Losing Springfield Plastics

[MEGATRON]

So if he can't fix it, pay more to tear it down?

I'm fine with the City fixing it, but they need to take the building from the owner and sell it to someone who can afford to maintain it.

[sheclown]

Megatron, that is the final solution, most certainly.  However --and ideally from a neighborhood perspective-- it would be best if Mr. Metz were able to get some help fixing up his home and his plastics shop.  Some people have offered to help and Preservation SOS will do what we can.  We'd like to help this little piece of Springfield, struggling as is often the case, stay open and stay viable.  Who knows.  We will see what tomorrow brings.

[strider]

As a contractor, I have looked at this building.  The structural issue, the bulge, a couple of rotten 2x4's covered with stucco,  is a days work. The vast majority of electrical issues are because the suspended ceiling was removed in parts of the second floor.  MCCD's write up makes the building sound ten times worse that it is.

At issue, in my opinion, is that the MCCD inspector, is not qualified for the job he has taken on.  He can not know what the structure is, he doesn't have the qualifications. He can not know what the value is, he isn't a commercial appraiser. Yet he writes it up as bad as he can to , I assume, cover his ass and perhaps because it's what the division chief requires of him.  This does nothing to truly protect the public safety and certainly does nothing but make life harder for the owner of the building.  It also prevents the sale of the building, by the way, because once condemned, it has no value.

This is just bad policy making on the part of the head of MCCD.  Ms. Scott needs to review what is really going on here and start getting her people helping the city and it's property owners instead of trying to scare them into submission with yet another condemned and unusable building.

[iloveionia]

As a contractor, I have looked at this building.  The structural issue, the bulge, a couple of rotten 2x4's covered with stucco,  is a days work. The vast majority of electrical issues are because the suspended ceiling was removed in parts of the second floor.  MCCD's write up makes the building sound ten times worse that it is.

At issue, in my opinion, is that the MCCD inspector, is not qualified for the job he has taken on.  He can not know what the structure is, he doesn't have the qualifications. He can not know what the value is, he isn't a commercial appraiser. Yet he writes it up as bad as he can to , I assume, cover his ass and perhaps because it's what the division chief requires of him.  This does nothing to truly protect the public safety and certainly does nothing but make life harder for the owner of the building.  It also prevents the sale of the building, by the way, because once condemned, it has no value.

This is just bad policy making on the part of the head of MCCD.  Ms. Scott needs to review what is really going on here and start getting her people helping the city and it's property owners instead of trying to scare them into submission with yet another condemned and unusable building.

Well said.  +1

[sheclown]

Tom has filed an appeal asking for two things:

1.) 60 days to complete the necessary repairs

2.) a list of specific repairs

We will see what happens next.

[John P]

If he cant maintain it then he should sell it just like everybody else. I was told it is a wreck inside but that was over a year ago

[sandyshoes]

I thought I had read in the main article that the owner has some serious health problems - that can eat up your bank account in one bite.  With all due respect, since this is also his home, (and please forgive me but I can't tote the barge and lift the bail anymore myself), couldn't some of you wonderful Springfielders and/or someone like Builders Care or the City agency that helps the elderly homeowners do something to save his home?  The man needs help and is probably too proud to ask.  He probably isn't feeling too hot, either.  LOVE one another.

[sheclown]

He needs help cleaning out the space, organizing it, etc.  If you are good at that sort of thing, PM me.  We have some help arriving soon -- the more the merrier.

[John P]

I wonder why is this a front page feature? A person cant maintain his building so it gets condemned until he can fix it. What is the issue? This is not uncommon. Everybody has a reason of some kind.

[iloveionia]

Everyone needs help for different things under different circumstances.  Some folks have the ability to help themselves, others with the help of family, others with the help of complete strangers.  Once of the nicest things about Springfield is a lot of peeps look out for friends and neighbors and a lot of Springfielders help out those in need simply because it is the right thing to do. 

I prefer (and it is the crux of PSOS) to live my life paying it forward under the Golden Rule.  Plain and simple. 

We are helping Springfield Plastics to the best of our ability through our volunteerism.  We are supporting the process of the appeal, helping to clean out the downstairs, and working to generate some income through a variety of means to keep this Springfield business afloat and help a neighbor in need.

"Love each other or perish” ― W.H. Auden

[ChriswUfGator]

I wonder why is this a front page feature? A person cant maintain his building so it gets condemned until he can fix it. What is the issue? This is not uncommon. Everybody has a reason of some kind.

Because its not "condemned until he can fix it" as you've reframed it, the reality is that for whatever reason in Springfield they wind up getting demolished, and the vast majority of folks are sick of it. You're obviously the exception. But this isn't about the owner, it's about the building.

[mbwright]

You are either part of the solution, or part of the problem.  We can all be in a position to help.  If you don't want to, please get out of the way, and stop chastising those that can and do help others for the sake of the whole community. 
I am so glad to know that there are people in this world that do not want, or need the help of others, but many of us do, and appreciate it.  Springfield is a very unique community.

[John P]

I wonder why is this a front page feature? A person cant maintain his building so it gets condemned until he can fix it. What is the issue? This is not uncommon. Everybody has a reason of some kind.

Because its not "condemned until he can fix it" as you've reframed it, the reality is that for whatever reason in Springfield they wind up getting demolished, and the vast majority of folks are sick of it. You're obviously the exception. But this isn't about the owner, it's about the building.

I know a poor guy on beach Blvd that could really some help with his property. His wife has cancer and he lost both children years ago in a accident. He cannot afford much to fix it up either. wheres the big story to help him?

[mbwright]

There are lots of opportunity, especially these days.

[sheclown]

right here John.

All it takes is someone to care -- and you do!!  Marshall the forces and get it done.