Demolition Of City-Owned Homes Continues On Track

Three out of seven deteriorating city-owned homes have been demolished with the remaining structures expected to be torn down in a week or two, according to Ogdensburg officials.

The city of Ogdensburg has hired Richardson & Sons, Ogdensburg, to perform the demolition of seven properties as part of the federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

City Manager Arthur J. Sciorra said Monday that to date, 902 Ogden, 1328 Ford, and 421 Morris St. have been demolished.

Currently, 2 Grove St. is being torn down, according to the city manager.

That leaves 425 and 427 Morris St. and 622-624 Knox St. left to be demolished. Those properties have to be properly cleared of asbestos before they can be torn down, according to Mr. Sciorra.

"The remaining buildings are awaiting asbestos abatement and the abatement monitors have been onsite since last week," said Mr. Sciorra. "Depending on Richardson's schedule, the remaining structures should be down in a week or two."

Cost of the demolition of the seven properties is $89,000 with a contingency budget of $9,000. The city has been approved to receive $250,000 from the federal NSP and $400,000 from the state Affordable Housing Corp. to renovate or demolish city-owned buildings that are abandoned and deteriorating.

After the houses are demolished, the land will reportedly be sold for potential development of housing.