Bonham -- Two and a half weeks after two buildings in downtown Bonham collapsed, one nearby business remains closed, the Bonham Chamber has been forced to temporarily relocate and a portion of the north side of the Bonham Square is cordoned off because a third building is structurally unsound.
Bonham City Council served notice Monday night at a special called meeting that further lengthy delays in making the area safe would be an unrealistic imposition on area businesses and residents, as well as continue to negatively impact tax rolls.
The city council unanimously issued an ultimatum May 20 that the area will either be made safe by Friday, May 24 or the city will take charge of the demolition.
No business has been hit harder by this 19-day delay than Dollar General, where losses are now estimated to be approximately $100,000. From its convenient location on the northwest corner of the Bonham Square, Dollar General meets the daily shopping needs of a large portion of the people who either work downtown or live nearby. Since the buildings collapsed Thursday evening, May 2, and Dollar General was forced to shut down, shoppers have had to travel farther but nothing compares to the mileage being logged by eight Dollar General employees who have been making daily roundtrips to company locations in Mesquite and Garland. Company headquarters is contemplating closing the store on the Bonham Square if the situation can't be remedied quickly.
In addition, the city and state have suffered the loss of thousands of dollars in tax revenue -- If Dollar General losses add up to $100,000 then that would amount to an $8,250 loss in sales tax revenue.
"Everyone has been very cooperative, but it is just a slow process," said Bonham City Manager Bill Shipp. "As of today, there is no resolution on the part of the insurance company. This thing has dragged on longer than anticipated."
Shipp explained that an asbestos survey would begin Tuesday, May 21 to expedite demolition.
Richard Glaser, owner of the collapsed building that housed the barber shop, addressed city council about the order to make the site safe by Friday and expressed concerns that the short time frame could possibly force him into paying 3-4 times as much for the demolition.
"We want to see some action," Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd remarked.
Glaser said he had no intentions of rebuilding.
"I can deed it to y'all to make a pocket park, if you want," Glaser offered. "I just want to do the right thing and I want to do it properly."
If this situation isn't resolved by Friday, on Saturday the city will most likely notify the demolition crew it has standing by.
In other business, Mayor Roy Floyd, council member Michael Evans, council member John Burnett and council member Milton Glenn were administered the oath of office by Judge Joe C. Dale.
The Bonham City Council selected Evans as mayor pro tem.
Ronnie Sudderth was appointed to fill a vacancy on Bonham Economic Development Corporation.
