The City of Lorraine Demolition Board of Appeals voted to demolish the remaining foundation at the vacant property on West Eighth Street and Lovett Place, citing standing water in the foundation and a public-safety risk to neighborhood children.

Building-department staff said the lot, owned by Ralph and Catherine Brenner, is vacant and had no property taxes owed. Photos and testimony showed high grass and approximately 3 feet of standing water in the foundation, laden with algae and debris. The health commissioner noted mosquito-breeding concerns. The building official and staff told the board the site is both an eyesore and a safety hazard.

Council members and residents who said they represent the ward urged demolition. Councilwoman Troy Kimpton, whose ward includes the property, said repeated complaints have gone unresolved for over a year and asked for action. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to authorize demolition of the foundation; staff said demolition would be followed by immediate site securing measures (fencing or barricade) and that the city would move to demolish as soon as approvals were complete.

Dave Fasiano, chief building official, told the board the property had been subject to ongoing communications with the owner and the insurer, and that no commitment or activity occurred; he said demolition or removal of the foundation was necessary for public safety. A board member asked whether the foundation repair would exceed 50% of the property value; Fasiano answered the cost of repair did exceed that threshold.

The board approved demolition by voice vote and directed staff to proceed. The action was narrowly scoped to the foundation removal; further steps (site restoration, potential liens or tax actions) were not decided at the hearing and remain subject to later administrative or legal processes.