By PETE WALTON
The former Taylor Memorial Baptist Church on Sylvania Avenue in Avon has been demolished by the borough.
Mayor John B. Magrini said at this week’s meeting of the Board of Commissioners that he hoped the property could be ready for sale in September or soon thereafter. Borough Administrator Timothy M. Gallagher said that with the completion of the demolition, subdivision of the property can take place.
The church was built in 1886 and initially called the First Baptist Church. After dwindling attendance in recent years, the church tried to find a buyer before conveying the property to the borough. The land is being divided into two standard sized lots, one with an existing home and another where a new building can be constructed.
The mayor said that he recently attended the last service at the Avon United Methodist Church on Garfield Avenue. That church is scheduled to close in September.
Magrini asked Gallagher to place on the agenda for the Sept. 12 meeting a proposal to update the policy regarding boat slips at the municipal marina. Only one of the available slips is being leased in this first season of operation. Commissioner Frank Gorman, who was not present at this week’s meeting, compiled a list of suggested changes. The mayor said that consideration of Gorman’s list should be accelerated so that more slips might be leased for next season. Gallagher said his office has already received inquiries about next year’s leases.
Borough Engineer Charles Rooney told the commissioners that discussions should begin with state and county officials about the condition of the bulkhead along the oceanfront. Rooney said that some of the steel portions of the 1800-foot bulkhead have deteriorated. He said a determination should be made as to how much longer the bulkhead can be utilized. If there is more life left in the steel, cosmetic improvements could be considered as an interim measure.
The Avon Historical Society presented a plaque to Phil Renna, owner of the Norwood Inn on Second Avenue. The solid bronze plaque will be mounted on the building, which was originally built in 1888 by New York physician Albert Turner as the Marlborough Hotel. Dr. Turner advertised it as a health resort and spa.
