Demolition of the old Allen County Hospital deadline has lasted longer than expected, although delays in clearing the property are not expected to hinder pending development.
Allen County Counselor Alan Weber told the Register Monday that crews from Remco Demolition continue to remove debris from the former hospital site at the intersection of U.S. 54 and First Street.
Most of the work is complete; only a few subterranean walls are still to be removed. The original deadline to have the property cleared was Dec. 26.
G&W Foods officials have announced their intention to begin construction of a new grocery at the site in April, in order to be open by Thanksgiving.
But in order for developers to get the necessary permits, a detailed engineer’s platting report must be submitted beforehand.
That calls for all dirt work to be finished at the site.
Weber said he was in the midst of contacting dirt contractors to fill the vacated areas with soil and have it compacted so soil density tests can begin.
The density testing is a part of the permit process.
As the wheels begin to turn for the new grocery’s construction, Iola Industries, Inc. continues to pursue a potential apartment complex next to the grocery store. Meanwhile, Iola officials have begun looking at how U.S. 54 curves past the property to determine if any changes are necessary for the road corridor; and if so, who would foot the bill.
Demo delay won’t affect schedule
