In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant safety concerns regarding a historic building undergoing renovations. The discussions highlighted two critical incidents: one from October and another dating back to 2018-2019, when construction revealed severe structural issues on the Linden Street facade.

During the earlier renovation, Doan Construction alerted the authorities that the facade was at risk of collapsing due to water damage that had deteriorated the structure. To prevent a potential disaster similar to a previous building collapse in the mid-1990s, steel reinforcements were installed to secure the facade.

The October incident raised alarms once again, leading to sidewalk closures and impacting local businesses, particularly retailers like Nature's Own, who reported a decline in customer traffic due to the construction disruptions. The community's safety was a primary concern, with officials noting the unpredictable nature of the renovations and their effects on surrounding properties and businesses.

Liability issues were also a focal point of the discussion, particularly regarding the risk posed by falling debris from the building. Fire department representatives expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the deteriorating windows represented an avoidable hazard. Despite attempts to replace the windows, the historic designation of the building complicated the process, leading to tensions between preserving history and ensuring public safety.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing safety risks posed by the building, as officials grappled with balancing community impact, historical preservation, and liability concerns.