Andrew St. demolition continues

LYNN – Demolition of the former American By-Products building on Andrew Street began last Thursday and is expected to be completely torn down in the coming days.Attorney Sam Vitali, who is representing Joe Cormier, the owner of the site, said it’s still too early to determine if the building will be rebuilt in the same spot.”Once it’s completely down and there is a big, gaping hole in its place, people will be able to say what they think should be built there,” he said.Vitali said a portion of the burnt remains had to be taken apart by hand, so as to not disturb nearby structures.A four-alarm fire engulfed the American By-Products building, Hatch Hearing Aid Center, and the office of Bratton & Springer LLP on Feb. 1.The Good Samaritan Church was also damaged by the blaze that was caused by spontaneous combustion of stored work gloves.The former site acted as a transfer station for American By-Products that collects old grease from restaurants and transports it to local companies.Vitali said Cormier legally has the right to rebuild on the same exact spot with the former layout for one year without city approval.After that, Vitali said Cormier would be subject to new guidelines for the site.