CONNEAUT - - Workers were scheduled to start erecting a fence today that will keep pedestrians a safe distance away from a dilapidated State Street building that is shedding it's bricks.
In recent days, bricks have fallen from a three-story building at 454 State St., landing on the sidewalk below. No injuries have been reported, but the city is acting before someone is hurt seriously, said Conneaut Fire Chief Bim Orrenmaa.
The fence will restrict pedestrians to a grassy strip near the street, Orrenmaa said. Vehicle traffic will be not affected, he said.
City firefighters and county officials are scheduled to inspect and evaluate the long-vacant building next week.
"We'll take the county building inspector (Dave Smith) with us," Orrenmaa said.
The city hopes to arrange permission to enter from a representative of Fairwinds Inc., the building's owner, Orrenmaa said. If not, an administrative inspection warrant will be secured, he said.
The building was constructed in 1910 and, for many years, served as a boardinghouse for railroad workers. Storefronts, now boarded up and secured, occupy the first floor.
Roof leaks have caused considerable damage to the interior, Orrenmaa said.
"There's water inside," he said. "The floors are wet and soggy."
Fairwinds is one of several corporations created by Gary Harris of Conneaut, who was found guilty of conspiracy and tax-related charges in 2004 and sentenced to federal prison.
The situation at 454 State St. mirrors problems that eventually led to the 2004 demolition of the old Astatic building at Harbor and Jackson streets. When bricks began to fall from the Astatic, a fence was erected for the safety of passers-by. Eventually, a section of Jackson Street was closed to all traffic.
When the Astatic owner balked at demolishing the old factory, the city paid to flatten the building and is trying to recoup the cost. The matter is now in Ashtabula County Common Pleas Court.
Orrenmaa said he hates to see another building follow the Astatic path.
"It's the exact (method of operation) of the Astatic," he said. "We issue citations to repair leaky roofs, and then they're not repaired, causing serious damage. We're nearing the end of the cycle. It's a real shame."
Next week's inspection will help determine whether 454 State St. can be salvaged.
"We're not certain (the building) is not beyond structural repair," Orrenmaa said. "I hope it can be saved. Buildings like these reflect the history and character of the community."
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Dangerous building to get fence around it
Conneaut firefighters, county officials to inspect and evaluate structure next week
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