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General News: Building on Main Street is Condemned

The residential portion of this building was declared unfit for human occupation.
The residential portion of this building was declared unfit for human occupation.
The sign on the door warned people not to enter.
The sign on the door warned people not to enter.
October 19, 2010

The Cornwall building inspector has condemned a building on Main Street following an early morning fire that alerted authorities to code violations on site.

Building inspector Gary Vinson said that he did an onsite inspection of the building at 296 Main Street on Tuesday and found serious code violations in the residential portion of the building that is also the site of the retail store, Brid’s Closet, which was undamaged in the fire..

Vinson said that the fire was caused by improper wiring and that he found “one of the worst situations I’ve come across in a long time in a residential building.” He described how someone had drilled holes into the wall to run wires to the main electrical service line and an electric heater that was close to bedding and other flammable items.

“There were open flame devices that could have been knocked over,” Vinson said, “and so much clutter and debris that passage through a room was difficult.” Vinson said that Brid’s Closet had a recent fire inspection and that the store could re-open once it established a separate electrical meter.  The store's owner, Bernadette Montana, said on Wednesday that she expects to be back open soon. "Everything is fine with the store," she told News from Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson, " and we will re-opening shortly."

Residents of two apartments in the building will be allowed to remove their belongings, Vinson said, but will not be allowed to stay overnight in the condemned structure.

Building owner Salvatore Ruggiero was out of town during the day’s events.



Comments:

Another historically important building in Cornwall let to ruin? Wise up town or go the way of Vails Gate!


posted by Walter Earl on 10/20/10 at 6:12 AM

Hopefully this will be a wake-up call to the town. They've got to start enforcing existing and/or passing new ordinances to make sure these buildings are being maintained properly.


posted by Dean DeGennaro on 10/20/10 at 11:18 AM

It is a shame that this happened to this building. I have always worked hard to keep this place presentable. The store is fine and we will be up and running once the electric situation is settled. I can't thank the town enough for all it's support!


posted by Bernadette Montana on 10/20/10 at 12:39 PM

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