Second Weiler hearing held (2/16/05)

A few area residents voiced some concerns Tuesday evening about whether restoring the Weiler Building is feasible, while most others showed continuing support for the project.

A public hearing was held Tuesday to gather input on a grant application for the renovation of the 80-year-old building. A preliminary application submitted by the city was selected as one of the finalists for state funding.

The city is applying for a $500,000 grant through the Indiana Department of Commerce. The building, which is located at the corner of Main and Meridian streets in downtown Portland, will be the new home for the John Jay Center for Learning.

Portland resident Terry Robbins asked why the JJCL wants to spend such a large amount of money on a building that is falling down.

Ron Ross of the engineering/architectural firm Martin Riley Mock of Fort Wayne said the building is structurally sound. To build a new structure just like it would cost more than it would to restore it, Ross said.

Robbins also wanted to know why the Cline-Wilt Lumber Company building, formerly located on South Meridian Street, wasn’t used for the JJCL.

President of the JJCL board of directors Doug Inman said the original relocation plan for the higher learning institution was to demolish the former lumber building and build a new 12,000 square foot facility in its place.

This would have cost an estimated $3.5 million to construct. At the time, the board of directors was working with a consulting firm from Anderson. The firm determined it was not possible to raise the money needed for the project. The board then began considering the Weiler Building because it would be easier to raise funds to restore a building the community cared about, Inman said.

The lumber company building was demolished last year, and the lot is the planned site for Freedom Park to honor local veterans.

Mark Iliff of Portland then asked Ross what would be done to stop water from coming into the basement of the building.

Ross said the needed roof work is the project’s first priority because it will prevent additional damage. Once those repairs are made, the source of the water in the basement will be determined, and the problem will be fixed.

Iliff also said he was concerned about the mold in the building. He said he has two daughters with asthma who cannot be around mold. He asked why money should be invested in the building if kids could get sick.

“I won’t say we will get all the mold out,” Ross said, adding every attempt will be made to prevent similar problems in the future.

While some concerns were aired Tuesday evening, most area residents in attendance at the hearing spoke in support of the project.

One of those who spoke was Jay County Development Corporation executive director Robert Quadrozzi, who is also a member of the JJCL board of directors. He said the restoration of the Weiler Building for the JJCL is important because it will provide an educational facility for young people. Expanding the JJCL might encourage young adults in the area to go to school here and get jobs here, he said.

“I don’t think we should lose the (positive) focus of the building,” Quadrozzi said.

Also Tuesday, Jay County community developer Wayne Bailey encouraged area residents to write letters of support for the project. He said the letters need to be submitted by March 18. They can be dropped off at the mayor’s office at Portland City Hall, the JJCL or his office located at 122 E. Main St., Portland. The letters will be submitted as part of the grant application, he said.

The city of Portland is applying for the grant on behalf of the JJCL. The next application in this grant round is due April 1.

The names of those chosen to receive the grants will be announced in early June, Bailey said.[[In-content Ad]]