The removal of what’s left of the Housatonic Wire factory is being held up over a $1,500 demolition permit.
A permit was pulled to remove the front part of the building destroyed by fire, but the town says an additional permit is needed for the rest of the property.
Housatonic Wire burned down Sept. 11.
“The demolition should have been completed by now but it was stopped by the town. The people of Seymour probably are wondering how long they have to look at that mess. I am too,” said Alex Budzinski, owner of the property.
Budzinski said he believes he has all necessary state approvals — and a machine is sitting on the site, ready to go.
He referred questions to the demolition contractor, Connecticut Dismantling of Stamford. Officials there did not return phone calls.
Seymour building inspector Joe Raiola said a permit is needed. He said he wasn’t aware of a dispute happening between the parties involved. Raiola referred questions to the town’s attorney, Colleen Fries who wasn’t available for comment last week.
The site is still under a potential redevelopment deal that would see a $20 million mixed commercial and residential project, by Amity Construction & Design. Russ Smith, the company’s president, said it has no input or control on the demolition.
“This, from what I understand, is an issue between the local authorities, the demolition company and the owner,” Smith said.
First Selectman Paul Roy said he’s confident the issues will be worked out.
“I am confident that the work will be done and the project will move forward. As for my impression as to what is going on there, I am happy that the project will still move forward and the area will be improved in such a manner that the town will be proud of the improvements,” Roy said earlier this month in an e‑mail.
