SPRINGFIELD - The city is accepting bids for the demolition of eight blighted properties in various neighborhoods, the first phase of a $2 million citywide demolition program targeting business and residential sites.

The first phase includes two city-owned properties on Bay Street, taken by the city for nonpayment of taxes, that were used in the past for industrial uses including metal recycling and the storage of used automobile parts.

The demolition of the first eight properties, including advance asbestos removal, has an estimated cost of $400,000.

"All the properties are either condemned or deemed dangerous structures," said Tina Quagliato, the city's deputy director of neighborhood stabilization.

The bids are due May 6, at 2 p.m., at the city's Office of Procurement at City Hall.

The first phase includes the former Roy's Towing Used Auto Parts at 876 Bay St., and the former Cohen Bros. Metals Recycling facility at 846 Bay St.

In addition, the properties now out to bid are: 17 Sheridan Lane; 14 Dresden St.; 29 Kendall St.; 22-24 Medford St.; 124 Norfolk St.; and 399 Orange St.

Meanwhile, the city has other demolition efforts already under way including houses targeted at 59-61 Avon Place, and 15 Pine Street Court, costing $52,210 each for demolition and asbestos work. Demolition was occurring Monday at the Avon Place site and was planned this week on Pine Street Court

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the upcoming $2 million demolition program is important for removing blight from neighborhoods and for creating economic development opportunities.

"If it is a derelict property, we want to get rid of that negativity to any type of neighborhood," Sarno said.

The council approved the $2 million by unanimous vote in December, as requested by Sarno. It was part of a $5 million bond that also included funds for road construction and sidewalks.

Some of the properties are tax-foreclosed and owned by the city, and others are privately owned and being demolished by the city as allowed by court order, Quagliato said. The city attaches liens on the private properties to recover the cost of demolition.

'They are in terrible condition, I would say, overall," Quagliato said. "They are long-term blights on the neighborhoods."

The Building Department evaluates properties in various neighborhoods, and the city strives to demolish the ones in the worst shape first, she said.