Heilig-Meyers Demolition Hits the Wall

LOCK HAVEN – No, the contractor did not actually hit the wall during the demolition of the fire-ravaged remains at 37-41 Bellefonte Avenue. But concerns about the structural integrity of the wall on the building abutting the old Heilig-Meyers building has resulted in a delay in the project.

City Mayor Bill Baney Monday posted on his Facebook page a memo from City Manager Greg Wilson updating what the memo called “concerns that come to the surface with the wall adjoining 37-41 Bellefonte Avenue and the HTD property” to the east.

Wilson shared with council members:

“The adjoining wall was an unknown that would have an influence on the contractual end date if, once we could get in to view the site, it would require additional expertise and work.

“At this point, we have brought in a consultant who specializes in this type of work who is providing a plan forward on Monday which includes HTD temporarily vacating the enterprise in rooms adjoining, and also a good amount of handwork by the contractor to ensure stabilization during demolition.

“Because of this, we will be delaying the final completion until May 4. Understand that the project will be completed prior to that date, even with HTD needing until Wednesday to ensure vacancy in the adjoining rooms. The contractor has an incentive to complete this project so that he can move onto his next job, but we also want to ensure that HTD’s property maintains stability as we proceed.”

ADM Logistics of Port Carbon started the demolition of the property at 37-41 Bellefonte Avenue earlier in April. The structure was gutted in a December 2016 fire. Officials have asked the motoring public to exercise caution in the area of the demolition work. Cost of the work is $64,499. A lien will be placed on the property in an effort to recoup City of Lock Haven costs for the razing. The structure’s most recent owners, Dave Mayes and Brian Osenbach, had plans for a teen-ager nightclub but the proposal never came to fruition.