Owners of the Whoopee Bowl have made enough progress in their cleanup efforts that Springfield Township officials are holding off on demolishing it.
The board voted Thursday, Aug. 12 to table the awarding of a bid to raze the Dixie Highway business which was ruled to be a ‘dangerous building.?
Whether that decision stands depends on the owners? continued progress, according to Supervisor Collin Walls.
‘As they continue to show progress, we’ll give them opportunity to move forward without too much township interference,? Walls said.
For years a popular flea market and salvage operation, the business has been closed to the general public more than two years ago. There is still considerable merchandise in the building, however, and operator Larry Marlowe and his mother, owner Donna Marlowe, have fought the township action.
Attorney Kingsley Cotton has met with Walls and requested officials to extend the appeal period until Oct. 21. Walls, however, said the issue will be on the September township board agenda for continued review.
According to township inspection information, as of Aug. 4 a collapsed roof has been removed and that specific area had been cleaned up. Cotton said the owners also decided to demolish a wooden portion of the building.
Larry Marlowe said things are going ‘slow,? with attempts to both clean the premises and sell remaining inventory to wholesalers.
‘They’re still coming around and I’m still dealing with them,? he said.
While not wishing to discuss details, Marlowe said he is continuing efforts to sell the property.
‘We’re talking to a few people,? he said.
Township officials have attempted to persuade the Marlowe’s to either repair or demolish the building for more than a year.
A March 2003 hearing listed seven specific ‘defects? to the building, including a partially collapsed roof, obstructed doors and stairway, openings at several locations, debris to the point of making the building ‘a dumping ground,? a large crack in an exterior wall and open and unstable storage trailers.
In a June 2004 hearing, the Marlowes failed to persuade officials of sufficient progress, and the board advertised for demolition bids.
Marlowe said the township board’s actions have not deterred him from following his own plans for the property.
‘We’ve had problems with the township for 40 years,? he said.