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Historic district urges immediate barricade for burned building ahead of downtown festival
Summary
Members of Bastrop’s Historic District Commission told the council the burned-out building on Franklin Street is an urgent public-safety hazard that must be physically barricaded before the city’s May events; council agreed to pursue a barricade and pursue bids to remove or fully demolish the structure.
The Bastrop Historic District Commission pressed the City Council on April 14 to take immediate action to secure a burned-out structure on Franklin Street, saying the exposed ruin poses an imminent safety hazard ahead of large downtown events.
Susan Plonics, a member of the Historic District Commission and a resident who spoke during public comment, told the council the site presents falling-debris and access risks and that May’s downtown events — which will draw thousands of visitors — make the situation especially urgent. "This is not an issue that needs to be studied, delayed, or kicked down the road," Plonics said, asking the council to "install a physical safety barrier around the structure. Not signage, no temporary caution tape, no barrels. We're talking a solid visible physical barrier that clearly prevents access and protects the public."
Council members and the mayor said staff already had taken temporary measures and are moving to secure the site; the mayor said the city would "put a barricade wood around it" as an immediate step while bids for professional abatement and demolition are solicited. Historic district members pressed for a visible, solid barrier rather than tape or barrels.
Cindy Hendricks (Historic District) reinforced the request and flagged the potential for loose bricks or debris to be used as projectiles; she asked that the city not put city workers at risk and to keep a professional contractor for demolition work. Council said bid law requires solicitation for contracted demolition but that staff can install a sturdier temporary perimeter (plywood or wood barricade) while the bid process runs.
What’s next: staff will solicit bids for demolition/abatement, erect a stronger temporary barricade before the May events if bids are not yet in hand, and report back to council on timeline and estimated costs. Historic District noted its unanimous vote requesting the barrier; council recorded the discussion and directed staff to proceed with safety measures.
