Summerside's heritage planning board has recommended the demolition of four downtown buildings it recently purchased.
The recommendation was made during council's committee meeting at city hall on Aug. 4. Council acquired the former Purple Parrot, Cooke Insurance, Crocketts Jewelry and Regent buildings for about $900,000 in July. The first is located on Water Street and the latter three are along Summer Street.
Discussion was had on whether any parts of the Purple Parrot and Crockett's Jewelry buildings, such as their facades, could be preserved for heritage value. While it might be less incentivizing for developers, it was decided to ensure that efforts are made to work with them and see what can be done.
Coun. Barb Ramsay noted that recent assessments suggest preserving the entire buildings would not be advisable due to poor structural integrity.
"I think a hole in the ground would look better than the shape these buildings are in right now," she said.
