City wrecking crew takes down another house

The city administration this summer began using a city crew instead of contractors for demolition work that did not require specialized work, such as cleaning asbestos out of vacant homes.

The city wrecking crew moved to central Lorain on July 29 to demolish the duplex at 802-804 South Central Ave.

“That’s number 10 if my count is correct,” said Max Upton, acting director of the city’s Department of Building, Housing and Planning. Once that department compiles the needed legal records, workers from the Public Property Department raze the buildings.

The city administration this summer began using a city crew instead of contractors for demolition work that did not require specialized work, such as cleaning asbestos out of vacant homes. The current demolitions were completed by city workers and some by contractors, Upton said.

He predicted at least another 10 nuisance homes could come down in August.

Right now the city is awaiting public comment for demolition of 235 Florida Ave., 2100 E. 28th St. and 2334 Apple Ave. The comment period is required because the city will use Community Development Block Grant money through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The city Board of Control, made up of Mayor Jack Bradley and SafetyService Director Sanford Washington, has approved contracts to knock down 2133 Elyria Ave., 920 Euclid Ave. and 312 W. 26th St. The city will pay $31,200 to Great Lakes Deconstruction for that job.

There are at least three burned houses that will be cleared as well, Upton said.

The city must treat those houses as if asbestos or other hazardous chemicals are present because there is no way to test the ruins for the presence of those substances, he said.

By the end of November, Lorain may have up to 40 homes removed from neighborhoods around the city, Upton said, adding that the demolition work is weather dependent.

The work has continued since June 1, when Bradley announced a plan for the city government to resume demolition of vacant homes that drag down the morale and property values of neighborhoods.

Based on urban studies, it is clear that empty, open houses can lead to higher instances of crime, illegal drug use, sexual crimes and violence against women, Upton has said.

The house at 802-804

South Central Ave. was owned by Larry E. Peyton Jr. and was valued at $49,000, according to Lorain County Auditor’s records. The house had delinquent taxes of at least $20,377.71, according to the auditor’s records.

PHOTOS BY RICHARD PAYERCHIN - THE MORNING JOURNAL On July 29, workers from the city of Lorain Public Property Department tore down the duplex at 802-804South Central Ave., Lorain.

On July 29, workers from the city of Lorain Public Property Department tore down the duplex at 802804 South Central Ave., Lorain. The city wrecking crew this summer began taking down homes that have deteriorated so much they have become public health nuisances in the city.