Monday, February 9, 2015

Charlotte Fire Department's New Headquarters Still Under Construction

Back in September WCNC ran this story that didn't get a lot of traction.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Construction delays at the new Charlotte Fire Department headquarters are costing the contractor $174,000 in fines, city officials said.

The fines, also called liquidated damages, means that money could end up back in city coffers once the project is finished.

As of Tuesday, construction is 348 days behind schedule. The building is expected to be finished in October with a move-in date near the end of the year.

Window installation problems are the cause of most of the problems.

The first attempt to install them didn't work. The windows didn't fit and steel refabricating needed for the do-over caused a domino effect because the inside can't be finished until the exterior is sealed.

Neighbor Shertana Millen, who lives two blocks away, says if there's a rush to finish, you can't tell by the number of people working there.

"Very few guys out there. Even when you do see them, they're drinking (water) or just talking. I don't see them working."

Another neighbor who doesn't want to be identified says it is the slowest construction project he's ever seen and he's watched crews do some jobs over and over again, not just the windows.

The contractor, Myers & Chapman, Inc., is incurring $500 a day in liquidated damages, which now total that $174,000 amount.

The exact amount to be determined once it's finished, which is now slated for October.

Myers & Chapman says some construction complexities came up, but they are committed to providing a quality building to the city.

A link to the full story that aired on September 2nd is here.

Well, it is now the second week of February and they are still working on the project.

But don't expect that $500.00 a day fine to end up back in the taxpayers pockets.

Rather than give back to citizens, is seems they might just have enough to cover all the upgrades.

Apparently, Chief Hannan Ok'd This Glass Panel Flaming Staircase


Upgrades like this staircase with brass hand rails and glass with flames, by Roost Designs. Described as a "subtle combo of elegance and outrageousness" nice if you are Felix Sabates doing a little remodeling out at Quail Hollow.

You got to ask yourself as a taxpayer how does all that bling, make me safer? Or as a wife or husband of the firefighter, how do brass hand rails in headquarters insure the father or mother of my kids comes home when the "B" shift is over?



11 comments:

Anonymous said...

How about installing brass poles, CFD can use them for visitor entertainment. They blow more money then men in a strip club anyway.

Maybe better pay for firefighters instead of a staircase to relish something out of Gone with the Wind.

I want someone to tell me the cost on that, brass isnt cheap and flames in glass.....wow, welcome to Carnival Cruise Lines.

Anonymous said...

1:01 you are so right, Carnival Cruise lines, but maybe there's going to be a water slide?

And they aren't in yet? Seriously?

And why has this joke not been reported in the mainstream media?

Anonymous said...

Will the slot machines be upstairs ????

Anonymous said...

Its just a matter of time before all of this mess will earn Hannan a trip to the wood shed. The old "I didn't know about that" excuse will eventually not work. He pulled that card out with the antique apparatus maintenance and training costs that were exposed not to long ago.....

Anonymous said...

This is the most screwed up city I have ever seen. The Ex criminal mayor, the chief of police, the city manager. Quite the organized criminal empire.

Anonymous said...

6:28 I wish it was true, but Hannan is in bed with the City Manager Carlee.

The trail of disingenuous civil servants begins with telling employees to delete emails. And that my friends is obstruction of justice. Plain and Simple.

But as you saw with the IRS nothing happens.

So how can you trust city council when only one member is calling for an investigation?

Anonymous said...

Chief Hannan is the man!!! He runs that city. Plays the council like puppets and may as well call Carlee his bitch. When are city council members gonna pour water on his fire and wash him right on out! Remember the election is coming council. Its time to stand up and return ethics to the city and call a vote.

The Mayor has been very very quiet. The noise on this whole mess is getting louder. This is like an episode of CSI, i'm hooked.

Anonymous said...

This is all Rodney Monroe's fault!! I can't believe he has now corrupted the CFD also. When the CIA/DIA/PBS/CBS/NBC/MOUSE investigation is done everyone will see what I've been saying for years!!!

Wait...has anyone seen my Fedora? This cold wind has chilled my brain...

Anonymous said...

From the appearence of Ms Ron Carlee, I'd say his boyfreind designed the flaming fire staircase.

Anonymous said...

It is an Ego house to the Chief.

And it will always be unfinished.

Karma is a bitch and when it comes knocking it will latch on to his ass and not let go.

Anonymous said...

I went on a Carnival Cruise once