City closes Monroe Street sidewalk after downtown building shows signs of falling debris

The City of Coldwater closed the east-side sidewalk on South Monroe Street adjacent to 25 West Chicago Street after staff observed crumbling exterior material that poses a hazard for pedestrians and attendees at downtown events. City staff advised the council that barricades and fencing are in place and urged caution when passing the area.

City manager Tom said the closure is a temporary safety measure and described ongoing communications with the building owner to pursue enforcement steps. “We are at the stages of enforcement,” Amanda, a city staff member, said, adding that conversations with the owner “have happened but have not led to fruitful action.”

Council members raised concerns about large upcoming events in the area — including festivals that could draw 700 to 1,000 people — and asked whether the owner is taking steps to stabilize the facade. Amanda said the city has requested more permanent protective measures and is exploring options such as netting; current debris, she said, “tends to be parts” that crumble rather than single whole bricks, but acknowledged the risk that a larger ledge could fall.

The manager’s report also instructed the public to use caution near the closed sidewalk. Staff did not announce a specific timeline for repairs; enforcement and possible structural protections were described as ongoing actions the city is pursuing.

The council did not take a formal vote on enforcement steps at this meeting; staff said they will continue to pursue remedies and will report back to the council as the situation develops.