Demolition of Newark Newsstand complete

The demolition of the Newark Newsstand is complete.

The work began late last month after city officials condemned the building.

Newark Planning Director Maureen Feeney Roser said the property owner began renovations on the building without a permit, and during the process, crews took out load-bearing walls.

Its unsafe to inhabit, Feeney Roser said in March.

The newsstand, which occupied the 70 E. Main St. location for more than 75 years, closed Dec. 31, a decision its owners blamed partly on decreased demand for print media.

The property owner has indicated he plans to rebuild the one-story building in its original footprint to be used for retail space, Feeney Roser said. Second-story apartments may be added later.

As a penalty for the unauthorized renovations, all permit fees will be doubled, Feeney Roser said.

Sandi Patterson, owner of the Clothes in the Past Lane boutique, said she has already signed a lease to move her store half a block up Main Street to the newsstand site.

The unplanned demolition has not changed her plans, she said, noting that she hopes to open in the new location by June.

Patterson, who has operated the clothing store for seven years at 56 E. Main St., said she decided to move because she fears her current building could soon be repurposed.

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Demolition of Newark Newsstand complete