Raleigh, N.C. — The City Council is considering whether to move a day-care center contaminated by asbestos and lead paint and to pay for cleaning up the hazards.

The New Bern Day Care, located on Tarboro Road, was designed 40 years ago to serve children of low-income families. The contamination was discovered last winter after the center's heating system failed.

The council's Budget and Economic Committee discussed the problem Tuesday and forwarded its recommendations to the council for consideration at a meeting next week.

The recommendations include paying for the clean-up the asbestos and looking at whether the property should remain a day care.

The center continues to operate, but officials said the hazards pose no immediate health threat to the children or staff members.

"We are looking in the neighborhood for a temporary space, but that is presenting some challenges," said Jane Kirkpatrick, spokeswoman for the city.