MARBLEHEAD — Time has ticked down for the demolition of Wayne Johnson's approximately $800,000 home at 74 Bubier Road.
Today was the date that Johnson previously provided for the wrecking ball. But, he now says, "It won't be Friday."
Johnson said yesterday that the utilities to the home have been disconnected. Furniture and other items inside the home have been removed and are being sold, he said.
He said he is unsure of the exact time and day that the company he hired, S&T Frotton, will come to demolish the house. The firm could not be reached for comment by deadline.
Johnson's neighbors, John and Ruth Schey, originally took action against Johnson in the early 1990s, claiming the house he was building violated zoning laws. The legal system agreed with the Scheys and ordered Johnson to either come to an agreement that would make his structure compliant or remove it in May 2000. Since then, various appeals have been filed by Johnson. Last year, Land Court Judge Keith Long ordered Johnson to remove the house, saying a deal with a demolition crew had to be in place by Dec. 16.
According to Marblehead Building Commissioner Robert Ives, a demolition permit must be issued by the town for a demolition to occur. Ives said Johnson has scheduled a meeting with him to submit the application today.
The Scheys' attorney, Frank McElroy, is confident in the building's demise but said, "On Friday, there won't be demolition.
"It's going to happen," McElroy said. "I'm very confident."
He said it will provide a much-needed end for his clients, who have endured a long legal battle.
"I don't think I'm going to have to make another appearance in court," McElroy said.
McElroy said he will be back at the house Monday to ensure he is satisfied with progress.
For Johnson, the battle to keep the approximately $800,000 home he built in the mid-1990s has cost him in both time and money. He has previously said the decision by the judge was wrong — a belief that led him to keep appealing the court's decision.
Now he's ready to move on.
"I have spent a great deal of time on this," Johnson said. "It has really been a setback, and I'm very anxious to get on with my life."
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