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 CBO has ordered that all unsafe conditions be abated immediately and the Miami County Prosecutor filed a court motion requesting the Judge to order it demolished. 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.” On June 24th, the City installed barricades at the intersections of West Main Street between Cherry and Plum Streets. That section of West Main Street remains closed to vehicular traffic, as well as to pedestrian traffic in front of the Tavern Building. The City has created 11 parking spots on the east side of the street closure, to provide temporary support for the small businesses located there.
CURRENT STATUS AS OF ABOVE DATE
The Court has selected Structural Engineer Daniel Geers of Dublin, Ohio as the “independent expert witness” identified in its June 23rd Order. The parties have until Friday, July 14, 2023 to object. Regardless, the CBO order requiring the Tavern Building owner to demolish the structure remains in effect. As such, West Main Street from Cherry to Plum Streets will remain closed until that order is rescinded.
OTHER DEVELOPMENTS OF NOTE
1. The City of Troy has filed paperwork with the Court stating that it is no longer seeking an injunction to prohibit the demolition of the building;
2. Miami County has filed a Notice of Appeal of the Common Pleas June 23rd Order to the Second District Court of Appeals; and,
3. In response to public statements made at the Troy City Council meeting held on Monday, July 3, 2023, Architect Patrick Hansford submitted a letter to Mayor Oda and Troy City Council refuting the claims made. A copy of that letter is available here.
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.