COVID pandemic complicates demolition of collapsed building in Reading – Reading Eagle

Heavy snow from a three-day snowstorm last week caused two buildings in the city to partially collapse and threaten surrounding buildings. Throw in the COVID-19 pandemic and the city is facing another problem with one of the buildings.

The city worked quickly to stabilize and demolish the portions of a vacant three-story building in the 500 block of Miltimore Street after the roof collapsed on Feb. 2.

To finish demolition, crews will have to cut power to the neighborhood, leaving students who are attending school virtually because of the pandemic unable to do so.

I know the residents are very frustrated the electricity is going to be cut, Managing Director Abraham Amoros said at Monday's City Council meeting. Its going to cut into their childs learning time.

We are going to do everything we can to provide solutions to those residents."

The city is working with local organizations to ease the burden.

Our Reading Fire Department and Community Development have reached out to our partners in the community, the Olivet Boys & Girls Club and the Reading Public Library, said Communications Coordinator Christian Crespo. They are eager and available to provide their resources to any children impacted by the utility interruption from Met-Ed.

The closest Olivet club is the Clinton Street club, Crespo said.

All kids have to be registered by an adult before entry to collect emergency contact information, he said.

Community Development Director Jamal Abodalo said the electricity needs to be shut off for the safety of the contractors because the power lines are close to the building.

We are looking for a place for the children to continue their education," Abodalo said, adding that the city will also address the needs of the elderly.

An abandoned factory building in the 200 block of Maple Street partially collapsed Friday, forcing officials to evacuate nine homes.

Residents were able to return to their homes late Friday night after a demolition contractor took down a portion of the building.

All the emergency demolition is complete on both buildings, Fire Chief William Stoudt Jr. told council.

Now officials are working to demolish the remainder of the buildings later this week, he added.

With more snow in the forecast, Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnersthiz asked if the city is keeping an eye on other potential collapses.

We know we have a lot of abandoned factory buildings throughout the city, she said. I wasnt surprised about the building on Maple Street. That was always high risk.

Abodalo said the city is aware of several vacant buildings, but it's hard to determine the structural integrity of each building.

If they are owned by a property owner we cannot really enter that property because we dont have a reason, he said. The properties on the blight list, we are very vigilant and we monitor them as we go. We have continuous discussions with the property owners."

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COVID pandemic complicates demolition of collapsed building in Reading - Reading Eagle