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House on township land faces demolition decision
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - February 01, 2012)
House on township land faces demolition decision
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
A deteriorating house on Burton Township property was the subject of discussion last week by Township Trustees.
They said the likely fate of the nearly 100-year-old structure known as the Lawrence home off Rapids Road will be demolition.
"It's quite a project, and we don't have the money to repair it," Trustee Daniel Whiting said.
Trustee James Dvorak agreed, saying his 39 years of experience in the construction trades tells him there is little left to save of the house that has been vacant for at least 10 years. "It's been left alone for too long," he said. "It's too far gone."
Mr. Dvorak said the township may be able to salvage some items, such as the foundation stones, which could be used to build fire pits or bridges at the township's park property.
Trustee Kenneth Burnett said, even if the township could find the money to renovate the house, there might not be a use for it. He said it has small rooms that wouldn't even accommodate small gatherings like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.
Mr. Burnett said the timing is right to look at demolition of the house, because the city of Akron is in the process of tearing down structures on property it owns in the township. He said the township may be able to save on costs by sharing equipment and manpower.
"It's going down one way or another," Mr. Burnett said. The township's only other option is to let the house sit and become an eyesore and health hazard, he said.
Patti Cook, chairwoman of the township's park committee, said there may be grants available if the township can show the house's removal promotes recreation for the community. The house sits on an approximately 32-acre parcel which is being used as parkland and is part of the Akron watershed.
Ms. Cook said the township could consult with the Geauga County Historical Society to see if it has an interest in preserving the house.
Mr. Burnett said township officials also will consult with resident Ward Lawrence, whose family owned the house, before taking any action.
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