[FONT=Verdana]A finding issued by Superior Court Judge W. Bruce Watson last week ordered Robert Figas to demolish the Tallow Works building at 4900 Broadway within 30 days.

Watson found that the building constituted a public nuisance and was subject to abatement.

The finding ended a two-year boondoggle between Figas and the city of Eureka over what was permitted on the property.

Figas acquired the parcel in 2005 with the intent of rehabilitating it and building a commercial structure on the footprint of the Tallow Works building.

According Senior Planner Sidnie Olson, Figas was informed when he bought the parcel of the need for a coastal development permit in order to do any demolition or construction on the property.

A windstorm in December 2005 damaged both the Tallow Works building and the old dog pound building. Both structures are located on the parcel, which is surrounded by wetlands adjacent to the Elk River Wildlife Area.

Figas hoped to qualify under an exemption in the Coastal Act that allowed for the repair or reconstruction of storm-damaged buildings, but the proper paperwork was never completed.

Figas said his intentions were good. His construction company was instrumental in reworking the Daly