City Orders Alluvion to Remove Shipping Container from Rocky Mountain Building Site – Container Homes Builder

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City Orders Removal of Shipping Containers at Alluvion Health Site

In a recent development regarding the ongoing construction project at the Rocky Mountain Building in Great Falls, Montana, city officials have officially directed Alluvion Health to remove shipping containers that have occupied the public right-of-way for nearly two years. This order comes amidst concerns about the project’s progress and a growing number of complaints from the community.

Background of the Shipping Containers

For the last two years, shipping containers have served as a temporary solution for pedestrian safety on Central Avenue, covering a walkway that became obstructed due to ongoing construction work. Their presence was initially accepted as necessary when construction commenced, but with work halted and the site evacuated of cranes and heavy machinery, the containers have become an eyesore and a safety concern.

The City’s Response

On October 29, Brock Cherry, the city’s planning director, sent an email to Bill Preston, the interim CEO of Alluvion Health. Cherry’s message clearly articulated the city’s position: “Due to ongoing construction inactivity and a significant increase in community complaints, the container must be removed… by Nov. 15.” He emphasized that should Alluvion fail to comply, the city would take further actions regarding the illegal encroachment on public property.

Cherry also noted that any potential future construction would not justify the continued presence of the shipping containers, highlighting the city’s commitment to maintaining pedestrian access and safety as a priority.

Structural Concerns and Engineering Assessments

Adding urgency to the situation, city officials have expressed significant concern over the structural stability of the northeast corner of the Rocky Mountain Building. For months, the city has been awaiting an engineering assessment from Sletten Construction to evaluate the integrity of the building, which has tied into the decision-making process surrounding the shipping container’s presence.

Cherry stated that for the containers to be removed, Alluvion must provide either a signed letter from a licensed engineer confirming the building’s stability or present an alternative plan for pedestrian protection, subject to city approval.

Lack of Communication from Alluvion

As of November 6, the city had not received any updates or information from Alluvion Health regarding compliance with their directives. In a statement to The Electric, Maia LaSalle, a spokesperson for Alluvion, indicated that they had acknowledged the city’s letter and were actively working with their partners to resolve the matter beneficially for both patients and the downtown community.

However, despite these assurances, the shipping containers remained on-site as of November 7, illustrating a disconnect between the city’s resolution efforts and Alluvion’s response.

Community Impact and Future Actions

The prolonged presence of the shipping containers and halted construction has raised concerns among local residents and businesses about the future of the Rocky Mountain Building project, as well as the wider implications for the downtown area. Pedestrian safety and ease of access are paramount, especially for those navigating through the central district. The situation calls into question the effectiveness of communication and collaboration between city officials and Alluvion.

As it stands, the city’s message is clear: without swift action from Alluvion to address these concerns and adhere to compliance requirements, the city will be forced to take actions to alleviate this public safety concern, which could have ramifications for Alluvion’s future projects.

In conclusion, the situation surrounding the shipping containers at Alluvion’s project site in Great Falls serves as a poignant reminder of the need for active communication and accountability in urban development. As local residents hope for an expedited resolution, the implications of this case may influence future construction protocols within the city. The deadline set by the city illustrates the balancing act between development and community wellbeing, a crucial aspect for any urban environment aiming for sustainable growth.

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