It's called deconstruction and it's an environmentally friendly alternative to demolishing a building. Instead of simply knocking it down, contractors disassemble a vacant property, all with a purpose. "The whole goal of deconstruction is to save as much of the building material as possible for re-use and recycling," said Steve Novotny, from Youngstown's Community Development Association. Novotny says there are plenty of re-useable items coming out of a deconstructed building. "I'd say items like lumber and brick are the major materials you can pull out, but anything from a stone foundation, aluminum siding, metal," said Novotny.
To help bring deconstruction to Youngstown, the city has enlisted the help of David Bennink, an expert in the field. Bennink has worked on more than 450 projects across 33 states. "There's a variety of levels to deconstruct. Sometimes we take the entire building apart, sometimes we just salvage it," Bennink said.
Bennink spoke Thursday night at a public meeting in downtown Youngstown, which drew more than 50 people. "I mean, it only makes sense that it's a good idea," said Sharon Letson, who attended the meeting. Those involved are hoping Letson's feelings echo the interest of many in the community, as Youngstown hopes to deconstruct both city-owned property as well as privately-owned structures. "If we can get a combination of private projects and public projects. You know if we can get the abandoned homes that the city owns, that's part of it," said Bennink. "The private models, that's part of it, you know?" The city agrees with Bennink and says areas outside the city's limits will probably get involved, too. "I think definitely, in order for it to be successful, you have to have those partnerships with the surrounding communities to make it work," said Novotny.
