Eatontown to Demolish Lewis Street Home

The borough has decided to move ahead with the demolition a vacant and "unsafe" home on Lewis Street.

The Eatontown Council made the action official by hiring Jersey Shore Demolition and Hauling, of Tinton Falls, to perform the demolition, removal of debris and backfilling at a cost of $10,800. It also authorized the Eatontown Building Department to disconnect gas services from the home prior to demolition for $1,474.

Both costs will become liens on the property, located at 104 Lewis Street, and owned by Leon Smock/Smock Enterprises, a 71-year-old borough resident who owns other homes in town.

A lien holder did an inspection of the home to see if it could be saved, but he informed the borough that it was not possible and told them to go ahead with the demolition.

Smock is facing $364,000 in fines for the building which has large cracks in its foundation causing it to lean toward the rear of the property and close to Wolcott Park. Officials are worried that the structure could collapse into the park and cause an injury.

Demolition of the home is expected to occur within the next month.