A local firm hired to conduct mold spore testing at the proposed future site of a Traverse City emergency homeless shelter has discovered the presence of hazardous mold in the building. City Manager Jered Ottenwess emailed city commissioners Tuesday to inform them of the lab results for the city-owned warehouse at 517 Wellington Street, for which Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse is in negotiations with the city to open an emergency homeless shelter.

Ottenwess told commissioners he has notified Safe Harbor leadership of the issue, and that the city has "procured an estimate for mold remediation for approximately $35,000." City staff are in the process of obtaining a proposal for a second evaluation and estimate to confirm the results. Ottenwess also said he's requested the Traverse City Film Festival, which occupies the building, to "restrict access to the building and coordinate entry" with his office, and requested the same of the Traverse City History Center due to the storage of a handful of Con Foster exhibits in the building.

The city has contracted with a local roofing contractor to perform some minor repairs - under the cost of $1,000, according to Ottenwess - at 517 Wellington to try and eliminate leaking and limit further mold growth. Wrote Ottenwess: "Staff will continue to work with the Film Festival and Safe Harbor moving forward to identify the most appropriate resolution in light of the pending special land use permit process, disposition of the existing lease, and possible lease of the building to Safe Harbor."