Demolition underway at American Crayon site

SANDUSKY — Construction crews finally began removing an eyesore from Sandusky's colorful past.Demolition activities at the blighted American Crayon property, vacant since 2002, recently started.Sandusky officials pegged the project as being 10 percent complete.What it means: Work won't end by a July 21, 2016, deadline previously imposed onto the private contractor, who's salvaging several building materials.Sandusky chief development officer Matt Lasko provided an update on construction activities, occurring at the Hayes Avenue site:On the demolition delays: "The owner will not hit the estimated July deadline, however, progress has been made over the last six months, including the owner:• Resolving his legal dispute, resulting in one owner being removed from the ownership• Receiving a lifting of a temporary restraining order by the court, thereby allowing the remaining owner to commence demolition• Pulling a demolition permit• Commencing of demolition activities in early summer, which are ongoing"On a new deadline date: "The July date is not a true 'deadline' per se but rather an estimated timeline for completion that was deemed acceptable by the city. We are hopeful for the buildings to be down, with likely some site cleanup still required, by the end of the year."On the reason for an extension: "When the owner of American Crayon applied for and was granted a demolition permit from the city of Sandusky in January of 2016, this was based on what was determined to be an acceptable demolition plan based on the extent of the demolition planned and the sequencing of the demolition. Within that accepted plan, there was an estimated timeline provided by the owner of six months."On the snail-like approach to clear the site: "Although we are very disappointed with the quickness, or lack thereof, in which the demolition is moving, we acknowledge that many certain legal hurdles needed to be overcome in early 2016 and are encouraged at the recent commencement of demolition on the site by the owner."On the city's obligation: "So long as the owner is making continued progress, the city does not have the right to rescind the demolition permit. We still have authority to intervene in the demolition if we feel there is an imminent danger posed, for example, by the manner in which the owner is undertaking the demolition. At any time, the city still reserves the right to abate imminent dangers."Note: One reason city officials allowed a private developer to raze the site: It's saving city taxpayers about $700,000 in public funds. Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOurielConstruction crews have begun to demolish the American Crayon property in Sandusky. The building has been vacant since 2002.Construction crews have begun to demolish the American Crayon property in Sandusky. The building has been vacant since 2002.