
Demolition of the fire-damaged Oakwood Food Center in Melvindale has begun. Building official Brad Burns said the process began from the back of the building, so demolition will have less initial visibility to the public from Oakwood Boulevard. The demolition process will salvage the beams and other salvageable metal, so it will take longer to separate the debris during teardown. City Attorney Lawrence Coogan said insurance money is being held in escrow by the city to ensure funding of the demolition. Burns said the owners of the property have made no public comment as to whether or not they intend to rebuild on the site.