A building in downtown Yarmouth will be demolished.
At a special meeting yesterday, council voted unanimously to proceed with demolition at 307/309 Main Street.
The building owner, who did not appear at the meeting, has been given 30 days to comply.
This comes after concerns about the rear of the building, including an unstable brick wall that could collapse in high winds.
Mayor Pam Mood says it’s a sad, but necessary decision.
“It’s part of our heritage and history. It’s very difficult for this decision to be made, but we have to consider public safety, first and foremost,” said the Mayor.
Mood says it’s going to leave a big hole on Main Street and downtown, and she’s hopeful there will be a way to fill that gap.
Demolition for the adjoining building at 303/305 Main Street is also being considered by the town.
A decision will be made at next week’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
Last month, Stephen Howatt, who represented ownership of the building, told council of plans to make necessary repairs to 303/305 Main, but says there was difficulty obtaining a construction mortgage.
Inspectors called the building a ‘construction safety disaster,’ and ‘dangerous and unsightly,’ as the building’s south side has major roof and water damage.
