It is well known that Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr and the City Council want to tear down Bresse Tower at 4 North Vermilion, as well as the Courthouse Annex building adjacent to it at 6 North Vermilion. But actually getting it done remains a challenge. One item on Tuesday night’s City Council agenda had an additional $100,000 going into the city’s legal fund to help with the next battle with the owners in Circuit Court. Mayor Williams says, the additional funding is needed because now more parties are involved with the main owners, and that means more complications and more paperwork.
AUDIO: We are adding those organizations. We are also doing some additional assessments in terms of updated cost estimates for payers and things like that, in order to be prepared for court. We’ve also reengaged outside council to help us handle this matter.
Williams says, the Breese Tower owners might still claim they have ideas for Danville’s tallest building that is now over 100 years old. But it’s not practical, and certainly not safe.
AUDIO: They have dreams, however not the resources in terms of money nor partners to implement that dream. So unfortunately we have given them three-and-a-half years to realize their dream, and sadly for all of us it hasn’t gone anywhere, Therefore, it’s time to move before someone gets hurt, or killed.
As area motorists know, one lane of Main Street right below Bresee Tower is blocked off in case of falling debris. Williams says the goal in Circuit Court will simply be, force the owners to tear it down, or allow the city to do so.
