The Editor:
I am hoping this is something that interests you as I need some help. On October 22 I called the city about a house demolition happening behind me as I had seen on postings or permits. I spoke to [Director of Community Development Services] Alex [Wenger], who told me that they knew about the upcoming demolition, but a permit had not been pulled yet. I informed them it was in progress and at least two dump truck loads of contaminated debris had been hauled away.
The next morning a stop work order was issued for no permit or asbestos inspection. An asbestos abatement company came, I spoke to them briefly as I was/am concerned about health issues. He said there was asbestos and mold. Mold being the main concern as the rain was helping to control the asbestos.
He told me on October 23 that he was recommending tarping and fencing ASAP. Neither has been done. I have spoken or emailed the city every day since, dealing with Wenger or [city building official] Clay [Salzman].
My issue now is that nothing has been done. It still sits exposed and dangerously close to my property line. I spoke to Scott [Pratschner] at NW Clean Air Agency. He told me to keep my windows closed, stay indoors and take my shoes off before entering my home. We usually communicate daily too. I have been told that Labor and Industry, the city and NW Clean Air are involved. This is day 12 and nothing has been done except danger tape around the site.
I cannot express how much of an inconvenience this has been. I have friends with COPD, a neighbor with lung cancer and some that have weakened immune systems. They were never warned. I worry when I let my dog out, I lose sleep at night worrying about it. It is so unfair that a neighbor is being allowed to expose us all. I want the demolition site taken care of now. Why should I and others have to wait almost two weeks to have this taken care of?
My next step will be to get legal advice. I am 70 and on a fixed income but will try to make something work.
Lyn Rogers
Blaine
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