More Demolition Bids
Amid Rising Environmental and Ethics Concerns
FREEPORT, IL – October 1, 2025
The City of Freeport will open sealed bids at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2025, for the demolition and asbestos abatement of five residential properties under its neighborhood blight reduction program, Project CD-014-25. The public bid opening will take place in the East Conference Room of City Hall, 314 West Stephenson Street, with city staff expected to recommend a contract award at the October 6 City Council meeting.
The project calls for the removal of structures located at 227 North Henderson Avenue, 612 East Orin Street, 623 and 625 East Orin Street, 640 East Orin Street, and 32 South Hooker Avenue. The selected contractor will be responsible for asbestos abatement, demolition, and site restoration, with all work required to be completed within 25 calendar days of award unless an extension is granted by the Community and Economic Development Director.
Bid specifications require compliance with EPA and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) asbestos regulations, adherence to prevailing wage and certified payroll reporting, and submission of complete documentation, including manifests, disposal receipts, and photographic verification. Contractors must secure fencing around each site and maintain proper wetting and dust control procedures throughout the demolition. Late completion will result in $200 per day in liquidated damages.
Asbestos Findings Confirm Strict Abatement Requirements
Pre-demolition environmental testing by CMM Environmental of Rockford identified asbestos-containing materials at several of the targeted properties, requiring licensed abatement prior to demolition.
At 612 East Orin Street, inspectors found a transite vent pipe classified as Category II non-friable asbestos, which must be carefully removed to prevent fiber release. 625 East Orin Street contained ceiling tile adhesives with three to four percent chrysotile asbestos, materials that must be abated before demolition to avoid contamination. The most severe case was 640 East Orin Street, where friable, damaged HVAC duct wrap containing 70 percent chrysotile was discovered, along with asbestos in kitchen floor tiles. Friable asbestos can easily release fibers when disturbed, posing serious health risks to workers and nearby residents.
Additional testing at 227 North Henderson Avenue revealed exterior mastic with six percent chrysotile asbestos, while 32 South Hooker Avenue showed no detectable asbestos in sampled materials. However, inspectors warned that concealed asbestos could still be present.
Under federal and state law, all friable asbestos must be removed before demolition, and non-friable materials that could become friable must also be abated. Contractors are required to file a 10-day EPA notification, follow wetting procedures, and employ licensed asbestos professionals to ensure compliance and protect public health.
Public Outcry Intensifies Over Contractor Mismanagement and Environmental Violations
The upcoming contract award is drawing heightened scrutiny after recent revelations about Alber & Son Earthworks, a demolition contractor repeatedly hired by the city during Mayor Jodi Miller’s tenure. Recently, the company was awarded more than $200,000 in city-funded work despite having its business status revoked by the Illinois Secretary of State—for the second time—making it legally ineligible to conduct business in Illinois at the time. Although Alber & Son has since reinstated its corporate status, the incident exposed major deficiencies in the city’s contractor review process.
Further investigation by Fighting4Freeport has confirmed that Alber & Son Earthworks is now under multiple EPA investigations for water and air violations, triggered by complaints from concerned residents. Allegations include failure to use required fencing, leaving demolition sites unsecured overnight, causing property damage to neighboring homes, and ignoring wetting procedures mandated to prevent airborne contamination. Video evidence captured by residents reportedly shows demolition dust spreading through residential neighborhoods—dust potentially containing asbestos, lead, and mold.
Compounding public frustration, Mayor Miller has refused to disclose her family relationship with the company’s owner, a connection that has fueled accusations of favoritism. The company has received numerous city contracts during her administration, raising serious ethical questions about transparency and oversight.
Residents across both sides of the city are expressing outrage, calling the situation not only a corruption issue but a public health crisis. One resident told Fighting4Freeport, “This isn’t just about who gets a contract — it’s about the air we breathe and the water we drink.”
Community leaders are urging the City Council to exercise full due diligence when awarding the October 3 demolition package, demanding that only legally compliant and environmentally responsible contractors be selected. Watchdog groups warn that continued negligence could expose the city to liability and long-term environmental harm.
As Freeport faces increasing scrutiny from state and federal regulators, many are hoping city officials have learned from past mistakes. The October 6 council meeting will serve as a crucial test of the administration’s commitment to accountability, public safety, and transparent governance.
