By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – It appears there’s been some progress in the plan to tear down the high profile but derelict building at the corner of Front and Lincoln Streets in downtown Port Angeles.
We noticed that temporary fencing has been set up in front of the property, closing down the sidewalk, so we inquired with the City about what that means.
We were told that a demolition permit application has been submitted to the City for the building at 204 East Front Street. Upon review of the submittal materials, City staff determined a potential public safety hazard which requires the area to be fenced off until demolition is complete.
We were told in an email that a separate Right of Way Use Permit Application, which is required for demolition to occur, has not yet been submitted to the City, but that staff are prepared to expedite review of that permit application, once received, so the project can move forward as quickly as possible.
As we reported earlier, the property owner, Aman Sangha of Surrey, B.C., brought in engineers to inspect the building and was told it was unsafe to renovate. The City’s Community & Economic Development reported to us that Sangha was planning to raze the building this spring or summer and build a 2-story apartment complex.
Before the new owner secured the site, the property had a history of persistent nuisance, fire, and maintenance code violations. In April of last year, the Port Angeles City Council unanimously ordered staff to file a petition in Superior Court to initiate proceedings to have the property condemned, and then purchase it for fair market value. That move convinced the previous owner to put the property up for sale, and Sangha purchased it through his company, SIG Holdings, Inc., for a reported $50,000.