It’s not often that we get exactly what we want in life.

That’s true for both residents in the city of Niles and members of its city council.

Compromises often must be made because no one agrees on everything, all of the time.

This is certainly the case when it comes to the potential demolition of the “city complex” once used by the wire manufacturing company National Standard. Located between Wayne and Howard streets and Eighth and 11th streets, the unused complex is an eyesore to say the least.

National Standard wants to tear down the complex, but doesn’t want to remove the concrete floors and footings as per the city’s demolition ordinance. The company is asking the council to amend the demolition ordinance to allow this to happen.

While a couple members of the council weren’t thrilled with the request, the majority seemed willing to take it under consideration. All of them appear to agree that the complex needs to go.

Mayor Mike McCauslin summed up the situation best when he said, “We are going to get something we want and they are going to get something they want. Our goal is to do what we can when we can in the best interest of our community.”

National Standard and parent company Heico own the land and the buildings. A company rep said they never intend to sell it. Essentially, they have the right to do what they want with it.

City Administrator Ric Huff said the city could incur big legal costs if it decides to fight the request.

At the moment, the city doesn’t appear to have a better option.

It’s time to compromise.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Craig Haupert, Ambrosia Neldon, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.