Demolition is getting underway this week in downtown Hopkinsville on two buildings that were recently deemed a hazard.
As previously reported, Hopkinsville City Council last week approved an agreement for emergency demolition services with East Construction, LLC at a cost of about $388,000 to bring down the buildings that include the addresses of 806, 808, 810 and 812 South Main Street.
They were recently inspected by a structural engineer and then deemed a hazard that required immediate action. Fire Chief Steve Futrell told council that homeless individuals have continued to seek shelter in those buildings and he fears a serious incident would occur soon if nothing is done.
He says the analysis showed the buildings are “too far gone to repair.”
A news release from the city says during the demolition and re-establishment phases of this project, it will be necessary to implement partial closures of South Main Street between Seventh and Ninth Streets.
Officials say full closures may also be necessary as well for this section of roadway.
Adjacent sidewalk closures may also be necessary for the safety of the public and the work crew. Pedestrians are asked use alternate routes for travel if construction equipment or debris is present on or near the surrounding sidewalks.
For motorist safety, detour routes will be clearly marked.
The work is expected to last through March 3.