GLOVERSVILLE — The city is sitting on a $534,000 Restore New York grant to demolish the First Baptist Church, but officials concede that there has been little progress on the project.

Mayor Tim Hughes said Wednesday that he is still optimistic that demolition may be possible this year.

The city’s grant consultant, Nicholas Zabawsky, is beginning a historic evaluation of the structure, Hughes said. Parts of the building date to the 19th century, but a 1920 fire in the sanctuary ensured that the building has little historic value, Deputy City Historian Judy Marcoux said previously.

Marcoux, who was assigned to perform a historic inventory of the building’s contents, said Wednesday that she is still waiting for authorization to begin that work.

Hughes said efforts will be made soon to solicit demolition estimates from contractors, who will also be asked to consider the value of salvage.

Hughes has said the woodwork, doors, windows, floors, bricks and blocks and other materials may have considerable value. Commenting in the spring, when it appeared demolition would take place by fall, Hughes said the city was offered $50,000 for the doors and woodwork.

Before decisive steps can be taken on the project, Hughes said the city will need a firm commitment from developers Susan and John Casey to build a 45-unit apartment complex on the church site. Their proposal was instrumental in winning the state grant, officials have said.

Susan Casey said Wednesday that she remains committed to building on the site but cannot move forward until the lot is clear and architects can take their measurements.

The city must also take title to the property, and Hughes said that can be completed expeditiously when all other issues have been settled.

Meanwhile, the church has visible cracks in its exterior and holes in its roof, and Casey said its imposing bell tower, standing over South Main Street, may collapse.

The city declared it a dangerous building in 2002, four years after the last congregation moved out. Hughes said Wednesday that the building’s deterioration has been significant just since spring, when a reporter joined him on a tour.

Casey said the church is listing toward H&P Motors on its south side and away from her properties on the north side.

H&P President Alex Isabella said Wednesday that he has insurance, but he noted, “if I were the city, I would be concerned.”