A large tree ripped off a portion of this home in the 500 block of Cass Street in December 2012. The city council will decide whether the structure should be razed before the meeting tonight. Leader file photo

The Niles City Council will consider awarding a contract for the demolition of a Cass Street property that was heavily damaged when a tree fell on it during a winter storm in December 2012.

The property is located at 511 Cass Street.

According to a council report prepared by Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb, the owner of the structure did not move forward with plans to repair the structure, which remains a “great hazard” and “nuisance” in the community.

The report states that the best option would be for the city to demolish to structure and lien it back to the taxes.

Pelley Excavating of Niles has submitted a bid to raze the structure for $5,865.

A public hearing on the demolition is set for 5:55 p.m. prior to today’s council meeting.

The council is expected to vote on the issue at the meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.