Demolition continues of Connellsville building

Published: Monday, August 5, 2013, 7:12p.m. Updated 2 minutes ago

Allen Enterprises & Recycling LLC has filed for bankruptcy.

The business is owned by Rodney Allen of Connellsville, owner of a building currently under demolition at 105-107 W. Crawford Ave. in Connellsville.

Michael C. Gallo, an attorney with an office in Murrysville, filed the Chapter 7 petition last week in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Pittsburgh.

Gallo said the filing has nothing to do with the company doing the demolition of the Connellsville property.

(The filing) will afford Mr. Allen the opportunity to reorganize Allen Enterprises, Gallo said during a telephone conversation on Monday afternoon. But it won't affect the demolition.

Workers were at the site on Monday afternoon. The section of the building housing the infamous sky toilet has been taken down. The toilet is sitting in the grass next to the demolished section of the structure.

Last week Joshua DeWitt, nephew of Rodney Allen, said the demolition would include all but the first floors of the structures. Plans would call for the refurbishing of the remainder of the buildings and include the installation of a green roof.

Allen was ordered to have the building down by Aug. 7. However, Tom Currey, Connellsville's code and zoning officer said there are no problems with a partial demolition of the structures as long as the amended plans are approved and the demolition of everything except the first floors is completed by Aug. 7.

According to Connellsville's zoning ordinance for commercial buildings along Crawford Avenue, buildings must be at least two stories high or be at least 24 feet high. A single-story structure with a facade reaching that height would be allowed, if approved. Plans must be submitted to the city's planning commission. If approved by the city planning commission, the county must then also approve.

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Demolition continues of Connellsville building