In an on-going effort to keep our downtown businesses, residents and visitors informed as to the latest status of the West Main Street closure, we are providing a weekly update each Wednesday
until the Cherry Street to Plum Street block is opened back up to vehicles.
BACKGROUND
On June 16, 2023 the Miami County/Troy Chief Building Official (CBO), his Structural Engineer, as well as the Troy Fire Chief and Assistant Chiefs conducted an on-site inspection of the building located at 112-118 West Main Street, also known as the Tavern Building. As a result of that inspection, the CBO’s Structural Engineer determined “the possibility of collapse of the northern wall of this structure is a grave concern…it is obvious that this structure is beyond reasonable repair and should be demolished due to it being a safety concern for human life and potential damage to adjacent structures.”
Based on that report, the Miami County Prosecutor filed a court motion requesting the Judge to order the demolition of the building. The CBO and Fire Chief also certified “…that the demolition of [The Tavern Building] is required by public safety because of unsafe or dangerous conditions.” The Mayor and Administration began discussions as to whether and when to close West Main Street between Cherry Street and Plum Street, but delayed action to allow the Court time to decide. On June 23, 2023, the Court issued an Entry and Order that did not order the immediate demolition but “as expeditiously as it can” would appoint an independent structural engineer to advise the Court.
The City began to mobilize for the possible street closure on June 23rd and ultimately made the decision late in the morning on June 24th. That same afternoon, barricades were erected in that area to prohibit all vehicular traffic, as well as pedestrian traffic on the south sidewalk in front of the Tavern Building and all of the north sidewalk. Since the 24th, the City has rented 6-foot tall hurricane fencing to protect the fall zone of the building, allowing the north sidewalk to be reopened. The City has also created 11 parking spots on the east side of the street closure, to provide temporary support for the small businesses located there.
Judge Wall has appointed a structural engineer to review the building. The parties to the lawsuit have until 7/14 to contest her appointment, after which Structural Engineer Daniel Geers, President of Jezerinac Geers of Dublin, Ohio, will complete his assessment.
CURRENT STATUS AS OF ABOVE DATE
The Chief Building Official, his Structural Engineer, and the Fire Chief have not altered their conclusion that the building is a safety concern and is dangerous. The CBO order requiring the Tavern Building owner to demolish the structure remains in effect. As such, the City has no alternative but to continue to close West Main Street from Cherry to Plum Streets until that order is rescinded. The Court has not yet appointed an independent structural engineer.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF NOTE
In 2020, the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce, Troy Main Street and City of Troy created the Small Business Disaster Relief Fund, designed to assist our local business community with sudden and unexpected circumstances beyond their control. While the Fund was originally created to support businesses during Covid-19, the Relief Fund will be meeting to possibly broaden the original objectives to provide assistance in this current situation.
CONTACT
The City of Troy is committed to providing up-to-the-minute information regarding this unfortunate issue and will be monitoring its status and will post updates on our social media and websites. Contact (937) 335-1725 if questions.