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Derry targets demolition of collapsed building

Date: 3/12/2010

By Jeff Himler, BLAIRSVILLE DISPATCH
Friday, March 12, 2010

Derry officials are hopeful final razing and cleanup of a partially-demolished former ceramics plant in the borough will be under way this summer, but a portion of the eyesore that is considered an immediate hazard could be taken down as early as next week.

Borough Mayor Susan Bortz reported at Monday’s council meeting that Marlborough US Realty Holdings, the owner of the Porcelain Park complex, promised to begin demolition on March 17 of a building at the site that experienced a partial roof collapse in mid-February. "If they don’t start next Wednesday, I’ll be on their backs," she said.

The collapse, which sent debris onto an adjacent sidewalk and a portion of West Third Street, followed severe winter weather that buried the area in two feet of snow. "With the weight of all the snow, half of the roof collapsed," Bortz said.

The building is leased to local construction contractor Doug Richardson, who has agreed to remove vehicles and equipment he has stored there to another location, Bortz said.

Bortz noted borough crew members cleared debris from the site, and police caution tape was placed to warn the public away from the unstable structure.

Charlotte Jones, who resides on West Third Street, urged council to do something to prevent local children from entering the property and possibly getting hurt.

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