Sale of Pit Stop in the works; burned out bar may come down soon
By Andrew Sharp
The scar of a fire on Greenwood's main street may finally be going away.
Demolition of the charred, blackened shell should begin sometime next week, Realtor Julleanna Seely said in a Facebook post.
"Ownership is about to change hands," she wrote.
Closing in the deal is tentatively slated for early next week.
The bar burned down in May. The state fire marshal's office declared it an arson, but has not released any more findings from the investigation.
The deadline for owner Gerald Wells to start demolishing the bar was Sept. 24. Town Manager Janet Todd said at a September meeting that they could start fining Wells $100 a day, and if he didn't pay and the property were sold, the fines would go with the property.
Todd said Thursday that the town is more than willing to work with the new buyers on the fines. They've been in conversation but nothing is settled yet.
The Pit Stop property may get new owners soon.
Wells had appealed for a chance to rebuild, but the town voted in August to proceed with the demolition order.
The Pit Stop had been a divisive topic in town and had its detractors as well as supporters.
Town meeting minutes show complaints from residents and local property owners about bar patrons' behavior. The bar was shut down at the time of the fire.
The fire at the Pit Stop in May. Photo courtesy of Amity Coffee
Many news stories in Greenwood lately seem revolve around the fire and its aftermath. The fire damaged the building next door at 13 West Market, and the tenants, Amity Coffee Roasters and Wilderlove Handmade and Vintage, moved out.
Wilderlove has reopened nearby. Amity's owners hope to reopen by December just across the street. Another antique shop, the Greenwood Treasure Trove, opened recently in the 13 West Market building, which the business purchased from the former owner.
Stay tuned for more news about the plans for the Pit Stop site.
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