Lorain demolition board extends stays on multiple properties after owners report progress

The City of Lorain Demolition Board of Appeals met March 19 and voted to continue demolition stays for a series of properties while owners complete repairs and provide updated progress reports.

The board opened with routine business, approved the Feb. 19 meeting minutes and then reviewed eight long‑running demolition cases. For each property the board heard testimony from owners or their representatives, asked for documentation of work under way and, in every case, approved a continuance of the demolition stay so long as progress is documented before the next meeting.

Owners and representatives described a range of activity. Antonio Davis, representing work at 544 and 546 Reed Avenue, said, “The exterior is completely renovated. We got new siding, new windows, new roof. We’re working towards the inside.” Artis Taylor, owner of 446 Delaware Avenue, told the board he had paid the property’s back taxes to zero and provided permit documentation: “I submitted documentation showing that all the back taxes have been paid down to 0 on that property,” he said. William Lundberg, who is working on two nearby Camden Avenue properties, acknowledged limited progress on one parcel but said debris removal and siding work had been completed on others: “I haven’t made much progress on 3144,” Lundberg said, while staff confirmed the neighboring house showed more substantial work.

Board members and staff repeatedly emphasized the same requirements: obtain and keep active the necessary building permits, submit a progress report or photos at least one week before the next meeting, and schedule any required inspections. A member noted that permit expirations may force reapplication, and staff urged owners to keep contractors and trades licensed and registered with the city.

Votes at a glance: the board approved continuances for each of the cases reviewed, including - Case 01-2026 (504 West 24th St., owner Diana Michelin): continuance to allow permit reviews and yard cleanup; motion made, seconded, approved by voice vote. - Case 22-2025 (3144 Camden Ave., owner William Lundberg): continuance to allow plumbing/heating and other work; approved by voice vote. - Case 23-2025 (3326 Camden Ave., owner William Lundberg): continuance; approved by voice vote. - Case 65-2024 (1113 West 10th St., All American Home Renovators LLC / Ogletree Multi Service LLC): continuance; approved by voice vote. - Case 46-2024 (1113 West 23rd St., owner Silas Bucks): continuance; approved by voice vote. - Case 15-2025 (544 & 546 Reed Ave., representative Antonio Davis): continuance; approved by voice vote. - Case 14-2025 (Queens Corner/old YMCA, Marilyn Vicente): continuance; approved by voice vote. - Case 24-2025 (446 Delaware Ave., Advanced Living Pontials / Artis Taylor): 30‑day continuance with a stipulation that the owner demonstrate significant progress and inspections at the next meeting; motion carried by voice vote.

The board framed the decisions as opportunities to preserve structures when feasible: the chair told property owners the board preferred to see buildings rehabilitated rather than demolished, while also cautioning that repeated failure to document progress could alter future determinations. The meeting ended after the board moved and approved adjournment.

Next steps: owners were directed to submit the board’s requested progress reports, photos and inspection documentation at least one week before the next scheduled hearing; the board will reconsider each case at the next meeting and may take further action if the documentation or visible progress is not provided.