A third building has come down on East Bay Street as the government continues what it deems to be an important element of rejuvenation and transformative efforts in Downtown Nassau.

Senator Randy Rolle, who is spearheading the initiative, said the other zones in the wider downtown area are also being eyed for action.

So far, the old William's Shoe Store, the former Pacific restaurant, and an old clothing store have all been torn down east of East Street, making way for what the government expects to be green spaces, until the owners of the properties determine what they wish to do with them.

Officials are looking to complete the demolition of the old Hotel Corona by the weekend, Rolle said, adding that they also plan to start demolition of what was once the Union Wharf building.

"The Demolition Task Force, we're going to meet later on this week because we have a couple other buildings that we are eyeing," he said.

"Two of the owners, we have spoken to already and when we do our walkabout on Wednesday, we will make our assessment; we will know the timeline on those."

The government has targeted derelict buildings downtown for demolition as part of its city revitalization plan.

Rolle reiterated that the property owners are funding the demolitions.

"We've paid for nothing," he said.

Rolle said the task force is making "very good progress" in cleaning up Bay Street.

"Pretty much so far it's going very well," he said.

"Certainly, we've gotten great response and communication from property owners who have been working along with the government.

"We are excited about what's to come, but we're going to continue to be aggressive in our quest to clean up as much of Bay Street as we can. So, as far as the short term and medium term goals, we're making good progress and we wish to continue to make very good progress."

The government initially eyed nine buildings to be demolished in that area.

Rolle said the task force is being contacted by individuals in other zones in the wider city who wish to see the same focus given to their zones.

He said the government is determined to make continued strides in achieving its goals of downtown revitalization.

It is a pledge that was made by successive administrations over the years.

A part of that effort under the last Ingraham administration included the removal of container shipping operations from Bay Street and the development of the Arawak Container Port.

But while the removal of those shipping operations was viewed as an important aspect of effecting positive change downtown, East Bay Street in particular continued to deteriorate with abandoned buildings lining the area.

Speaking earlier this month, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the government is determined to transform downtown, and derelict buildings will become aspects of the past.

The post East Bay demolitions 'progressing well' appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

The post East Bay demolitions 'progressing well' appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

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