Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Demolition Cleanup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Greater Allen AME leaders ask Dayton to expedite demolition and cleanup ahead of September event
Summary
Pastor Elmer Martin and developer representatives asked the commission to speed demolition and remediation of a blighted property near Greater Allen AME Church ahead of a large September gathering, citing safety and environmental concerns; city staff said demolition requires due‑diligence and ownership resolution.
Pastor Elmer Martin of Greater Allen AME Church and developers asking the commission on July 8 to expedite demolition and cleanup of a vacant property at 1700 West 5th Street, which they said is an eyesore and a barrier to a planned September event expected to draw more than 1,000 visitors.
"We need your support," Pastor Elmer Martin said, asking the city to accelerate demolition and remediation so the church can host a major gathering on Sept. 1. Developer Sylvester Gold said he and the church have invested in environmental due diligence (phase 1 and phase 2) and that Ohio EPA will perform soil borings with testing the developer said will cost about $36,000.
Residents and volunteers requested that, if full demolition by September is not feasible, the city consider interim measures—screening, brush removal and fencing—to reduce the site's public‑facing impact. City staff explained that nuisance and demolition actions follow state required procedures, including owner notice and due diligence; staff said some properties on the demolition list are faster to address if they are already on an active demo contract.
Gold said the project envisions roughly 75 senior housing units and that the church has already invested approximately $3.54 million in related work. Commissioners asked staff to check the property's demolition status and explore interim remediation steps while respecting state procedures for property ownership and environmental testing.
The commission did not adopt an emergency demolition order on the spot; staff said they would examine whether the site is on a demolition contract and report back. The exchange concluded with commitments to follow up and to explore screening and cleanup options.
