Public hearing on 47 Main Street: owner pulled plans; neighbor raises safety concerns about roofing nails

The Village of Depew opened a public hearing Oct. 14 to consider demolition at 47 Main Street but heard from building staff that the property owner has pulled plans and a permit to rebuild, meaning a demolition order was not immediately required. The board kept the public hearing open while building staff monitor compliance and recordkeeping, and subsequently closed the hearing after discussion and updates from the building department.

Why it matters: The hearing was called to consider an unsafe condition and a possible demolition. The new information — that the owner has engaged an architect/engineer and pulled permits to rebuild — changed the board’s immediate options and shifted the matter to ongoing building‑department oversight.

Public concerns: Olisa Arlova, a resident of 165 Warsaw Street, told the board her driveway (adjacent to 47 Main) had roofing nails deposited during the contractor’s tear‑off. She said her tenant’s tire had been punctured and that she personally found multiple nails after the crew began work. Arlova said contractors agreed to run a magnet across the driveway at night but she found additional nails during a later inspection and asked the board to take action to protect residents’ safety.

Official response: Building staff and a board member said the contractor had sent video showing use of a magnet and that staff would re‑inspect the site. Don (building department) and other staff said they would continue to monitor and enforce safe work practices. The board noted that, because the owner has applied for rebuilding permits and is actively working on the roof, the demolition filing that had been contemplated was not submitted to the county. The board advised the resident to avoid parking in the affected driveway until the roofing work is complete and instructed building staff to follow up.

Procedure and outcome: The board opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m., heard testimony and staff updates, and closed the public hearing at 7:33 p.m. No demolition order was issued at the meeting; building staff will continue inspections and the record will show the board’s negative action (no immediate demolition) and continued oversight.

Ending: The board recorded the resident’s complaint and directed building staff to re‑inspect and pursue contractor compliance; the resident said she intended to request additional action if nails persisted.