Asbestos concerns enter Bonita Springs school controversy

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BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – One of two sites for a contested high school to be built in Bonita Springs was once filled with dangerous chemicals, according to concerned residents.

The Lee County school district wants to make a decision about the location of the high school by April. It is looking at two lots: one on the corner of Bonita Beach Road and Bonita Grande Drive and another located off Imperial Parkway.

A concern was raised on Thursday about the remnants of asbestos at the Imperial Parkway location.

“I believe that the Imperial property site may pose a threat to the safety of the future students,” one person commented. “It’s a known fact that 2,500 tons of construction material with asbestos was dumped there.”

School Board Chairman Steven Teuber said the land would be tested after its purchase, if the school chooses the Imperial location.

“The asbestos has been remediated. However, it is still within our due diligence and if we purchase that property there will be extensive tests in our due diligence process,” he said.

Nearby residents to both locations have been very vocal in their opposition toward a school in their neighborhood.

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