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Fate of heritage home at 108 Moore St. on agenda in 'September' (4 photos)

'We recognize the area has become unsightly...'

It’s been more than two years since the Heritage home at 108 Moore St. was gutted by a fire, deemed suspicious by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.

During those two years, neighbours have complained about fencing that initially blocked access to the sidewalk on Frederick Street, the abandoned state of the burned-out building that left it open to the elements, the growth of weeds on the property. 

It was the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury that stepped in and secured the site, moving the fencing and boarding up the building. The cost to the town was approximately $31,000.

“The property owner has been invoiced for that work,” said Chief Administrative Officer Geoff McKnight. In the meantime, the town has continued to negotiate with the owners, Delmark Homes, to move forward.

McKnight acknowledged that the Heritage home, built circa 1880 in the Gothic Revival style, is beyond repair and, after two years, will have to be demolished - but indicated that talks with the owners are ongoing to come to an agreement on the future of the property.

“Details of the terms are still being negotiated, but the focus of the agreement is to ensure that a replacement single detached dwelling is constructed that reflects the original,” he said.

The owners have severed a lot and have approval to build two single family detached homes, one on each lot. There have been no other applications received at this time, McKnight said.

He indicated that the issue will be back on the council agenda some time in “September.”

As for more recent complaints, relating to weeds, he explained, “The property owner is responsible for maintaining the property. Clean-up of the area within the perimeter fencing is hampered by the unsafe state of the building.”

McKnight added, “We recognize the area has become unsightly and are attempting to resolve this matter as soon as we can.”

He assured taxpayers, “If the town incurs any costs in this regard, the owner will be responsible for payment.”

An effort to contact Delmark Homes for comment was unsuccessful.  

 

 


Miriam King

About the Author: Miriam King

Miriam King is a journalist and photographer with Bradford Today, covering news and events in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
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