It’s good to see work beginning to move on asbestos abatement at the former Clay School in East Wheeling. The giant eyesore has stood empty and crumbling for far too long, and first abating and then demolishing the site will go a long way toward improving the neighborhood’s appearance.

But as with everything, the details are what matters. City taxpayers will bear a portion of the estimated $13 million demolition cost. The West Virginia Dilapidated Properties Program will assist in the demolition, but that program only has $30 million available statewide — which means city taxpayers will share in the cost.

As we’ve noted previously, that means city leaders need to consider the best possible use for the site. To date, the discussion has focused on a new community center for East Wheeling.

Perhaps that is the best use, but a deeper look into whether it could be used to benefit all city taxpayers should be the first priority.