Nick DeGray and Kate Wilkinson
4 weeks ago
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Debris fell off of a building next to Holyoke City Hall Tuesday morning, closing the sidewalk out of caution.
According to the Holyoke Fire Department, High Street was closed from Suffolk Street and Dwight Street around 9:39 a.m. Tuesday morning but has since reopened. Our 22News crew could see police tape blocking off an area of a building next to Holyoke City Hall. Debris from the building fell to the street level but the building has not collapsed.
Holyoke Fire Captain David Rex told 22News there were no injuries. The building was built in 1906 and is currently not occupied. Firefighters have put up scaffolding and used a drone to evaluate the damage. Rex said they believe the building is structurally okay but they are concerned about the roof and paneling around the edges of the roof.
The exact cause of the fallen debris is under investigation but Rex said they believe the birds may have pushed some of the debris down. Weather may also be a factor.
“Unfortunately with all this rain, the weird weather pattern we’ve had, it’s been a lot more water than anything and if the roof isn’t completely intact, this is what we deal with,” said Rex.
The owner of the property is aware of the situation and is working to make repairs.
Rex added the City Hall has not been evacuated. The sidewalk will remain closed as crews evaluated the building.