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Resident urges council to pause demolition of former hospital, cites $700,000 estimate and alleged large water loss
Summary
John Foster, a member of the Building and Engineering Appeals board, asked the Board of Aldermen to delay tearing down the former hospital at 1800 Mechanics Street citing an estimated $700,000 demolition cost and raised questions about a reported 316,000‑gallon water leak.
During the public‑comment portion of the Aug. 5 meeting, John Foster, who identified himself as a member of the Building and Engineering Appeals board, asked the council to delay demolition of the former hospital at 1800 Mechanics Street. "It was a $700,000 estimated expense," Foster stated, adding that taxpayers could not recover that cost.
Foster read from historical newspaper accounts and described a separate episode he said involved a large water loss at a site where staff had left before turning off valves; he said "316,000 gallon of water leaked" and questioned how the volume had been measured. Foster said his intent was to remind the council to be cautious because the city lacks funds to tear down the structure itself.
Council members did not take formal action in response during the meeting; the presiding official thanked Foster for his remarks and invited any board questions. No staff estimate or project timeline for demolition was offered in the meeting record excerpt. The matter remains subject to discussion and any future formal agenda items or staff reports.
