Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 8, 2024 – The City of Jonesboro said it plans to bring a condemnation resolution on the old Citizens Bank building to the Public Safety Committee this month.
In a news release sent out Thursday, City of Jonesboro Director of Communications Donna Malone said city engineering is continuing to work with Nabholz Construction on gathering price quotes for removing the building. She added that several built-in contingencies will make the removal price vary.
Two demolition experts, North Delta Engineering and Pickering Firm, Inc., have looked at the building. The news release said the two most important factors the city is considering will be the cost and length of the project.
North Delta Engineering was asked to view the building from the perspective viewpoint of city ordinances for condemnation. Pickering Firm Inc. provided a second opinion on the full structure from a stability standpoint.
The news release added that while city officials have continued discussions with property owners about alternate solutions, the City will be continuing their current path toward condemning the structure.
“Legal, engineering experts and Nabholz Construction are working as quickly as possible on this project with a focus on ensuring that we follow our legal process and protect the city from future liabilities. While re-opening Main Street is the top priority, we have a responsibility to ensure that we act in the best interest of public funds,” Malone said in the news release.
The City plans to bring a condemnation resolution to the Public Safety Committee this month, followed by a 20-day notice before it moves to the full City Council.
Main Street was first shut down Sept. 25 when City Councilperson Chris Moore noticed a bulge in the side of the building, located at 100 W. Washington. Since then, parts of Main Street have been blocked off and protection walls have been constructed around surrounding businesses.
The full engineering reports can be read here.
