Trending
WARREN -- Two candidates for state office are pledging to get the former St. Joseph Riverside Hospital on Tod Avenue torn down.
Republicans Sandra O'Brien, seeking the state Senate 32nd District seat, and Martha Yoder seeking the Ohio House 64th District, say if elected they will join the majority party in Ohio's Legislature, meaning they will be involved in financial decisions, such as funding for the demolition of the abandoned building.
"If you are a member of the majority party, you have seats at the table where they dish out the state funds back to the districts," Sandra O'Brien said. She faces incumbent Democrat state Sen. Sean J. O'Brien this fall.
Yoder seeks to unseat state Rep. Michael O'Brien.
Yoder and Sandra O'Brien plan to work together to push for funding to eliminate the west side eyesore.
The hospital closed in 1996. The property has since changed hands many times, and each change was met with promises that the building would be utilized. Its title is now held by Ohio in a state of forfeiture.
According to Michael O'Brien, there is a long process for demolishing this building, including an assessment of the hazardous materials inside.
Matt Martin, executive director of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership, said the actual cost of demolition remains a big hurdle. Sean O'Brien said he believes the demolition could range between $15 million and $20 million.
Both Yoder and Sandra O'Brien placed blame for the old building on the current state officials, but, according to Martin, there is no single person who can be blamed.
"It's my understanding that prior to COVID-19, we were close to possible funding," Martin said.