Update on the Projects at 1600 and 1626 Washington Street

(picture from prior month)

CJ Heaton, Deputy City Administrator of Public Works for the City of Blair, provided an update on the projects at 1600 and 1626 Washington Street.

City inspectors identified multiple safety problems that prompted stop-work orders on Oct. 1. The most urgent issue was that the buildings were not secured, leaving them exposed to weather and accessible to anyone from the street. To protect public safety, the city required the right-of-way to be cleared and the buildings to be secured immediately. City crews removed items from the sidewalk, stored them in a secure location, and have recorded the time and equipment used; the city may bill the property for that work in the future.

Another major concern is that previous permits for the projects have expired. Before work can resume, new permits, inspections, and updated plans will be required. Because the structures have been exposed to the elements and may have sustained damage, the building inspector will require revised plans covering all project aspects - including electrical, fire protection, and elevators - and will request an engineering assessment to determine what parts of the buildings can be salvaged. Those requirements will apply to any future owner who takes on the properties.

No new permits have been applied for or approved yet. The bank holding the loans is working with a potential buyer, who is currently conducting due diligence to assess the scope of work, estimated costs, and timeline. That process could take several weeks. The city is in contact with the bank and the prospective owner and will continue to cooperate so long as the project shows forward progress. There is currently no deadline for permits to be obtained, and the city has not assessed any fees to the properties at this time. The administration emphasized that the goal was to secure the site, clear the sidewalk, and keep the project moving without creating additional setbacks while the bank and potential new owner work toward a resolution.

For further updates, follow the City of Blair’s social media channels and check blairne.gov.