Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Litten inquired whether the building sits in a low-moderate income census <br /> tract. Director Leininger indicated that it is not, however its location on Detroit Ave., a <br /> commercial corridor,makes it eligible for certain federal funds. <br /> Councilmember Bullock stated his support for retaining and restoring the property. He <br /> highlighted the building's historic designation status and proposed making efforts to stop <br /> the water flow to allow for more time to explore the building's options. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked how the city became aware of the urgency for action on the <br /> building. Director Leininger indicated that the property management company monitoring <br /> the building noted a shift in the Detroit Ave.wall. <br /> Mayor George stated that historic preservation is a priority,but also emphasized the need <br /> to identify funding sources for the project's staggering cost. Mr. Griffith stated that razing <br /> the building on the south side of the structure likely affected the Curtis Block building's <br /> foundation. He added that the city should not want any major construction around the <br /> building unless the foundation is repaired. <br /> Public Comment <br /> Heather Rudge - Ms. Rudge voiced her opinion that the city needs other estimates on the <br /> scope of work items. She added that a team went through the building in 2009 and <br /> described the past conditions. She concluded that she would like to see a working group to <br /> be formed to save the building. <br /> Greg Palumbo - Mr. Palumbo echoed Ms. Rudge's sentiments and added that it is not the <br /> worst case that the region has seen as far as building deterioration. He noted its <br /> designation as a historic structure and the downtown historic district's status on the <br /> national register. He noted the opportunities for federal and sate funding for the <br /> restoration. <br /> President O'Malley expressed his disappointment that the plumbing, heat, and lights were <br /> shut off, despite the city taking the time to give the building a historic designation, noting <br /> that many of the issues could've been prevented with basic stewardship. He pointed to a <br /> comment that Councilmember Litten made in the chat- "(Side note,but we also have a <br /> number of surrounding residents concerned about (past) demo & (future) construction <br /> causing seismic damage to their homes (mostly plaster)." President O'Malley asked if the <br /> Lakewood hospital demolition might have affected the Curtis Block building. Bud Griffith <br /> and Heather Rudge concurred that it did affect the building. <br /> Ian Andrews of Lakewood Alive stated the his organization has long supported historic <br /> preservation and would appreciate the ability to engage on the conversation regarding <br /> what to do with the building. <br /> Rick Sicha- Mr. Sicha stated that when the property was declared historic in 2015,there <br /> was community wide intense support to do so. He provided history and background on the <br />