The Demolition Board of Appeals continued a stay of demolition for 504 West 20 Fourth Street but conditioned the extension on demonstrable progress addressing illegal dumping of tires, structural deterioration and mosquito-breeding hazards.

Owner Xavier Mendez told the board he has been cleaning the interior and exterior and agreed to remove a deteriorated 15-by-15 rear addition after building staff found the addition’s roof and ceiling joists were “shot” and that the foundation was missing under portions of the addition. Building official Dave Fasiano recommended demolishing that addition to reduce safety and foundation costs.

The board heard that the property has been subject to frequent illegal dumping of tires; the owner reported recent spikes in dumped tires (roughly 70 at one point) and that he is removing about 10 tires per week. Health commissioner Rachel Woodruff said the current season had positive West Nile cases in the area and warned that tires and standing water are mosquito-breeding grounds.

Staff provided resources for tire disposal (solid-waste sites that accept up to 10 tires per trip or per collection event) and said the city’s site at Abbey Road (Elyria) and other regional drop-off events might help. The board adopted a 30-day continuation conditioned on visible progress, particularly removal of tires and demolition of the unsafe rear addition. The motion carried on a voice vote.

Dave Fasiano told the board the main structure remained; his inspection found the addition was likely to collapse under snow load, supporting his recommendation for partial demolition. The board directed the owner to continue removing tires and to coordinate with city and county solid-waste resources to accelerate cleanup.

The stay will be reviewed in 30 days; the board emphasized progress on the rear addition and tire removal as the basis for further continuations.