Published: September 23, 2008 10:21 pm            

WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM: Abandoned factory near school worries reader

Once a thriving paper mill, the old factory on the corner of Mill and Clinton streets is now a dilapidated, abandoned brick structure.

The state of the building causes concern for one local resident, who called the US&J to say he’s worried about the safety of students at DeWitt Clinton Elementary School, two blocks away.

“Every (other) school in Lockport does not have any dilapidated buildings around them,” he said. “The other schools in the neighborhoods are beautiful and nice, but nothing gets done about Lowertown. ... The building’s been standing there, and it’s about to fall down, and the mayor has done nothing about this building.”

The factory, built in the 1880s, was once owned by the Lockport Paper Co.

Mayor Michael Tucker said the city’s building inspection department has been trying to deal with the owner of the property, who’s out of town.

Building Inspector Jason Dool said the building is owned by Niagara Rehab Associates in Toronto.

Dool said he believes the owner of the property is going through the housing court system.

“It is going through the process,” Dool said.

Tucker said the city is aware of the safety concerns related to the building.

“We’re always concerned,” he said. “I think the kids are well aware of the building, and they know to stay out of there. We’re aware of it. Once we get a hold of the owner, we’ll go in there ... do the right thing and clean it up.”

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

Do you have a problem in your neighborhood that needs to be addressed?

• Contact Union-Sun & Journal Managing Editor Tim Marren at 439-9222, ext. 6238; e-mail him at marrent@gnnewspaper.com

• Or write to: Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, 170 East Ave., Lockport, NY 14094, attn: What’s Your Problem?

        

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