer project;

* removing a requirement that all major development projects undergo review at two Planning Board meetings, instead allowing projects to be reviewed in as few as one meeting, though additional meetings could be called for, if necessary;

* applying for a $400,000 state grant to help turn part of Mill Park into a museum that would recognize the history and culture of the city’s work force; and

* applying for two firefighter assistance grants — one for $470,000 to replace a fire engine, the other for $160,000 for 29 self-contained breathing apparatus units.

Keith Edwards — 621-5647

kedwards@centralmaine.com

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