Demolition of the former Wagner hotel could begin today, after the Waverly Village Trustees opted Tuesday not to grant a 45-day stay of demolition for the building.

Darin Rathbun, Hunt Engineers Consultant, informed the trustees Tuesday that he needs to meet with contractors from Upstate Machinery today to examine final reports and demolition details.

The building was slated for demolition after a chunk of brick fell from the rear of the structure last month. In a special meeting following the incident, Waverly officials ordered the streets blocked off to ensure public safety.

The board is considering bids from two contractors for the project. Lineburg Excavation of Athens submitted a low bid of $44,750 and Upstate Machinery of Tioga Center, N.Y., put in a bid of $78,000.

Board acceptance is contingent on Rathbun’s evaluation on the two bidding contractors.

The building, located on the corner of Broad and Fulton streets, has interrupted downtown traffic and business since the street was blocked off. Two trustees supported a motion for a 45-day stay of demolition to see if the building can be eligible for the Restore New York State grant that is available for participating counties. However, the motion was defeated by a 4 to 2 vote, and demolition plans are going to proceed.

According to information presented at the trustee’s meeting, the Wagner building in its current condition is not eligible. However, the board is looking into other buildings to see if they qualify for the grant.

“I think we need to pursue this grant, because there are business owners in the village who can benefit from it,” Waverly Mayor Kyle McDuffe said.

The board has until August 20 to write a letter to the state to become eligible for the funding. Restore New York is a grant program available to every county with structural building issues to restore historic landmarks.