News
Toledo city to close mall if asbestos not cleaned up |
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| News >> May 2008 |
Fri 5/9/2008 Zervos, commissioner of building inspection for the city, said that the present condition of the mall is hazardous for the public and people who are working there. "They will have 72 hours to clean up the asbestos and the mold so that dust is not allowed to escape into the public areas of the mall. The mall will be closed Monday if the same scenario continues," he said. Fire and safety inspectors conducted an inspection Friday. Environmental services commissioner Tim Murphy said that asbestos was present in the former Montgomery Ward store. "Black mold was found on the ceiling in the main courtyard of the vacant shopping mall," he said. Zervos said that the former store is not accessible to the public. "However, maintenance employees frequently have entered. Asbestos could be escaped into public areas of the Mall," he said. Mayor Carty Finkbeiner hopes the toxic substances will be removed soon. "I hope it will not come to the point where we have to close the mall. If it does come to that, the development department will work with current tenants to help them in their relocation efforts," he said. Six stores are in service at the shopping center, 2040 South Reynolds Rd.
City of Toledo has decided to close the Shopping Mall if its owners are not ready to clean up toxic black mold and hazardous asbestos found there last week. City said that they will send 72-hour orders to the management.