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Calls grow for independent review after partial collapse at Robling Works; city cites emergency assessments
Summary
Residents urged the city to halt demolition and hire a third-party engineering firm after a partial collapse at the Robling Works complex; city officials say two independent assessments found the collapsed section unsalvageable and recommended emergency demolition for safety, and a presentation of those reports is scheduled for the next council meeting.
Christian Bourne, a resident who inspected the Robling Works complex, urged the council to stop demolition funding and order an independent engineering evaluation after a partial wall collapse at the turn-of-the-century industrial building.
"I would ask a council, first, stop any any, demolition. Put a freeze on any funds for demolition and ask for hiring, independent engineering company," Bourne said during public comment, arguing the failure showed "willful neglect" and that a third-party review should answer whether the damaged section can be repaired and whether the remainder of the building can be stabilized.
Director Bridges told the council that two independent evaluations had been completed and submitted to members. He said the purpose of the studies "were to make a determination whether or not they were susceptible to being salvaged and whether or not they were structurally sound to be able to save them." Bridges added that the assessments concluded the collapsed portion "was not structurally sound" and recommended demolition on an emergency basis for safety.
Council members and staff told the public they had received the evaluation reports and that the documents would be presented at the next council meeting so members could review the findings and make an informed decision. "All accounts will have an opportunity to review those reports, and we will have a presentation at the next council meeting with regards to that," the council president said.
Several council members echoed concern about historic preservation and the need to balance safety and salvageability. Bourne noted photographs he took showing trees growing out of the façade, which he said indicated long-term water intrusion and neglect; he urged the council to consider the building's historical value and involve the landmarks commission or other preservation stakeholders in decisions.
The council did not vote to halt demolition during the meeting; staff indicated follow-up steps: circulate the evaluation reports to all council members and place a presentation on the next meeting agenda so the body can question authors and consider options.
Next steps: council staff will distribute the two assessments to members and schedule a presentation at the next meeting for fuller discussion and a potential formal action.
