EAST LIVERPOOL - The future demolition of some abandoned East Liverpool homes moved another step forward Thursday morning.

The East Liverpool Board of Control conducted a meeting where bid proposals were opened for the demolition of scattered site residential structures.

A total of six different companies offered bids, and, according to Service-Safety Director Ryan Estell, the bids were opened but no action was taken. The bids were taken under advisement, and officials will take a closer look at what company may be awarded a certain demolition project.

The money comes from the federal housing rehabilitation/demolition fund awarded to target areas in Columbiana and Carroll counties.

Bleckman and Associates is the consulting firm hired to administer the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grants. Marshall Bleckman also attended Thursday morning's bid opening.

In the first round of demolition projects, seven homes were on the bid list including: 1017 Florence St.; 1010 Florence St.; 710 West Ninth St.; 500 First Ave.; 911 St. George St.; 1189 1/2 Pennsylvania Ave.; and 1063 Ephriam St.

According to City Planner Bill Cowan, there are a total of 15 homes on the Neighborhood Stabilization Program's demolition list including the seven, first-round, projects.

Cowan said he hopes the seven abandoned homes on the initial list are torn down before the end of the year.

The apparent, low bid for the demolition work from the six construction, excavating or demolition companies ranged from $1,700 for one home to as much as $3,250 for another.