4/3/2006
Media Contact:
Justin Ohlemiller, [317] 327-3690 |
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City continues clean up efforts from last night’s storm
Initial structural damage estimate is $1.5 million
INDIANAPOLIS - City crews were out in force today cleaning up debris and assessing damage left from last night’s storm.
"Sunday's severe weather left many residential neighborhoods and businesses in need of city assistance," Mayor Bart Peterson said. "Our city clean up crews and inspectors have been out since late last night working hard to clear the streets and right-of-ways, repair traffic signals and signs, and assess damage."
Damage Assessment. Today, Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) building inspectors completed damage assessments of dozens of buildings. The initial estimate of structural damage to the more than 30 structures, which included apartment buildings, single-family homes and commercial buildings, is more than $1.5 million. Note: This does not include an estimate of One Indiana Square, as city inspectors and engineers are still in the process of assessing the damage to the downtown high-rise.
During the assessments, building inspectors estimated the amount of damage and deemed structures as "safe" or "unsafe." Property owners with buildings deemed unsafe should not attempt to retrieve items without the assistance from public safety officials.
If the city has declared a home unsafe, it can not be occupied until all required repairs are completed. Buildings permits are required for repair and demolition work and may be obtained at 604 N. Sherman Drive once the appropriate documentation, including the scope of work and building plans, are submitted. Questions may be directed to 327-8700.
Neighborhood Clean-up. The Department of Public Works (DPW) and crews from the forestry division of Indy Parks and Recreation have been out in neighborhoods since shortly after the storm hit, removing trees and other debris from city streets and sidewalks. Indy Parks workers responded to more than 115 resident calls about debris and cleared more than 135 trees from city streets and sidewalks. Residents should call 327-5942 or 327-4MAC to report trees down in city rights-of-way.
DPW crews also removed downed trees and limbs from neighborhoods and cleared debris downtown, including pieces blown from the damaged One Indiana Square building. Workers also got 55 traffic signals knocked out by the storm back up and running and responded to resident concerns with flooding.
Contractors. Mayor Peterson strongly urged property owners who need repairs made to their homes or businesses to only work with contractors who are licensed or listed with the City of Indianapolis.
Property owners also should request a copy of required permits from the contractor before any work is done. To determine if a contractor is licensed or listed or if a permit is required, property owners can call 327-8700.
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