As an East San Jose school district gets quotes to potentially demolish a former vacant youth center that caught fire last month, advocates are still attempting to save it.
The Alum Rock Union School District is still weighing what needs to be done with the former Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA) building, which burned down Aug. 29. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A structural engineer is evaluating the site to determine what needs to be removed and what can be saved, with a preliminary report expected next week. Eastside advocates are determined to rebuild and reuse the space, despite the uncertainty.
At a Thursday board meeting, Eric Wasinger, senior executive of bonds, maintenance, operations and transportation for the school district, said the concrete walls and roof of the building’s gym could likely be saved. Testing for hazardous materials didn’t find asbestos or other harmful substances on site, despite district officials previously saying the community could be exposed to asbestos and lead…