Thanks to GH for the tip via Facebook.Note that I normally refrain from linking to WHAS-11 owing to the web site's obnoxious proclivities for pop-up ads, but this story (if true -- can anyone verify this?) strikes a chord. In my Tribune column tomorrow, there is a fleeting reference to bricks falling into the same alley from the same persistently and willfully neglected furniture storage building.
I wrote the column before any of this came to my attention, and stand to look downright copycat. More importantly, it's too bad about the building, one of my longtime favorites downtown. Try to ignore the ee cummings effects and read:
man permantly injurd by falling wall, by jasonthalmann
new albany should be a safe place ,but with buildings like this one,,someone else is going to get seriously injured "again,,
(Photo credit: Here)
Before people start screaming "tear it down," I'll note that repointing this wall would cost no more than demolishing the entire building.
ReplyDeleteThat doesn't mention the tax revenue the building generates, the people who are employed there, the out-of-towners who visit New Albany solely because their events, or most importantly, the negative effect on property values caused by another hole in the streetscape.
I have no idea if the story as written on the WHAS site is true. I have been in the alley when a brick fell from the building, smashed on the ground, and pieces shot off in different directions.
ReplyDeleteWhen the former Smiths furniture was for sale a few years ago, it was disclosed to all potential buyers that the building came with at least one serious structual defect - the back brick walls were unstable and needed work. Naturally, the morons who owned the building in the past had performed the standard NA historic repair of covering up the problem. It's called slumlording 101. It is possible because the city has NEVER enforced building codes. It really should not be a surprise when whole walls cave in. Many of the old buildings downtown are not structurally secure. WHEN WILL CODE ENFORCEMENT HAPPEN HERE?!
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