Johnston council adopts ordinance clearing way for Edwards Building demolition

The Johnston Town Council voted unanimously on March 10 to approve the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-1, clearing the way for demolition of the Edwards Building.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Councilman Berry and seconded by Councilman Nicholson; the minutes record the motion as "passed unanimously." Mayor Holmes told the council that, citing the town administrator Roger Leduc, demolition of the Edwards Building "should begin this coming Friday." The minutes do not specify an exact date, contractor, or demolition timeline beyond that statement.

The ordinance and its adoption were taken before the public comment period and no formal amendments or recorded conditions were noted in the minutes. The meeting record also indicates the town received checks related to storm damage and that other facility work (a warehouse build-out) is nearing completion, but it does not link those funds directly to the Edwards Building work.

Next steps in the minutes: demolition timing is reported as imminent per the administrator, but the minutes do not list permits, contractor names, or a formal demolition schedule.