What's happening at the Akron Baptist Church site? City provides demolition update

Akron's plan to level the site of one of the country's first megachurches is moving full speed ahead.

The former Akron Baptist Temple campus, most recently known as The Word Church, is just a few weeks away from demolition, Mayor Shammas Malik confirmed Tuesday alongside several city officials.

The city shared its plans to tear down the church during Ward 9 Councilwoman Tina Boyes' monthly ward meeting at the Kenmore Community Center.

Malik and members of his administration fielded questions from residents and spoke about various aspects of the plan.

The city announced its intent to remove the blighted structure Feb. 26, saying it rapidly deteriorated into a public safety hazard after The Word Church bought the property in 2018 and abandoned it soon afterward.

Here's what you need to know about the building's demolition.

How soon will The Word Church be demolished?

Brad Beckert from the city's economic development department said construction fencing will go up around the property March 14, accompanied by 24-hour security.

On March 19, Beckert, accompanied by safety forces personnel, will make a sweep of the building to ensure that no one is occupying the building while demolition is taking place.

The Eslich Wrecking Company will begin demolition on March 20.

Beckert said the goal is to raze the building in 60 days and hopes the site is cleared in four to six months.

What steps will be taken to safely handle asbestos?

One resident raised concerns about how asbestos abatement will be handled, given the proximity of the church to Rimer Elementary School.

Beckert said Eslich will be granted a waiver by the Environmental Protection Agency, and the demolition will be conducted in a way that ensures the asbestos won't be released into the air. The asbestos will be loaded into a covered truck and taken to a specialty dump in Minerva. The school will be notified about the demolition.

Who's paying for the demolition?

The Word Church still owns the property, but the city is initially footing the bill for tearing it down. Malik said the money for the project will be earmarked in the city's operating budget, which is expected to be introduced next week.

Akron is seeking state demolition money and will pursue repayment from The Word Church through all available legal means. The cost of the project will be assessed to the property.

How is the city making sure no one is inside the condemned church building?

Acting Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said eight two-person teams comprised of fire and police personnel will search the building using floor plans for reference. A drone will be utilized and signs will be posted to warn about the work in progress.

A week prior to the start of demolition, Crisis Intervention Team officers will be at the site to advise anyone there of the demolition.

Various community support services, including the Summit County Continuum of Care and the Homeless Charity and Village, are conducting outreach efforts at the site, too.

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Baptist Temple site demolition will begin March 20, city says