September 9, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Council Takes Action To Spur Garage Repairs,
Narrow Police Space Options
DECATUR - The Decatur City Council on Monday officially declared a downtown parking garage as unsafe in an effort to encourage repairs to be made by the structure's owner.
The council voted 6-1 in favor of the declaration for the structure commonly known as the Barnes Citizen Parking garage at 241-265 E. William St. which the city has been attempting to get the owner to repair for nearly two years. The resolution approved Monday calls for the city “to take such action as may be required by law...to cause said structure to be put in a safe condition or, if not so repaired to be demolished."
The action does not require the city to pursue demolition as the ultimate goal would be to have the garage repaired; however, Monday’s vote would be required if the city is forced to pursue demolition or other repair options should the owner not take the necessary steps to make the building safe. Studies estimate that it would cost more than $1 million to bring the garage into compliance with code, which would still require regular inspections for ongoing deterioration.
In other business the Council voted in favor of extending the city’s agreement with PSA Dewberry Inc. to determine the actual cost of renovating the Millikin/Regions Building for police operations and using City Parking Garage C for evidence space. PSA will also determine the cost and feasibility of building new police facilities at Wabash Crossing.
The city has never had an official estimate of the cost of renovating the Millikin/Regions building or of building at Wabash Crossing. The final report by PSA will provide the City Council with two additional facility concept diagrams with cost estimates that can be reviewed along with the previous new facility option.
For more information contact Billy Tyus at 424-27353.