The Dahlstrom building could be demolished within the next three weeks.
Work on the building, which sits on Buffalo Street and Blackstone Avenue, had previously been halted due to problems with paperwork. However, on Wednesday, demolition was in full swing, as crews worked to tear down the building.
According to Larry Scalise, city building and zoning code enforcement officer, the building should be down within two to three more weeks.
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Dahlstrom Demo
"Now, if we get a real winter, I don't have to worry about it collapsing into the river," Scalise said.
The project has been ongoing for several years, as city officials looked for the best way to use the space, which had become a hazard. Due to numerous code violations and complaints, demolition began in November 2011 by Lycoming Supply Inc. of Williamsport, Pa.
In April, the demolition was stopped by the Department of Labor. The contractor needed additional permits in order to continue the work. The work has just recently resumed.
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Work has once again resumed to tear down the Dahlstrom Building. Demolition should be complete within the next two to three weeks.
P-J photos by Liz Skoczylas
To keep debris out of the Chadakoin River, a platform was built.
"Along the river, they built a platform out maybe 15 or 20 feet. Any of the bricks that fall are going to fall on that platform," Scalise said.
Work on the demolition will be continuing. While the Dahlstrom building is being torn down, traffic along that block of Buffalo Street has been reduced to one lane.