Vandals strike historic train station

ELYRIA -- There are no more trains stopping at the New York Central Station in Elyria and there haven't been any since 1955.

The art deco structure is an ornate piece of Elyria's history nestled in a neighborhood of shops and restaurants and bars.

Julius Schonhiutt has been selling furniture in the area for 37 years.

"There are occasional things that happen but not in any exhorbitant amount," Schonhiutt said.

That's why he was so shocked to hear vandals stole decorative panels and copper flashing for scrap, spray painted graffiti and set fire to the inside.

The damage will cost lorain county 75,000 dollars to repair.

Despite a number of businesses that have used this space over time, despite the extensive vandalism and theft, there are no complaints in Elyria police files nor the Lorain County Sheriff's Department.

The county has been restoring the property.

Commissioners voted this week to add security cameras and special lighting with federal grant money.

The vision is to again make this a transportation hub.

"I would like to very much see that because that would bring more traffic to the area I think that would be a plus," Schonhiutt said.

History could soon repeat itself. The county is hoping new security will prevent vandals from doing the same.

The security cameras will cost four thousand dollars and the lighting just under 20 thousand.

Inside renovations will begin this year.