Demolition of St. Patrick’s bell tower near completion

WATERVLIET, N.Y. -- Progress is finally being made in the demolition of St. Patrick's bell tower after days of delays.

The 150-year-old tower had proven tough to tear down, but Thursday, a heavy crane is doing the work that cables couldn't do. The crane tore off chunks of the brick tower, one load at a time. Progress is slow, but, right now, almost the entire top portion of the tower is gone. Onlookers gathered at the site all day, still in disbelief.

"I think it's awful. I do think it could've stood for a lot longer. I that there's a good reason for it because it is about 160-years-old or something and there's not very many buildings in the world built like that, said Watervliet resident Ryan Hanley.

Steven Powers of Nigro Companies tells the NEWS CENTER the demolition crew will return Friday at 7 a.m. to continue the teardown. He says it will likely take them through the better part of next week to demolish the entire tower.

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Demolition of St. Patrick’s bell tower near completion