WHITMIRE — As Whitmire Town Hall renovations continue as normal, Mayor Billy Hollingsworth is clearing up any confusion on the safety of the building.

“The main town hall building is not unsafe. Work continues on that part as usual. The only part deemed unsafe was the garage area due to structural issues with the adjoining building,” Hollingsworth said.

The building in question, according to Hollingsworth, is the building behind it (the Abrams building adjoining where the old Rescue Squad was). This building is leaning on the garage area and could possibly cause safety and liability concerns if someone were to get hurt.

During March’s Whitmire Council Meeting, Hollingsworth presented a letter from JLA which called for access to the area to be restricted. It stated: ‘JLA recommends that this building and surrounding grounds, sidewalks, parking and so forth be restricted from public access for a distance of the perimeter around the building footprint at least as far as the walls are high. The restriction should remain in effect until the building can be evaluated by qualified structural engineers. The building should be subsequently demolished or retrofitted according to the findings of the engineer.’“

Foot and car traffic have since been blocked off from Setzler Alley to Main Street. Hollingsworth said pending the duration of construction there is no timeline for how long the road will be blocked off.

“Work is progressing well on the main building, so things are on schedule at this point,” he said.

The main Town Hall building remains safe. The building in question is the Abrams building which is leaning heavily on the garage area.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Building1.jpgThe main Town Hall building remains safe. The building in question is the Abrams building which is leaning heavily on the garage area. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

Access has since been restricted from the public due to structural concerns with the adjoining building.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/web1_Building2.jpgAccess has since been restricted from the public due to structural concerns with the adjoining building. Kelly Duncan | The Newberry Observer

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@championcarolinas.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.