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Demolition project scrutinized after wall collapses into street
Portsmouth officials oversee work site after 2 accidents
http://www.wmur.com/news/demolition-project-scrutinized-after-wall-collapses-into-street/33249750
May 27, 2015
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. —A second accident at a demolition site has Portsmouth officials rethinking the way they issue permits.
Work continued at the site of Olde Port Traders on Wednesday, a day after part of a wall fell into a street.
Last week, the driver of an excavator was seriously hurt when his machine fell 10 feet through the pavement into a basement hole. City officials said it was a matter of luck that no one was injured Tuesday morning when part of a wall fell onto Islington Street.
A photographer had just driven past the demolition site when he heard a rumbling noise. He looked back to see bricks and cinder blocks raining down on the road he had just driven across. He went back to take pictures of the debris as police were called.
"I saw a section of brick wall that had fallen down past the barrier they had built and had fallen down into the roadway," Sgt. Aaron Goodwin said. "It could definitely have been dangerous."
The city said demolition crews had been working near the front of the building. Work has been underway for at least two weeks to bring down the building and make way for a condominium project.
The city building inspector was at the site for the rest of the day Tuesday and on Wednesday.
"We are very thankful that it was not serious," City Manager John Bohenko said. "We're very, very disappointed in what happened."
Flaggers were in place, and perimeter fencing and black cloth were put up. City officials planned to stay at the site to oversee the rest of the demolition.
"We thought it was in the best interest to keep the project going rather than leave it half-finished because of safety issues," Bohenko said.
He said the problems at the project may indicate that new policies are needed.
"I think internally we're going to talk more about how we issue demolition permits and what restrictions we may want to look at," he said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of both incidents, officials said.
News 9 reached out to the demolition company and condominium developer for comment but has not heard back.
Portsmouth officials oversee work site after 2 accidents
http://www.wmur.com/news/demolition-project-scrutinized-after-wall-collapses-into-street/33249750
May 27, 2015
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. —A second accident at a demolition site has Portsmouth officials rethinking the way they issue permits.
Work continued at the site of Olde Port Traders on Wednesday, a day after part of a wall fell into a street.
Last week, the driver of an excavator was seriously hurt when his machine fell 10 feet through the pavement into a basement hole. City officials said it was a matter of luck that no one was injured Tuesday morning when part of a wall fell onto Islington Street.
A photographer had just driven past the demolition site when he heard a rumbling noise. He looked back to see bricks and cinder blocks raining down on the road he had just driven across. He went back to take pictures of the debris as police were called.
"I saw a section of brick wall that had fallen down past the barrier they had built and had fallen down into the roadway," Sgt. Aaron Goodwin said. "It could definitely have been dangerous."
The city said demolition crews had been working near the front of the building. Work has been underway for at least two weeks to bring down the building and make way for a condominium project.
The city building inspector was at the site for the rest of the day Tuesday and on Wednesday.
"We are very thankful that it was not serious," City Manager John Bohenko said. "We're very, very disappointed in what happened."
Flaggers were in place, and perimeter fencing and black cloth were put up. City officials planned to stay at the site to oversee the rest of the demolition.
"We thought it was in the best interest to keep the project going rather than leave it half-finished because of safety issues," Bohenko said.
He said the problems at the project may indicate that new policies are needed.
"I think internally we're going to talk more about how we issue demolition permits and what restrictions we may want to look at," he said.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was notified of both incidents, officials said.
News 9 reached out to the demolition company and condominium developer for comment but has not heard back.