Building demo details divulged

SANDUSKY — Sandusky officials revealed some more details as it pertains to tearing down a multi-story structure. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners updated demolition work orders for a building at 937 W. Washington St. (U.S. 6) not far from Circle K. Demolition work should begin in a few weeks, according to city project manager Megan Stookey. She added the project "has a completion date of 45 days" once contractors receive a notice to proceed, which should occur this week. Regarding cost, city officials accepted a contractor's bid, from Sandusky-based Ed Burdue & Co., at about $198,000 — down from an earlier estimate of $230,000. Officials intend to spend money through a federal grant specifically aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods. It's not known what could become of this site following demolition work. "It is unclear as to what the site will become at this time," city community development director Colleen Gilson said. "The site is privately owned and will be the responsibility of the current owner to bring forth any future development plans." What happened? A demolition order occurred after a lengthy process involving several hearings and appeals. The property owner fought against demolition orders. Ultimately, the city received permission from an Ohio appellate court to proceed. In November 2020, "a Sandusky resident contacted the Sandusky Police Department, complaining that a large piece of metal had detached from the roof of appellant's property, at 937 W. Washington St., and struck his vehicle, which had been parked nearby," according to a court document. "As a result of that incident, together with the property's long history of degradation, the city of Sandusky's chief building official, Scott Thom, issued a 'notice, order and pending order of demolition,'" the document states. The owner continued to appeal this decision in an apparent attempt to save this structure. But the court ruled in Sandusky's favor. The board "determined that the property was unsafe," the document states. Sandusky's staff members informed commissioners about the decision at a public meeting in 2024, describing this commercial property as "vacant and blighted." Before the vote, officials provided commissioners with a city memo, reading, "The Sixth District Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment of the trial court and decision of the building code board of appeals to demolish the property." "The city has had to await several appeals through various courts as to the demolition order," city manager John Orzech said. "The appeals have all been affirmed that the property can be demolished. We are finally able to move forward."