Sipes Demolition Agreed to Tear Down Eljer #228 Building

Ford City Councilman Tom Shaffer told Council that Tom Sipes Demolition  has agreed to demolish the for former Eljer 228 building that was donated to the borough.

The borough had requested bids for the building’s demolition on two different occasions.  The last low bid of $107,000 was rejected by Council.

According to Shaffer, Sipes will do all abatement, tear down the building at no cost to the borough, and erect a fence to secure the adjacent building owned by Dennis Tiche of Ford City Equipment Company. 

“As soon as he is done on Eljer property, Mr. Sipes will take down #228 building while his equipment is still here,” Shaffer said.

The borough had previously paid for the abatement study. “Sipes will do applications and permits from DEP, take care of the lead in the windows, and take it down as per specifications from Senate Engineering,” Shaffer said.  

Councilman Tim Malec reminded Council that PPG had to cover their reclaimed area with three feet of dirt following demolition. Shaffer said that money for reclamation is not available until after building is demolished. 

A fund was established to assist in the demolition of the building. According to Shaffer, it paid for a Phase 1 study for “transite in roof and lead in windows” at a cost of $900. As of July 31, the fund balance was $1,300.00.