Demolition and destruction might sound like bad things, but in many cases they are necessary in order to make way for something new.

In my recent travels around the local area, I have noticed several demolition projects that are underway. Right in the village of Belmont, for instance, two different homeowners are demolishing dilapidated structures that have stood empty and deteriorating for several years.

Belmont isn’t exactly the type of community where old buildings are generally considered to be problems. In fact, I would venture to say that the vast majority of homes date back at least to the 1950s, with many of them being well over a century old.

Even those that are no longer occupied don’t present much of a threat to their neighbors. If they attract pests, they are likely raccoons rather than rats. Children don’t tend to play in old buildings in town, and observant adults would put a stop to it if they did.

Still, once a building reaches a certain point of neglect, it creates an eyesore and a nuisance for the neighborhood. So, I am glad these families have decided to take their old structures down, even if we are losing a couple small pieces of our history.

At least one home in deplorable condition is also being demolished in Martins Ferry. The infamous “house on the S turn” on Broadway was coming down on Friday. For years now, that building has had pieces of its walls missing. Driving by, you could easily see inside to notice the abandoned furniture and even the bathtub.

Being in a more populated setting than those in Belmont, I would guess that this house has attracted pests and adventurous kids from time to time. I am glad to see it finally coming down, and I’m sure everyone in the surrounding neighborhood agrees.

In Martins Ferry, it is the city that is razing this home, according to a social media post by Mayor John Davies. He also noted that the “land bank,” or Belmont County Land reutilization Corp., will be demolishing structures at 430 N. Seventh St. and at 121 N. Eighth St.

Davies received a lot of praise when he made that post, but he was quick to note that the projects couldn’t be completed without the help of the land bank and of Belomar Regional Council. He said these agencies funded four out of the five most recent demolition projects in the city. And he pointed out that council members and city officials and workers also played big roles in these successful efforts.

Typically, I am an advocate for preservation. I realize, though, that not everything can be saved. I would love to see the former Belmont school building restored, for example, but I have been inside the building and I know it is past the point of preservation. In cases like that, it is best to remove the problem building and make room for something better.

So, the next time you see a familiar old structure being razed, take a minute to think about what it means to the community. What are your memories surrounding that building? Did you have a friend who lived there? Did you attend classes there? Do you know its history or any local folklore surrounding it?

Once you reminisce, take a few more minutes to consider the work that is going into the project. Is a private owner completing the job on their own? Did they have to hire a contractor? Did municipal leaders or county officials have to seek grant funding? Did they have to go to court to obtain the property?

Then, consider what might replace the structure and how it might benefit your entire community.