Demolition Is Not An Option

Everyone seemed to have an opinion last week when we reported employees working in the Wayne County Courthouse were telling county board members that they feared mold in the venerable old governmental building was a growing health risk.

It was also revealed that the Sheriff, who is responsible for the courthouse, had talked to Peoples National Bank officials about the possible use of their former headquarters near downtown.

First let me be clear, I do not think there is any scenario that would have me supporting the demolition of the current courthouse which dates back to the 19^th century. Fairfield has lost too much history. It must be saved.

I believe you must be realistic and understand that there will be costs to taking over the PNB building. I’ve often thought that building would be a great government building shared by both the city and county….but that kind of cooperation seems unlikely.

I think we are getting way ahead of ourselves in that we have not even established the depth of the problem at the courthouse. An environmental expert needs to do tests.

Black mold is very dangerous toxin. Prolonged exposure can have serious health consequences. If tests confirm black mold….the county needs to move its operations and hire a very expensive contractor to deal with the problem.

But I don’t support that solution being a wrecking ball.