You've Never Seen a House Get Crushed Like This Before

A rundown house, unoccupied for several decades, was torn down Wednesday in Port Washington to make way for much needed parking in the area and also to remove an unsightly structure from an otherwise quaint city.

Before the destruction of the Shields house at 1070 Port Washington Blvd., Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman called it a "great win" for the community."

"We are taking down this potentially hazardous eyesore and providing the Port Washington Community with much needed parking spaces," said Kaiman.

Mindy Germain, of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington, a proponent of the demolition of the Shields Property, said on behalf of her organization she was "gratified" that the Town found a way to turn what has been a blighted property into a productive property containing desperately needed merchant parking and a pocket park that will enhance upper Main Street.

Mitch Schwarz, co-president of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce agreed with Germain. 

"We are looking forward to the rehabilitation of the Shields property into merchant parking, which will free up street spots for our customers," said Schwartz.

Demolition was largely completed by Gramercy Wrecking and Environmental Contractors at a cost of about $150,000, according to Kaiman. 

Cashin Associates will provide oversight during demolition to ensure that environmental requirements are met and that hazardous materials are properly removed and disposed of, according to Town officials.