On Monday, the Lawrence County Land Bank began demolition on its 100th structure in the county.

A backhoe moved in on the former Pulley Nursing Home in Burlington and went to work, as community members and officials watched.

The building, which has been vacant for more than a decade, was described by neighborhood residents as “an eyesore” and had been known to be a breeding ground for various animals.

The nursing home demolition marked the first ever commercial structure to be demolished by the land bank, since it began operations last year.

Prior to Monday’s milestone, the land bank had focused on residential structures, which were abandoned and tax delinquent.

Residents in the areas said they were glad to see the building go and Lawrence County Treasurer Stephen Dale Burcham, who serves as the land bank’s president, said they are talking with developers about a new use for the property, which will be brought up to construction grade.

We would like to commend the land bank for its work in removing blighted properties. The results are evident across the county, from the dilapidated Curry property in Chesapeake, which used to appear ready to collapse onto the highway at any moment, to homes in Proctorville and Ironton.

By ridding the county of these eyesores, not only is the land bank improving the aesthetics of the county, but is providing usable property that could be developed for the future.