Bucksport — The Town Council has given a reprieve to a dilapidated Franklin Street building owned by an Orrington man.

In exchange for Herbert Henderson’s promise to seal the vacant building by next week, the council agreed not to pursue any further action on the matter for now.

Code enforcement officer Bruce Pomelow told the council last month that the one-time apartment building presents a safety hazard because of a partially collapsed foundation and other settling that could endanger pedestrians. Fire chief Gene Weston echoed Pomelow’s concerns.

The town cordoned off the property after deciding it was unsafe. Attempts to reach Henderson by mail were at first unsuccessful, but the town did succeed in notifying him that a public hearing would be held to discuss the situation.

After inspecting the building with Henderson Thursday, Pomelow said he did not believe it would need to be torn down. He recommended simply setting a deadline for repairs securing the building, which included setting the foundation on posts and boarding up an eight-foot hole in the foundation.

At the public hearing Thursday night, Henderson said vandals have done extensive damage to the building’s interior, destroying carpets and stealing pipes. He said he will need repair estimates before deciding whether to further salvage the structure.

The owner said it would be impossible to get insurance on a building he does not reside in.

The council had voted 7-0 last month to hold a public hearing on possible condemnation. At that time, Planning Board member Brian Clough expressed concern that such an action could set a precedent for disposing of rather than preserving old buildings.

Town Manager Roger Raymond countered that the town worked for two years to save the Charm building on Main Street and usually does not seize deteriorating buildings.