Demolition in the works for Toronto building, amphitheater eyed for site – The Steubenville Herald-Star

Warren Scott DEMOLITION PLANNED Toronto officials have announced plans to demolish the Cooper building at 300 Market St. and hope to secure funding for a small amphitheater on the remaining lot.

TORONTO With a large building on Market Street slated for demolition, city officials hope to secure funds to create a small amphitheater at the site.

On Monday, Bill Lucas, chairman of the citys planning and zoning commission, advised council the Jefferson County Land Bank has made plans to demolish the former Cooper Hardware building at 300 Market St. and is in the process of surveying the property, which it acquired through a sheriffs tax auction, and having the three-story structure inspected for asbestos.

Mayor John Parker said its structure is in poor condition, with a collapsing roof and other issues.

He said one concern that was raised was whether a large mural on its east wall can be preserved.

Commissioned by the Toronto Coalition for Revitalization, the mural pays tribute to military veterans, bearing the words, All Gave Some. Some Gave All.

Parker said officials with the land bank enlisted an architect to determine whether that section of wall could be maintained. But he said it was determined The cost of trying to save that would be astronomical and theres no guarantee it would remain intact.

The mayor said instead, ways to photograph the mural and reproduce it, in some form, elsewhere are being considered.

Parker and Councilman Michael Glenn, who chairs the citys buildings and grounds committee, said a long-term goal is to establish a small amphitheater on the remaining lot in honor of former mayor Bob Wilson.

I think it will tie together our downtown area, said Parker, who noted removing the Cooper building will improve visibility for the Veterans Victory Pavilion across from it on North Third Street.

The park is the site of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which was the first American monument to World War I veterans when it was commissioned in 1919.

Coalition President George Komar, who was called for comment, was asked whether the amphitheater might be used for the weekly community concerts held by the group in the summer.

The concerts have been held in the Gazebo Commons, which are just southeast of the Cooper building.

Komar said its difficult to say until details are available, but he had an idea for preserving the veterans mural.

He said a photo of it could be reproduced on a large vinyl banner by a local billboard company and possibly displayed on a building near North Third Street.

Also on Monday:

Council approved a resolution expressing sympathy to the family of former councilman Jay S. Smith, who died on Dec. 3 at the age of 94.

Council President Frank McEwen noted he worked with Smith while serving as the citys fire chief.

Mr. Smith was always a great guy to work with. He was always willing to work with all of the city employees, McEwen said, adding Smith listened to their concerns and kept a level head at all times.

William Scalley, the citys safety director, said, He was probably one of the nicest guys you could meet. He was just an all-around great guy.

It was noted Smith also was a long-time employee of the Toronto School Districts custodial and maintenance department and active in the Sunrise Seniors group and St. Francis Catholic Church.

Councilman Michael Burkey, who chairs the finance committee, noted the citys police department has been awarded a grant for new body cameras to be worn by its officers.

The office of Gov. Mike DeWine, has announced $19,347 was awarded to the Toronto department, one of 108 law enforcement agencies for which nearly $4.8 million in grants were awarded through the states Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera program.

City Police Chief Charley Daniels said he had hoped to receive about $42,000 to replace 11 cameras that are showing wear from 10 years of use, but the grant is expected to cover seven of them, for which hes thankful.

Parker applauded Daniels and Sgt. Peter Morris for securing the grant.

Councilman Ron Holmes said he contacted American Electric Power about several streetlights that werent functioning and they have been addressed, adding hes since observed a few others that he will report.

Holmes also reported Toronto school officials found water leaking into the pre-school office of the Karaffa Recreation Center, have attributed it to wind damage to the buildings roof and are looking into the roofs warranty.

Parker said the roof was replaced before the school district transferred the building to the city.

Since then, the former school has been used as a recreation center while the school district retained some space for its pre-school program.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)

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Demolition in the works for Toronto building, amphitheater eyed for site - The Steubenville Herald-Star