Lorain city officials delivered a clear message Thursday morning during the latest Demolition Board of Appeals meeting: owners of neglected properties must show meaningful progress or risk seeing their buildings torn down.
The board reviewed more than a dozen cases involving deteriorating homes and commercial structures. While some owners were praised for significant rehabilitation efforts, others were sharply criticized for delays, missed inspections, and failure to communicate.
“We’re not going to tolerate people taking advantage of the system,” said one board member. “If you want to save your property, you need to follow the process and prove it.”
Several properties stood out as success stories. A home at 1336 E. Erie Avenue was commended for its detailed progress report and visible improvements, including a new roof, windows, and landscaping. Another property at 21104 E. 28th Street was removed from the demolition list after passing final inspections.
But in multiple other cases, the board voted to place properties back on the demolition list due to owner inaction or absence. That included 1113 W. 10th Street, 607 W. 22nd Street, and 760 Overland Avenue, all of which lacked recent permits, inspections, or progress reports.
A recurring concern was the failure of owners to submit required updates—such as photographs or work timelines—at least seven days before the meeting, a condition the board said it would begin enforcing more strictly.
Some owners cited personal health issues, vandalism, or financial constraints as reasons for delays. In one case, a homeowner said his progress stalled after thieves stole three generators from the property.
Others, like Chad Finley, were applauded for pushing through challenges and nearing completion. “It’s been rough,” he said, referencing work done with his son to get a West 25th Street property ready for occupancy. “But it looks really good now.”
One of the most debated cases involved the historic Eagles building at 573–577 Broadway. Community members, including former Councilman Dennis Flores, pleaded with the board to find a way to preserve the century-old structure.
“This is our iconic building in downtown,” Flores said. “We have a plan, we have financial projections. We just need the city to give us a chance.”
But city officials said repeated requests for an engineer’s report and access to inspect the building had been ignored by the current owner, Gary Davis. Without a clear rehabilitation plan or structural assessment, the board left the demolition order in place.
The meeting closed with a tense exchange over 446 Delaware Avenue, a property that had already been approved for demolition and had asbestos abatement completed. The owner, Tristan Kidd, appeared late and pleaded with the board to reconsider, saying he had been unaware of the demolition order due to returned mail and time spent out of state.
Board members were divided, but ultimately declined to reverse the decision, citing procedural deadlines and prior warnings.
“The message is clear,” one board member said. “If you want to save your property, don’t wait until the final hour. Get your paperwork in. Pull your permits. Show us progress. If not, the city will act.”