It is time for this building to go!

Hi everyone, as anyone who lives near or has driven through the hamlet of Au Sable Forks, one of the very first things seen when coming up from the south is this blighted and dilapidated building. This eyesore is unwelcoming to those who visit our area and a painful reminder of the days past of a bustling town.

This building poses an incredible danger of collapse, even though it seems to stand the test of violent weather. Last year, it became home to graffiti; it is often entered and explored by people, and it is home to countless rodents.

Just from walking around the exterior, you can see massive gaps between the building and what used to be the foundation. There does not appear to be any support under the building, which poses an even greater threat. The back wall of the building is also the bank of the Au Sable River, which is concerning for various environmental reasons.

It is finally going up for tax foreclosure auction here in Essex County, and it is our goal to purchase this structure and essentially useless land, raze the building, bring in new topsoil and plant grass, landscape, and install benches facing the river for people to sit and enjoy what could be a very scenic view.

It is hard to imagine that this plot of land could be used for anything other than what we imagine because of its narrow width between 9N and the River.

We have had an enormous amount of support from people in the area expressing their desire to help meet these goals financially. We do not know the cost of razing the building, nor do we have any idea what it will sell for at auction. We do know that even though we would love to tear it down and make that land scenic, we will not overbid.

We are asking for help to clean up blighted buildings in our community. It always has to start with one, and this one could be the beginning.

If we are unsuccessful at winning the bid, all donations will be refunded.

We truly thank everyone for your continued support; we continue to be humbled by how we have been accepted in this beautiful area.