Editor's Note: An updated story with additional information coming this weekend on Connect-Bridgeport.com.

 

Condemnations and demolitions of property in Bridgeport usually prove to be an anomaly. However, many individuals may be wondering why a house on Philadelphia Avenue, beside the Simpson Creek Baptist Church parking lot, has met its end.

 

The brick structure did not appear to be in poor condition, which has led to the rare condemnation and subsequent demolition orders in the past. However, neither was the case on this particular residence, according to Bridgeport Community Development Director Randy Spellman.

 

“The house was actually in good condition. The reason for the demolition is that there was an arrangement with the family that if the property ever became available they would offer it to the church.”

 

Spellman said the church now has the property and did the demolition. As for what the church plans on using it for, it doesn’t appear – at least on the preliminary level – to be for more parking.

 

“They’re looking at an expansion in the near future and, at least at this stage, the expansion is for general meeting space. There’s nothing formal about what they’d like to,” said Spellman. “At the same time, they have brought in some rough plans; some schematics, showing how they would like the meeting space on that lot to look.”

 

Prior to the recent demolition, the church was required to complete as asbestos survey of the structure, which is required of all demolition projects. Spellman said the survey showed no asbestos and that meant that asbestos abatement process was no required. From there, the survey was used to get the demolition permit from the city. Associate However, Pastor Brad Harris said there was some minor asbestos that was abated from the interior of the structure.

 

“The only other item that needs to be taken care of, and it was handled in this case, is verification that all proper utility companies have been notified and that all utilities have been removed or pulled away from the structure,” said Spellman.

 

Spellman said his office rarely deals with demolitions or condemnations. He said there are currently no homes required to be demolished.

 

“Usually, if we have an issue with a structure it’s something that’s clearly visible from the street that leads to an inspection. It’s once you get inside you’ll see violations that require a plan of action to bring a structure back into compliance,” said Spellman. “From that point, we usually allow 30 days for a plan of action to be created to address the issues or, if not, a demolition plan needs to be put in place.”

 

Spellman said that currently there is one home on Stone Street that is in the process of looking to create an action plan to address issues. Another home on Broadway, he said, is actually in the process of the final cleanup involving an action plan.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured above are the early stages of the demolition, while the latter stage of the demolition is shown below.