Two fire-ravaged buildings on West Lawrence Street will soon be torn down by the City of Russellville after the council voted to abate the properties at its August 17 meeting.
Russellville Building and License inspector Bill Fuller said the next step will be for city officials to determine the safest and most efficient method to raze the buildings, located at 215 and 217 West Lawrence. The two buildings adjoin each other, which creates a different challenge in demolition, Fuller explained. While Russellville Street Department workers could handle much of the work, Fuller said there’s a chance the removal process could be contracted out, depending on what is determined to be the safest method of demolition.
The properties are located west of the former D&D Building Supply location on West Lawrence. The building at 215 West Lawrence, according to Fuller, is owned by Alejandra Miguel, and 217 is deeded to New Beginnings, Inc., which operates as New Beginnings Worship Center in Russellville.
City officials were also expected to serve compliance notices to the property owners of the two foundations next to the two buildings. Issues on those properties include weed growth, debris piles and other possible safety hazards, Fuller said.
Wayne Miller, New Beginnings pastor, said he was unaware of the city taking any action against the property at its most recent meeting. Miller said he’s met with Fuller and compliance officer Justin Green at the location in recent months, and he was already in the process of demolishing the building, which was severely damaged by fire five years ago.
“I’ve been tearing it down,” Miller said. “Our other building for the church, on North Jackson, we fixed it up with a new roof and some brick work. It’s up to code. The fire inspector and building inspector said [the West Lawrence property] was not safe on the inside.
“I think the structure’s fine, but the ceiling has caved in. And, looking at it, I know why. There’s eight layers of roofing and tar on it. I’ve been taking that off and boards off the sides so it can’t fall.”
Miller said the church’s insurance carrier never paid on the claim, because the adjuster said the building was not a total loss, although city inspectors said otherwise. Miller was surprised at the council’s action since he’s been in contact with city inspectors.
“I told them what I was doing. The first thing that had to come off was the roof. That was the only dangerous part of it,” Miller said. “But the walls are as sound as the walls in city hall. I didn’t want the city to send me a big bill or to take our land away, so that’s why I started tearing it down.
“If it was unsafe to the public, I’d be the first one to say, ‘We don’t have the money to rebuild it, so go ahead and tear it down.’ But it’s not unsafe. Those walls are as strong as any building walls in the city. It takes a little while to get it down, but I was doing it.”
Fuller said structure concerns exist in the building’s truss system, as the bow string trusses are failing. Fuller said he’s been in contact with both property owners several times about the urgency of removing the structures.
“We’ve been bouncing back and forth since the fire happened, trying to figure out what to do,” Fuller said. “I told [Miller] previously we had to do something. Part of it has fallen in already because of a roof leak that caused the front half to fall in.
“Anytime you have a dilapidated building, that can be a danger. That’s why we need to get rid of these buildings. We’ve given the owners due process, and now it’s time to get something done. We’re working our best to get rid of these unsafe structures in the city as quick as we can.”
City inspectors served notice on the owner of a metal building at the intersection of Lawrence and Coffee two weeks ago about that structure. The owner hired a contractor, who demolished the building last week.
Fuller said it’s not a matter of ‘singling’ out certain owners. His job, he explained, is to enforce the city ordinance regardless of who owns the properties.
“Bois Porter and Steve Thornton condemned nuisance buildings before me, and the whole time I’ve been employed with the city we’ve gotten rid of 160-plus buildings, so this isn’t a new process,” Fuller said.
Fuller handles all issues regarding unsafe structures, while compliance enforcement is shared among Fuller, RFD fire marshal Justin Green and RPD chief Chris Hargett.
Citizens wanting to report violations of city ordinances, whether related to structures or compliance issues, are encouraged to call Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060.
