Councilwoman Jasmin Santana Informs Community of Watch Party for Start of Demolition of Longtime Vacant Site

Aug 16, 2024

Councilwoman Jasmin Santana (Ward 14) is pleased to announce that the demolition of the longtime vacant building at 7275 Wentworth Avenue is starting 9 am Monday (Aug. 19) and is inviting residents to a “watch party” of the start of the demolition. The building runs between Wentworth and Neville avenues (both off of W. 73^rd) and the demolition will start on the Neville Avenue side, with a large empty lot across the way for visitors to safely watch from.  

Stockyards neighborhood residents have expressed frustration with the presence of the huge vacant building in their neighborhood for years. Their persistent feedback spurred the upcoming demolition and represents a significant step in revitalizing the neighborhood.  

To prepare for the project, the City of Cleveland has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio Department of Development, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, and Frontline Services. While reviewing and preparing the site for demolition, workers learned unhoused Clevelanders were using the building for shelter. This revelation led workers to elevate the demolition to a social services issue, as it is critical that Clevelanders are connected to wraparound services to potentially provide shelter, health, and economic assistance.  

In addition to the organizations listed above, the Cleveland Divisions of Police and Fire were instrumental in moving inoperable cars, terminating the building's fire line, and ensuring the overall safety of the building for workers and the neighborhood.  

The City's Building and Housing staff distributed door flyers in June 2024 to inform residents about the upcoming demolition and provide relevant contact information.  

In discussing the upcoming demolition of the former factory complex, Councilwoman Jasmin Santana stated, "I thank my residents for expressing their concerns with this property, and I am thrilled that we are finally able to remove this eyesore! No one should have to live with this in their neighborhood. 

“The demolition of this property represents a significant milestone in Stockyards' revitalization efforts,” Councilwoman Santana continued. “In coordination with the city and our many partners, I am committed to ensuring a safe and efficient process while prioritizing our community's and residents' well-being. I can't wait to see this hulking property gone, and I look forward to future development on Wentworth and Neville avenues." 

For their safety, Building & Housing staff recommends Wentworth Avenue residents: 

• Stay inside when the building is being demolished 
• Keep children and pets indoors when demolition is occurring 
• Close doors and windows during demolition 
• Stay away from the demolition site, and do not touch debris 
• Remove shoes before going inside homes, and check clothing and shoes for dust 
• Wash hands frequently 
• Clean windowsills, floors, and other surfaces where dust collects with warm and soapy water 

The demolition project has an expected completion date of November 11, 2024.