Dilapidated homes get flattened

Tim Schmidt, Record Managing Editor
Posted 11/7/19

Monday was a day of mixed emotions for Mary Lou Rainwater. As the city administrator/clerk in Truesdale, she was happy to see a grant-funded project to raze several vacant and deteriorating homes …

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Dilapidated homes get flattened

Posted
Monday was a day of mixed emotions for Mary Lou Rainwater. As the city administrator/clerk in Truesdale, she was happy to see a grant-funded project to raze several vacant and deteriorating homes commence.On the other hand, she was saddened to watch her childhood home be flattened.“There are a lot of memories,” said Rainwater as a giant excavator took chunks out of the two-story home located at 911 Smith St. “This is my home, but it’s good for the city.”The Smith Street home, built in 1914 and considered one of the oldest structures in the city, is one of seven that are scheduled to be demolished.Other dilapidated structures that will be razed are located at 729 Smith St., 1110 E. Highway M, 1002 S. Water St., 1019 Smith St., 1960 E. Veterans Memorial Parkway, and 215 N. Water St.The city was awarded a community development block grant to cover the $39,320 cost. Boonslick Regional Planning Commission is the grant administratorMick Mehler and Sons, Inc., of Silex, was awarded the low bid of $39,320 to raze the buildings. The project is expected to be wrapped up within two weeks.The city’s only responsibility is to provide in-kind labor, such as capping the water and sewer lines and to seed and straw the properties in the spring.The property owners were required to each pay $250, but will retain ownership.“This will help clean up the city and to prevent unauthorized use,” Rainwater said. “Abandoned homes are great for drug dealers, plus they are unsafe.”“We are working to clean up the city.”

A grant-funded project to raze seven vacant and deteriorating homes in Truesdale began Monday. An excavator belonging to Mick Mehler and Sons demolished this structure on Smith Street. The project is expected to be complete within two weeks, city officials said. Tim Schmidt photo.


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