PLYMOUTH — Heartland Artists Center in Plymouth came before the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety with a
number of requests as they continue with a major renovation of their building in Plymouth’s downtown.
While several of the requests received quick approval from the board, the repair of the masonry at the back of the building included a need that brought concern from the board. Architect for the project — Brent Martin — asked the board for approval to close the alleyway directly behind the building for as much as eight weeks to erect scaffolding and allow for masons to do their repair work on the back of the building.
Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt expressed concern with the closing of the alley, saying that the trash pickup problems encountered when the alley was closed during the recent construction of the Water Street Apartment complex were, “…a mess.” Martin countered that there was no other way.
During the ensuing discussion, the possibility of using a lift rather than scaffolding was discussed, which led to Board Member Don Ecker moving to table the request.
An earlier request to place several bollards — short, sturdy vertical posts, typically made of steel, concrete, or iron, designed to control traffic, enhance security, and protect pedestrians or infrastructure from vehicle impacts — at the back of the building to protect downspouts and utilities from damage.
Concern was expressed about the effect on the passability of the alleyway, but the recent replacement of utility poles resulted in three more feet at the back of the building, and the bollards would be six inches from the building itself.
Requests for a dumpster on Michigan Street, a construction fence to provide safety during facade work, and a brief closing of the alley to allow for the placing of a crane on top of the building were passed.
