The Dayton City Commission voted unanimously Wednesday evening to allow Montgomery County to demolish five derelict 1920s-era cottages and an administration building at Shawen Acres, the former site of the county orphanage on North Main Street.

The city’s Plan Board had earlier denied the county’s plan to demolish the building. That plan had the support of neighborhood and business groups. The county appealed the Plan Board’s decision to the commission, which held a 45-minute public hearing.

The neighborhood and business groups spoke in favor of the plan.

“We need a shot in the arm, and the county will make an improvement … to the community,” said Kevin Jones, president of the FROC  Priority Board, which represents the nearby Redcrest and Sandalwood Park neighborhoods.

The county wanted the buildings — which are on the National Historic Register but not on the local register — razed and replaced with green space and a walking path for the community. One of the cottages has remained in use and would be kept to display the history of the former orphanage.

County officials have complained the other buildings are a health and safety hazard, and a hub for vagrants and prostitutes.

They called them a security hazard for Child Protective Services staff, children and parents who use the Haines Center next to the cottages at all hours of the day and night.

Preservationists argued that the county had neglected the property and allowed it to deteriorate. Dan Barton told the commissioners that his group had an alternative plan, using federal and state tax credits, that might save the buildings.

In the end, the commissioners said they wished to side with the neighborhood.

“Our residents are asking for this,” Commissioner Matt Joseph said.

“At the end of the day, we must listen to our citizens,” Commissioner Joey Williams said.

The buildings were once used to house orphans, the last of whom left for foster care in 1977. Since 1999, the county has looked for ways to reuse the buildings that fell into disrepair.

“We have to pay attention to our citizens,” Commissioner Nan Whaley said. “I am not pleased with the county’s handling of this in the past.”