CONNEAUT — A dilapidated State Street building is traveling through the Ashtabula County legal system and the city of Conneaut is keeping watch in hopes of buying — and then demolishing — the eyesore.
The city has filed a foreclosure action aimed at the century-old building officials believe poses a threat to the public, said Law Director Lori Lamer. There’s a chance the city could acquire the three-story building at a discount price, she said.
“If no one else bids, the city could own it and then demolish it,” Lamer said.
The building is owned by a corporation steered by city resident Gary Harris, who was convicted of federal conspiracy and tax-related charges in 2004.
The structure has been in the city’s crosshairs since bricks fell from the building in June 2007. A fence was quickly erected around the front of the building to keep pedestrians a safe distance away.
Officials say the result is an ugly building that sits along one of the city’s busiest streets.
The building’s status surfaced most recently during Monday’s City Council meeting, when members debated possible uses for the city’s Revolving Loan Fund. Some suggested money in the account, used to assist local businesses, be tapped to deal with the building.
Lamer replied efforts are already under way to get a discount price on the property.
If it falls into city hands, the land could be cleaned up and marketed to a developer, Lamer said. The building occupies a location in a highly desirable spot in the downtown district, she said.
Recently, an individual working on behalf of the owner was busy stripping material from the building. The worker removed boards that covered some windows.
Fire Chief Bim Orrenmaa spoke with the scrap worker, he said.
“They’re trying to improve the building,” he said. “They’re scrapping some valuables.”
Despite the crumbling brick and protective fence, the building — constructed in 1901 — is under no demolition order, Orrenmaa said.
Aside from fallen plaster and a rotted portion of flooring, the building is in relatively sturdy shape, Orrenmaa said.
David Smith, Ashtabula County’s chief building inspector, painted a different picture after an inspection in June 2007. The building is infested with mold and rot because of water that has infiltrated over the years, he said at the time.
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