Pledging to make demolitions safer after two rowhouses collapsed while the city worked next door, Baltimore officials yesterday adopted sweeping changes in the way they topple mid-block houses.
The reforms were suggested by a consultant hired after back-to-back mishaps in June. While the consultant's report does not use critical language, the contrast between its recommendations and the city's previous practices is severe.
The collapses occurred on Mount Street June 19 and Montford Avenue a week later. After the second mishap, Mayor Kurt L. zTC Schmoke ordered a halt to mid-block demolitions and the city hired a consultant to prepare a how-to manual.
Housing Spokesman Zack Germroth said the demolitions could resume as soon as today. "We've talked to the mayor and have been given the green light."
The collapses came amid Housing Commissioner Daniel P. Henson III's accelerated demolition campaign, which aims to take down 1,000 houses this year and another 1,000 next year.
"The demolition of old and neglected buildings at any site is a risky business," Henson said yesterday at a press conference, where the consultant's report was released. By adopting the report, he said, "We are making sure we are doubly safe."
After examining practices in Washington, Philadelphia, New York and Boston and reviewing Baltimore's two collapses, consultant Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson recommended that:
Before a demolition begins, a structural engineer should inspect the targeted house and adjacent houses and prepare a written report that cites possible problems.
"Demolition is a risky business," said Jack Moeller, senior vice president of the Cockeysville consulting firm. "It's also much more risky when you don't know the condition of the house."
Rowhouses adjacent to occupied houses should be demolished by hand "to minimize the risk of damage to the adjacent house and assure the safety of the occupants," the report said.
Officials said this would cost an extra $1,000 and turn a half-day job into a week-long job.
Until now, cranes and other heavy equipment have been used to topple rowhouses, though a few private contractors hired by the city take them down by hand. The report suggests that heavy equipment be used only when the adjacent homes are vacant or the residents have been moved out.
Adjacent property owners should be given "adequate advance notice." City officials said they would try to give 30 days' notice. On Mount Street and Montford Avenue, neighbors say they were given no notice.
