By Melody GustafsonEAST LIVERPOOL -- As spring 2009 term ends, passers-by may be wondering what will become of the dilapidated, historic building on the corner of Broadway and Fourth Streets that houses Smith Auto Parts.
After voting unanimously for demolition in June 2008, the Board of Housing Appeals granted the owner of the property at 329 Broadway, Willis Smith, Jr., time to negotiate with KSU before demoltition occurs.
It is not clear whether the city will demolish the 112-year-old building and assess the cost to Smith, or if the owner will maintain the responsiblity to carry out the order.
KSU-EL is interested in buying the property for a reasonable price that does not exceed its value or misuse state appropriated funds, according to Henry Trenkelbach, business manager.
Early this year, negotiations between Smith and KSU broke down. Afterwards, on Feb. 20, 2009, law director Charles Payne filed a motion in Columbiana Common Pleas Court on behalf of the City of East Liverpool to enforce the demolition order passed by the board.
"We filed action in Common Pleas Court under Hon. David Tobin to enforce a city administrative order to demolish," Payne said. He elaborated that a response was due from Smith's attorney, George Gbur by Apr. 23. No response has been filed in Common Pleas Court.
George Gbur said, "I'm working with the university's counsel, Atty. Jim Watson. Hopefully we can get this behind us."
Meanwhile, negotiations have resumed between KSU-EL and Smith since Payne filed the February action. Trenkelbach said, "We are in negotiation with him with a revised purchase agreement. The matter is in the hands of our attorney and Smith's attorney."
