Parker also said that he expects debris to be removed from 501-507 Main within the next day or two and that the building will then be opened for business tenants to retrieve material.
After that, Parker said the building will be demolished.
Parker indicated that his department had been responding to calls from throughout the city, and that 14 of 20 properties which have been inspected have been declared unsafe.
"Because we declare them unsafe does not mean there is a danger of collapse," Parker said.
Parker cited 712 Main Street, the New Bible Church, as one structure which has significant structural concerns, along with 472 Main Street.
Parker said that efforts were being made to secure the roof beams at 472 Main, and that when secure it would be possible to declare it fit for occupancy and for residents to return, along with residents of neighboring buildings, known as the Vinci Block. Parker said that the reason neighboring buildings were vulnerable is that they share common walls.
While the city has received many questions from single family homeowners, he said that most homes with peaked roofs have nothing to worry about. He advised that clearing flat roofs, if it can be done safely, is advisable.
Asked why the commercial buildings in town are under such stress, Parker explained that a cubic foot of snow weighs 15 pounds, and that most commercial roofs are zoned to hold 30 pounds per square foot. He indicated that some buildings have far more than two feet of snow on the roof, and that ice and water made the load heavier.
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