Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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September 2, 2009

Contractor plans demolition of Colony Center

By GREG JORDAN

PRINCETON — Plans are underway to demolish what is left of a convenience store and service station which burned in January and to replace it with a new structure.

The Colony Center on Ingleside Road burned during a late night blaze Jan. 23, bringing fire fighters from the Princeton Fire Department and others from the East River, Athens and Green Valley-Glenwood volunteer fire departments to the scene.

An investigation by the West Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office later determined that the fire’s cause was accidental, said Capt. Bo Barker of the Princeton Fire Department. The blaze had started somewhere in a second story office section.

The City of Princeton condemned the property after it had burned, said Code Enforcement Officer Bill Buzzo Jr. On Wednesday, the city advertised for bidders to demolish the buildings.

“The city obviously works with the property owner to resolve the issues with their insurance and financing so they can meet their responsibilities to either rebuild or remove it, and we feel like we’ve given them ample time and we’re taking the next step.”

“It’s hoped that the owner can rebuild; obviously, the city likes to see businesses rebuild when they have a fire,” he said.

The Colony Center’s owner is listed as Surinder Mohan of SMP Enterprises LLC.

Surinder Mohan was not available for comment Wednesday, but Shushme Mohan, his wife, said a contractor has been found to demolish the burned building, and that plans are underway to rebuild. The plan is to begin demolition within 10 to 12 days.

— Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@bdtonline.com

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