Councilman Culp expresses safety concerns over deteriorating downtown building

A downtown Plymouth building with falling bricks has become a growing safety concern, with city officials weighing their options while awaiting environmental test results before taking action.

During the most recent Plymouth Common Council meeting, Councilman Duane Culp raised concerns about the deteriorating structure at 123 East Washington Street, owned by V&V Rentals LLC, where bricks have been falling from the building.

"I understand that it isn't the city's responsibility, but I am concerned about the safety of pedestrians and vehicles parked on the street in front of the building," Culp said.

The councilman noted he voiced similar concerns two months ago, but has not seen or heard of any action being taken to address the hazard.

Mayor Robert Listenberger explained that the city's response has been delayed while officials await the results of environmental contamination testing at the site.

A Brownfield Grant to investigate suspected contamination in and around the structure was awarded. Plymouth Plan Director Ty Adley provided an update on the testing process at the meeting.

"All documentation has been submitted to the state, and they are coordinating with MACOG to get the review expedited because they have already reviewed the issues once," Adley said.

According to Adley, additional data samples from core testing for a second review showed no contaminants. The city is now waiting on the state's confirmation of those results.

"There were no contaminants along those lines based on the additional data samples from the cores for the second review," Adley stated. Once state confirmation is received, officials can begin conversations with the City Council and the Board of Public Works and Safety about next steps.

Mayor Listenberger and Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal discussed potential temporary safety measures, including placing barricades to protect pedestrians and parked vehicles.

However, officials identified challenges with barricade placement. The building backs up directly to the property line on the north side, which would require placing barricades in a neighbor's yard. Barricades on the Water Street sidewalk were also discussed.

Building Commissioner Manuwal indicated that the property owners should be requested to maintain the structure and address the safety hazards.

Mayor Listenberger said the city has been waiting for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) report before taking action on the building.

Councilman Culp expressed concern about potential city liability, wanting to ensure Plymouth would not be held responsible for any injuries or property damage resulting from the falling bricks.

"I am concerned for the safety of the residents of the City of Plymouth," Culp said.

Once the state confirms the environmental testing results, city officials indicated they can move forward with discussions about addressing both the contamination findings and the immediate safety hazards posed by the deteriorating building.