The city of Sanford last week awarded a bid for removal of demolition debris and lot clean-up of 35 and 33 Island Ave. following a fire that leveled both buildings. Despite that, the owner’s representative of the property at 33 Island Ave. has decided to do the work associated with his property himself.
That means that the city will have to meet with the contractor, Peter Petit Landscaping, to modify the scope of work on the project, said City Manager Steve Buck. The City Council awarded the bid to Petit at a council meeting Oct. 31.
Last week, landlord Christopher Eric Farris appeared on the property with an excavator, said Buck. But Farris, who represents 33 Island Ave. owner Harry Farris, hadn’t come prepared with permits necessary to get the work done.
Both 33 Island Ave., which is owned by Farris, and 35 Island Ave., owned by York County Community Action Corporation, were demolished following the fire because of safety reasons — both buildings were extensively gutted in the blaze. The resulting debris is co-mingled on both properties. YCCAC signed a consent agreement with the city to pay for its share of the demolition costs and removal.
Buck said Farris was issued a stop work order. Then, city personnel worked with him to ensure he had the permits necessary to do the work.
On Thursday afternoon, an excavator was on the property, removing debris.
Buck said Farris told him he plans to renovate 28 Thompson St., a single-family dwelling next to the 33 Island Ave. property that sustained some damage in the fire. However the City Council on Oct. 23 deemed it to dangerous and a nuisance as defined by state law. Farris has 30 days to appeal the decision.
The property has holes in the roof, heavy water damage, broken windows, and hasn’t had water service since 2011.
Farris has said both 28 Thompson St. and 33 Island Ave. are self-insured.
Cause of the fire is undetermined, but State Fire Marshal Joe Thomas said it is believed to have started on the first or second floor porch at 33 Island Ave.
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