Water Tower Demolition Controversy in One Small Town

One small town is experiencing a considerable divide over the potential demolition of its water tower. Some residents want it restored, while others call for its removal. Best way to find the Mesa Demolition Contractor.

At their November meeting, commissioners discussed giving preservationists six months to raise money and save the tower, but mere days before its deadline passed, they voted in favor of its demolition.

Structural Issues

Many residents hoped that something could be done to preserve the iconic water tower in Loray Mill Village but were met with dismay when officials announced plans to dismantle it and tear down its tank. As part of preparations for its deconstruction, which will begin this week, temporary street closures were put into effect in preparation.

An engineering survey commissioned by The Factory at Franklin indicates that its iconic water tower has outlived its useful life span, and no amount of money will restore its former condition. The survey has been submitted to the Franklin Historic Zoning Commission; it remains unknown when this matter will return for discussion.

Some locals believe the town acted too quickly in demolishing an old tank. They claim they did not receive all of the information required to make such a decision and accuse their mayor of exerting undue influence over proceedings. A St. Charles County Circuit Judge, however, ruled that Lindenwood alumnus Roman Buddemeyer had no legal standing to file an injunction against its demolition.

Residents who want to preserve the water tower are becoming frustrated with the city’s lack of communication with them and the fact that its mayor has failed to resign from his board membership and is instead publicly criticizing those advocating for its preservation. They also claim that city authorities are trying to hide the costs associated with this project.

Safety Concerns

Many communities eliminate outdated and no longer needed water towers from their systems. While water towers may have been built to last a specific amount of time, once their lifespan expires, it often makes more economic and safety sense to replace them if their old age no longer supports an outdated one.

In addition to structural concerns, the removal of an old water tower can create safety issues for residents or employees nearby. Sandblasting releases lead particles into the air, soil, and groundwater. These particles have been known to cause health issues in humans and animals, such as gastrointestinal distress, seizures, and brain damage. Therefore, communities should take all necessary steps to safeguard citizens against potential dangers.

Finding an efficient and safe method of demolishing an old water tower can be a difficult challenge. Various safety issues are involved, including asbestos removal and potential unexploded ordnance threats. Gibson worked closely with the Huntsville facility team to find an innovative solution that would allow them to remove the tower without jeopardizing project safety, and he credits their unwavering support with making his job more straightforward.

Environmental Issues

Water tower demolition projects present more than just structural challenges; they also have environmental implications. Construction materials often contain lead, which is harmful to health and potentially leads to various symptoms in humans and wildlife alike. When demolishing these structures, it is essential that all their constituent materials are safely discarded during deconstruction.

One of the most contentious issues related to water tower demolition is whether or not local residents should be informed. This is particularly relevant when the tower contains significant quantities of lead paint that could be released during sandblasting; some states, like Minnesota, require public notification in these cases so families can take appropriate steps against exposure.

Locals are concerned not only about the environmental effects but also about the effect on property values and whether steps are being taken to safeguard residents from potential exposure.

Ross has accused Miller of ethical misconduct for failing to formally recuse himself from votes on the water tower project. However, Miller maintains that his behavior was legal. North Carolina law does not mandate municipal officials recuse themselves unless specific conflicts of interest are present, and voting on such issues does not violate his oath of office.

Cost

Water tower demolition costs are an issue in many localities. Project costs can range anywhere from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands depending on tower size and the time required to dismantle it; costs could increase if there are complications such as structural or environmental concerns that must be considered during its removal.

Crews and large construction vehicles have begun taking steps to dismantle an old Kenmore village water tower that has been sitting idle for some time. 2 On Your Side reached out to the Kenmore Village Improvement Society, which informed us that bids had come in for removal work last year because it was no longer serving its original function and had started to deteriorate over time.

West Hempstead residents will soon witness the end of a landmark water tank after its replacement is installed and operating costs decrease substantially. It will soon be torn down as its replacement offers easier maintenance, lower operating expenses, and greater capacity than its predecessor.

The city had initially considered restoring the old tower, but its costs would far outstrip those associated with demolition. Their new water tank is five times larger than what existed previously and will enable it to better meet customer needs, according to a press release.