Former Malvern restaurant among structures targeted for demolition in Carroll County
MALVERN – Local businessman Rick Lewis spent $24,000 acquiring a vacant restaurant five years ago.
But because of the deteriorated condition of the former Hornet's Nest at 633 Wilson St., he was unable to put the structure to use.
"I bought the building thinking it was in better condition than it was," said Lewis, who operates Crossroads Pizza in the Malvern area. "I am guessing it would take a few hundred thousand dollars to make that building right. I am guessing it was vacant for 10 years. The roof was totally junk. It is not like it can be repaired."
The building is among four properties that Carroll County commissioners plan to raze with money from a new state program that helps local communities demolish blighted structures. The Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program recently was created through House Bill 110.
Former restaurant, three vacant houses targeted
"We solicited for people to provide us with properties that seemed uninhabitable," Carroll County Commissioner Christopher Modranski said.
Only four properties were identified. The other three are vacant houses.
One is on the property of Leesville Faith Community Chapel at 55 S. Union St. in Leesville. Another is at 8036 Andora Road in Augusta Township and is owned by Brent Baker. And there is a house and garage at 2257 Waynesburg Road in Harrison Township. That property is owned by the township.
"The church (in Leesville) looked at tearing it down two years ago," Modranski said. "It was just too much for them to handle."
Carroll County officials submitted an application for the demolition funds.
"They are telling us we should hear something in April on whether it will be approved," Modranski said. "We will be in charge of the demolition. It should be sometime this year."
The demolition program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. Each county will be eligible to receive a minimum of $500,000 under the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program.
"We have asked the state to provide us with $50,000 for each property," Modranski said. "I think that might be a little high."
Some property owners not able to address problem
With the program available, Carroll County officials say it's better to use the state money than urge property owners to either rehabilitate or raze the structures.
"In many cases, the property owners are unable to take care of it," Commissioner Robert Wirkner said. "That is where this helps for property owners who don't have the means to take care of it. I am in favor of it. These blighted properties are not only safety hazards, they are health hazards in many cases. They can attract rodents."
For Malvern Mayor Robert DeLong, seeing the former Hornet's Nest go is a welcome thought.
"It is a building that no one has done anything with," DeLong said. "It is to the point where it needs to go."
Reach Malcolm at 330-580-8305
or malcolm.hall@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: mhallREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Carroll County seeks to demolish blighted buildings
