City Of Rockford issued the following announcement on Apr. 07.
ATWOOD BUILDING DEMO: On October 24, 2020, a massive fire engulfed the former Atwood building at 2500 N. Main Street. At that time, the structure was partially demolished. However, a dispute between the insurance company and the owner delayed cleanup efforts beyond the partial emergency demolition. The City subsequently filed suit against the owner and insurance company in administrative hearing and circuit court to force completion of the demolition, and to ensure that no taxpayer dollars were used to complete the work. The demolition costs are estimated at $271,000.
Today, we’re announcing that demolition is scheduled to begin the week of April 18. No taxpayer money will be used to complete the demolition by N-TRAK.
“During my time in office, I have made fighting blight a high priority. Reducing blight in our community helps to increase property values, reduce crime and strengthen neighborhoods,” says Mayor McNamara. “Unfortunately, it’s not an easy or quick task to go through the court system to hold business owners and insurance companies accountable for demolition of their properties. However, our Legal and Community Development departments have done an exceptional job getting it accomplished, including the demolitions of larger industrial and commercial buildings such as the Essex plant, Magna, and the former nursing home on N. Main Street, as well as dozens of dilapidated houses in residential neighborhoods.”
“Every resident of our ward has been concerned about this structure,” says Twelfth Ward Alderwoman Gina Meeks. “It’s been an eyesore for our residents and has negatively impacted our neighborhood. Having this property cleaned up will be a significant improvement for our neighborhood and will lead to further private development and business investment along the North Main corridor.”
In an effort to continue improving the 12th Ward, Alderwoman Meeks is participating in the Great American Clean Up on Saturday, April 30, and holding an After Clean Up Bash, in partnership with the 9th Ward.
Original source can be found here.
Source: City Of Rockford
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