The continued fight against blight within city limits progressed with approval for the demolition of three blighted houses during Bradford City Council Tuesday.
Resolutions to approve the demolition of 9 Harris Court, 52 High Street and 62 Hobson Place were all unanimously approved.
“I want to thank Sara (Andrews, director of the Office of Economic and Community Development) and Shane (Oschman, deputy director of the OECD) for 62 Hobson Place,” said Councilman Brad Mangel. “I have been working with neighbors down there for the last year, and I was finally able to give the neighbor that’s been interacting with me a call Friday when I got the agenda and give her the news.”
“We are happy to be getting that one off of Hobson Place as well,” said Oschman.
Mayor James McDonald also voiced appreciation, stating, “You guys have been doing great work getting some of these places demolished, getting the money for them and getting them knocked down. Every time that happens, it’s an improvement to our city.”
In other business, council approved the first reading of a resolution to approve annual raises for the police department, with Chief Mike Ward’s set at $72,500. The raises were pending the approval of the police contract.
Approval for a certificate of appropriateness was issued to Greg Ross, owner of 85 Main St., for a new sign for AF Sullivan Tattoo Gallery, a new tenant at that location. The sign will be cream lettering on a green background.
Meanwhile, a certificate of appropriateness was also issued to Nick Cummins, representing St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, for the removal of a deteriorating brick wall and ramp at 95 E. Corydon St. and replacement with a new handicap ramp and decorative railing. Scott Gunter, owner of The Grocery Stretcher at 32 Main St., also received a certificate of appropriateness for removal of the wood paneling on the face of the storefront. If the brick underneath is in poor shape, the surface will be stuccoed, while if it is in good shape, he will paint the brick “Colonial Revival Stone.” New signage and gooseneck lighting are also planned for that location.
