Board presses for inspections and fencing after WGA buys South Perry buildings; owner seeks more time on nearby demolition

At a meeting of the Attica City Board of Works and Safety, Attorney Bars and Brian, a representative for WGA, told the board that WGA had recently closed on properties at 210, 212 and 208 South Perry and planned inspections and repairs. Brian said the company had contractors examine initial issues and had scheduled a structural engineer to inspect the buildings, adding, “WGA now owns it.”

Attorney Bars and staff emphasized public-safety precautions. Brian said he planned to fence the properties, describing the proposed barrier: “we'll start there at the Wigga building, go all the way across the front of the buildings, go down the alley on the side, and go across the back. There'll be a gate in the back and in the front.” Staff member Eric and a mason reported visible concerns including loose mortar and an overhanging beam above storefront glass; Eric said the overhang measured roughly three-quarters of an inch to an inch and noted areas where a man lift and immediate boarding might be needed.

The board was told the structural engineer visit was scheduled for June 8 (the transcript does not state a year) and that the engineer expected to provide a report in June. Attorney Bars provided a checklist of eight items the owner must address to remove the unsafe building order, including repointing brick and mortar, repairing windows and lintels, securing gutters, and blocking stair access.

Separately, property owner Monique Townsen asked for more time to demolish a deteriorated structure at 1104 South Perry and said she had paperwork in process with a demolition contractor. Townsen described three original cement walls she hoped could remain while other portions were removed, but staff and board members warned that leaving sidewalls exposed near a ball diamond could create hazards: “It could fall in on a kid,” Eric said. The board noted that the demolition permit has been approved and is valid for 60 days and agreed a follow-up appearance would be scheduled (the owner was asked to return on August 4). The board discussed whether to allow preservation of sidewalls only if reconstruction followed immediately; otherwise, staff recommended full removal or close supervision.

No formal vote to alter the unsafe-building orders appears in the record. The board directed staff to proceed with safety measures, including fencing, and to await the structural engineer’s written report before considering removal of the unsafe-building order. The transcript does not specify the meeting date; references to specific days (for example, the engineer visit on “June 8”) did not include a year in the record.

Next steps noted on the record: the structural engineer’s report expected in June, continued monthly updates from staff to the board, an upcoming Unsafe Building Order (UBO) committee meeting on July 7, and a follow-up appearance for the Townsen property scheduled for August 4.