Erie News Now has new details on what is planned at the site of two former retail locations that have now sat vacant for almost 7 years. Harborcreek supervisors say it is the busiest intersection in the township.

What's been deemed an eyesore is expected to be demolished. There's a demo permit for the former K-Mart and Big Lots stores in the plaza off Buffalo Road.

The document is public.

Empire Excavating took this permit out with the township last month.

On Monday, Erie News Now received word from the Department of Environmental Protection that demo will start this fall, with asbestos removal starting next week.

After almost seven years of being vacant, there are crews at the site off Buffalo Road.

Word from the William T. Speader Company parked out front is that they were hired by a third party.

They are one of many local companies expected to be at that plaza in Harborcreek over the next few weeks.

It comes after this demo permit was filed in August with Harborcreek Township by Empire Excavating out of Waterford.

Before demo happens, the Department of Environmental Protection says there's asbestos abatement set for September 26th through October 31st. Demo will then start, and is expected to last until December 31st, 2023.

"The permit is just for the old K-Mart and Big Lots location," said Dean Pepicello, Township Supervisor. "So, we're excited about it assuming it does happen." 

Township Supervisor Dean Pepicello knows the importance of this plaza.

Eva Mastromatteo met with him and Adam Baker, the secretary of the community engagement team, in June, after results of a study sent to Harborcreek residents came back.

The building owner is in New Jersey, and after calls to him about his plans, Harborcreek Supervisors made plans of their own. 

On August 16 they voted to approve a $4.4 million appraisal of the two former buildings, and gave the Solicitor the okay to draft a purchase offer. 

However, the next day the demo permit was filed. 

"We are grateful that the owners have taken this step, probably in their best interest," said Pepicello. "Certainly in the best interest of the township and community as well." 

Pepicello says the township never had plans to push any of the few and remaining plaza tenants from their current space. 

Mastromatteo went inside to talk with some of the owners or managers, and one claimed she had paperwork as to what is planned, the other said they've been unaware of what would be happening several doors down. 

Erie News Now will follow the future of the Harborcreek Plaza following the demolition.