Work began today to demolish an apartment building damaged by the fatal explosion of a West Reading chocolate factory last March.
Crews started the processes of dismantling the three-story building at 156 Penn Ave. Sitting on the corner of Penn and South Second avenues, the brick and concrete structure is just feet from the site of an R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate plant that blew up on March 24, 2023.
The blast leveled the plant, known as Building 2, and killed seven men and women working inside.
The explosion damaged the apartment building just north of the plant. The structure was condemned that same day and has been uninhabited since.
West Reading officials alerted borough residents Monday that the structure is in danger of collapse. Because of that danger, the notice says, the building is being demolished. Crews are to systematically disassemble the building starting today.
Borough officials said the demolition work is expected to last about two weeks, though that could change depending on what challenges the crews find.
The work may cause intermittent, partial lane restrictions or road closures on eastbound Penn Avenue, the notice says. It will likely create some other nuisances for those living near the site.
“We understand that this project may cause some disruptions to your daily life, particularly in terms of potential noise, dust and debris,” the notice says. “We want to assure you that we will take every precaution possible to minimize the impact of the demolition on your neighborhood.”
Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact borough officials at 610-374-8273.
Borough officials said no plans have been submitted for development of the site.
