We ask, what could ever go wrong? Why do we need standards and codes? On November 29, 2016 we heard discussions with interested asking great question on how to make a growing downtown Sioux Falls a more inviting place to walk, shop, work and live. It all starts with standards based in codes laid out to make it work.
Why do we let developers who are concerned about their property but not the well-being or feel of the rest? We have design standards to build in safe streets and vibrancy.
Gee, why would we need standards or codes? What could ever go wrong?
If you watch, throughout the meeting in public comments, Norm Drake, one of the main owners in Legacy Development, makes several comments about being against standards. Legacy was involved with the collapsed Lewis building.
For the building collapse there’s OSHA, insurance company(s), and wrongful death lawsuit(s) forthcoming. Lots of private awards but (per charter and ordinance) the city is exempt. How does it feel when city government makes the rules they can’t enforce and refuse to be responsible for?
Should a grand jury be convened to investigate the processes of city government since we now have a death related to the way our fearful leader operates?
Hey, Dan. Should the city have to station a full-time employee at every construction project in the city to assure that contractors follow codes?
How about all those folks that don’t even bother to take out permits (there’s a lot of ’em). What to do about them? Does every property in town need a full-time baby sitter?
Ruf, you are correct. But this isn’t an illegal hot tub patio, this is a project that has endured many complaints before the incident happened. Maybe Mr. Kant isn’t telling the whole story, but I would think if someone went to building services and told them of the cracks, someone would have made a special trip to take a gander.
Besides, this is the same city that arrested a man for having a stack of shingles in his back yard.