POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- Today, the process of getting buildings on Willow Street demolished began. Rundown and vacant buildings have occupied that area of Pocomoke's downtown for quite some time.
There have been a few twists and turns to get to this point. Initially, Willow Street and Pocomoke's armory were named as the site for a brand new library. That project has moved, meaning any grants that could have helped knock the buildings down are off the table.
Now, the city is just focusing on the Willow Street buildings and have turned to taxpayers to help clear up the problem. In their current state, business owners we spoke with said the dilapidated properties served as nothing more than an eyesore.
George Richards, a local business owner, said he feels this is a step in the right direction.
"I'm happy to see it, I've been here seven years now in the store and waiting for some progress and this certainly sounds like progress to me," said Richards.
Jessmin Duryea is opening up a brewery directly across from Willow Street. He said today's work will eventually build a better community.
"We're going to end up trying to put a beer garden outback of our brewery so it would be really nice to not have something that's such an eyesore behind us," said Duryea. "It's something that could actually benefit the downtown area."
Knocking the five separate buildings down, according to City Clerk Michelle Beckett, will cost a little less than $150,000. It will come out of the city's general fund.
"I think a lot of people in the community have a concern that we're using taxpayer money to do it, but I think due to a safety hazard I think it's very necessary," said Duryea. "I would hate to see someone get injured over this so I'd gladly pay tax money to see these buildings removed and see something better come."
Richards also said he isn't too worried about how the city is paying for the demolition.
"They're going to spend our tax money one way or the other, so I'm not overly concerned about it," said Richards.
There's a pretty quick timeline for all of the work as well.
"Within the next month the job will be complete," said Beckett.
The city does not have an inclination as to what type of development will replace the buildings on Willow Street. But Beckett said they are open to offers and ideas if anyone would like to come forward with something.