Structures to be demolished
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Nathan Straus Photo This structure will be one of several demolished in early April as a city effort to clean up Chandler.

Over five Chandler buildings are slated for destruction following the city's decision to spend $7,500 on demolition.

Jim Moffeit, city administrator, said the city was able to spend this money after hearing the results of an audit that declared Chandler finances to be in excellent shape.

"We'll be demolishing several older houses," Moffeit said. "One has been burnt, one derelict and a building behind Macedonia Baptist has fallen in. Rats and other rodents are living around there now."

Two or three outbuildings, such as sheds, will also be cleared during the demolitions, Moffeit also said.

Sanitation Solutions, the city-contracted garbage service, will take care of the demolitions.

"Part of their contract is to take out five condemned houses a year, though none of these are condemned," Moffeit said.

All the structures are in Chandler, scattered about the city.

The work should begin the week of April 7, Moffeit said. Sanitation Solutions has not decided on the start date as of the time of this paper's deadline.

Once the work has begun, Moffeit said it should take around two or three days for the work to be complete.

The buildings will be demolished by way of heavy equipment.

Josh Bray, owner of Sanitation Solutions, said the company will send a track loader and several trucks to get the work done.

"It'll take from five to 10 days, depending on weather," Bray said. Weather will also affect the starting date.

Bray added the company will tear these buildings down as part of its additional benefits package to the city.

The city will have the buildings torn down instead of ignoring them because of the city compliance code.

"Part of our code enforcement program requires us to bring homes that are below code up to code," Moffeit said. "We're trying to clean up the city, and it's an opportunity to give back to the community. "

The start date of the demolition work is uncertain because of the Great American Cleanup that will take place on April 5. Sanitation Solutions will have a part to play in this event, and it is unclear how long it will take the company to be at full readiness following the cleanup.