HOBART | A 137-year-old, dilapidated downtown building and the city's purchase of it dominated a large portion of Wednesday's Board of Works meeting.

Mayor Linda Buzinec, who fielded questions from residents and some city officials, defended the city's $110,000 purchase two weeks ago of the Finan building, 300 Main St.

"It wasn't something done real quick. We were fortunate to be able to buy the building. This is something we're doing for progress," she said.

The Board of Works agreed to ratify Buzinec's earlier decision to purchase the property from owner Marilyn Finan.

Board of Works member Larry Barrasas called it a do-over since that was the intent of members back in May when Buzinec was authorized to get appraisals on the value of the building.

"This action taken today clarifies that intent," he said.

Buzinec also received approval from the Board of Works to proceed with receiving two appraisals for demolition of the former Hobart Hardware store.

She also received approval to go forward with demolition if the appraisal is $75,000 or less, Clerk-Treasurer Deborah Longer said.

Longer said although the go-ahead for the city to purchase the building couldn't be found in previous Board of Works minutes, notes taken by the clerk-treasurer at executive sessions reflect that intent.

Buzinec also defended her plans to possibly proceed with demolition of the building and the removal of tenants who had rented space to live or do business there.

"There's not one thing salvageable," she said.

She said she'd like to see the building demolished, and then the open space turned into a pavilion parking lot with landscaping, kiosks and a view of Lake George.

"It's a plus for the city, and it's not to be hurtful," she said.

Buzinec said the issue has been discussed for years as part of a project to revitalize the downtown.