Email: "Westfield Board Discusses Portage Inn Building"
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WESTFIELD - Village of Westfield officials thought they had a new owner for the former Portage Inn building.


But, now they find themselves still searching for someone to take over the historic structure.


At the Monday, December 7 meeting, Mayor Dave Carr told board members that a man from Warren, Pa., had submitted a winning bid for the building.


After contacting the buyer, Carr said he arranged a tour of the building and highlighted what work would need to be done.


“He said it all depends on what the price of the demolition is if I go forward,” Carr said. “He called me ... and said it’s a go.”


However, Carr said he found out the prospective owner had also purchased a building in Jamestown, allegedly promised to do work there and never did.


As a result, Carr said he voided the sale.


The building, which village officials have said requires extensive repairs including the demolition of the back part of the structure, is still available for sale and is unoccupied.


“I can’t believe any people would be interested in that building without taking a tour of it first,” board member Fred Bertrando said.


Also at the meeting, Carr was asked for an update on the possible closing of the Westfield Memorial Hospital emergency room. Carr said he hasn’t heard much from hospital officials, but said he sent an e-mail to area fire departments and rescue squads about meeting to discuss the issue.


“I think we should get together and discuss what’s going to happen before it happens,” Carr said.


However, only emergency crews from Brocton and Portland have expressed an interest in meeting so far,  the Mayor said.


“I take it from that that nobody is interested,” Carr said. “Nobody replied.”


Board members also approved emergency repairs to the roof electric department’s Portage Street substation. Village Clerk Vince Luce said the station’s roof is leaking and should be addressed as soon as possible. Luce said repairs to the structure may require an electrical outage in the surrounding area for a half hour, adding the outage would be scheduled at night for a minimal impact.


Carr also wished to publically thank Marilyn Hemmer and the individuals responsible for decorating Eason Hall for the Charity Ball and Victorian Christmas. He also thanked Westfield Police Chief Rob Genthner for the work the department did responding to a shooting on Pearl Street in the village a few weeks ago.


“I want to thank the chief publically for his time and effort down there,” Carr said.

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