MANCHESTER -- The fate of the long-abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad Roundhouse could become clearer early next year.

Field work for an assessment of the building's condition is set to begin in December and a report is due at the end of February 2021. This should provide the information needed to decide what to do with this early 20th-century roundhouse, which for decades was one of largest rail support facilities in the nation.

“Until the necessary investigations are completed, it is unknown whether all or a portion of the roundhouse and associated buildings can be redeveloped or if demolition is the only option,” said Maria Rudzinski, senior planner for the Ontario County Planning Department.

The county Board of Supervisors last month approved John G. Waite Associates, Architects PLLC, to undertake a building conditions assessment of the roundhouse and its fuel oil buildings. Several entities will foot the $40,000 bill: The Rochester Area Community Foundation and contributions from the town and village of Manchester and the Ontario County Local Economic Development Corporation. Grant money from Empire State Development will help to defray the cost.