Saint John Building Inspector Amy Poffenroth tells CHSJ News her office is aware there have been complaints about the building, which rained a pile of loose bricks onto the sidewalk in February 2012. It was after that damage--caused, according to Blanchard, by a leak in the roof of which he was unaware--that the decision was made to cover the facade of the historic rooming house with the tarp. Wooden barricades have also been installed blocking off part of the sidewalk.
Although the adjoining buildings are occupied, the tarp-covered portion has remained vacant for years. While Blanchard says the only people complaining are disgruntled ex-tenants, neighbours disagree, saying the plastic covering is unsightly and flaps loudly in high winds. Further, the derelict look of the building discourages others in the neighborhood from taking pride in their own properties.
Blanchard says he's commited to finishing the job in early September.
