Fort River building demolition begins in Amherst, MA as new school opens

Amherst, Massachusetts crews have begun demolishing the former Fort River building this week now that the new Amethyst Brook Elementary is open, with work proceeding north to south through likely November to limit noise and dust near the occupied school. Abatement started weeks earlier under full-time industrial hygienist supervision, with continuous air monitoring and sealed work areas. Sections nearest the new building will only be demolished on weekends or early-release days, and the project carries $99 million in funding, with about $7 million still uncommitted.