BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg will not focus efforts on restoring the deteriorating building at 212 Ford Street, despite a push from Deputy Mayor John Rishe.

The building once held Desperado’s bar.

Rishe said he is disappointed that the city didn’t do something about the deteriorating building in the heart of downtown sooner.

He said the building has historical significance to the city and that once it’s gone, it’s gone.

The building, which is crumbling in areas, has a host of issues including roof damage, water damage, mold growth, structural damage in areas.

A report from 2013 said the building may still be salvageable, but would likely not be cost effective due to presence of hazardous material such as asbestos and lead.

Because of the condition of the building, the city is seeking funds that would pay for the demolition of the buildings, which Rishe opposed.

Councilor Bill Dillagbough, who once owned the building, said he believed it was still salvageable. However, councilors Nichole Kennedy, Dan Skamperle, Michael Powers and Mayor Jeffrey Skelly disagreed.

They argue that the time to salvage the building has passed.

Kennedy told council she is in favor of preserving the city’s history, but said sometimes it’s better to move on and make way for something new.

Rishe’s resolution, which would have stopped plans for demolition and sought funds for rehabilitation, failed to pass.