City Moves to Demolish Bellefonte Avenue Structure

LOCK HAVEN – Without comment, Lock Haven City Council moved unanimously to proceed with the demolition of a fire-gutted vacant Bellefonte Avenue commercial structure.
The Monday night decision came 13 months after fire destroyed the former Heilig-Meyers furniture business, most recently owned by David Mayes. Mayes, who has a number of property holdings in the city, had planned a youth night club for the 37-41 Bellefonte Avenue site but the plans never came to fruition.

The city had been patient with Mayes, earlier last year announcing he had until Aug. 31 of 2017 to submit plans for repairs. At that time the city revealed receipt of an Aug. 29 letter from longtime city critic Steve Poorman. According to the release, Poorman wrote that he held a second mortgage on the site and was involved in a project to rehabilitate the property.

Five months later and no plans forthcoming, council action Monday night gives the city the go-ahead to advertise for bids for demolition. As per information from city manager Greg Wilson, the property owner still has until the city awards a contract to take the steps himself to abide by the demolition order. Should Mayes move forward in the interim, the city could reject the bids. So far Mayes has not responded to the city.
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Timeline for the demolition was listed as Jan. 26 for the first advertisement for the project with a bid opening and awarding of contract at council’s Feb. 5 meeting. If the work stays on schedule a demolition and site clearance would be completed by March 29.

It is now likely the city will have to incur the costs of leveling the structure and place a lien on the property for the costs involved.

At the time of the fire more than 13 months ago, city fire chief Bob Neff called the building a total loss; a cause was never determined. Some 20 fire companies from three counties responded to the fire in subfreezing temperatures at 6:33 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.