Demolition of Meriden restaurant expected soon to make way for auto parts store

MERIDEN After a slight complication last week, demolition of the former Frontera Grill on East Main Street is set to begin in earnest this week.

Crews from the Bloomfield-based PDS Engineering and Construction, Inc. could be seen removing snow from the roof of the building throughout the day Thursday, in preparation for demolition.

The city had to issue a stop work order Thursday evening, however, when it was discovered that the crews had begun without first getting a building permit for the demolition, said City Planner Dominick Caruso.

Caruso said representatives attempted to get a building permit Friday morning, but were waylaid by outstanding water and sewer taxes, which city Tax Collector Michelle Kane said totaled $1,474.95.

Per city ordinance, Kane couldnt approve a building permit without the taxes being up to date, she said.

Kane said that property owners paid the outstanding bill by Friday afternoon, however, and received a building permit for the work.

PDS contractor working on the project, Tim Mulcahy, said some light interior demolition had begun, which includes clearing out some of the old equipment left behind inside the building.

Mulcahy said clearing off the roof was a precaution to ensure worker safety.

I wouldnt want anything to fall on my guys heads, he said.

Though expected for this time of year, Mulcahy said the main challenge will be the weather.

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Demolition of Meriden restaurant expected soon to make way for auto parts store