Former Brighton sports bar to be demolished

The days of the Woody’s II building in Brighton are numbered because town officials say the vacant structure is unsafe.

The Town Board has ordered the demolition of the former sports bar and grill in the heavily trafficked commercial area of West Henrietta Road. Demolition could begin within as soon as next week, and must be completed no later than 30 days after the vote.

No one from the public spoke at a hearing June 26.

The building sustained heavy damage after a fire in June 2012, destroying the roof and exposing the interior to the elements. A town inspection report said the building is in danger of collapsing because of additional damage since the fire.

The inside of the one-story building contains large amounts of junk, garbage and fire debris, according to the report.

Town officials also say the building has attracted juveniles and trespassers. Graffiti has been painted on one exterior wall.

Police Chief Mark Henderson said at the public hearing the department once had fielded a complaint for noise after the fire, and several people were arrested for stealing from the structure.

Supervisor Bill Moehle said the town has tried a number of times to contact the property owner, which an inspection report identified as R.M. Sweet Realty LLC. Town officials have not heard back from the owner. The building has been in this condition for too long, and from his perspective, can be this way no longer.

“It is dangerous and it is an eyesore,” Moehle said.

The town could get the demolition done if the owner does not do the work.

The cost of the work would be assessed to the property owner’s tax bill. The town is seeking bids, so Public Works Commissioner Timothy Keef declined to attach a cost.