Emails reveal rush to demolish building that collapsed and killed 6 in Phila.

[JPZenger]

http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/inquirer/20131220_Inquirer_Editorial__Rush_to_disaster.html

Back in May, a building that was being improperly demolished in Center City Phila. collapsed on an adjacent Salvation Army Thrift Store, killing 6 and injuring 14. A series of criminal charges have been brought against the people responsible. The following are excerpts from a Phila. Inquirer editorial about some of the newer revelations:

"But there was no sense of urgency during the years when building owner Basciano sat on several shabby buildings near 22d and Market, a dead zone that included a porn theater. When the surrounding neighborhood began to thrive, though, the land suddenly became valuable.

Experts say demolitions next to occupied buildings should be done by hand. A grand jury found that this job was done that way until the contractor brought in an 18-ton excavator, which proved too rough for the fragile wall.

E-mails from the days before collapse show mounting pressure and an alarming sense of arrogance among those who stood to profit from a quick job. On May 22, a Basciano consultant suggested repeating a request to the Salvation Army for access to the store's roof to aid in demolition. Basciano's property manager responded, "Why? Waste more time? Wait for someone to be killed? You can do what you want but I am NOT backing off with these people and their half-baked charity. Perhaps you have the time and/or desire to 'deal' with their idiotic behavior: I don't and I won't. I have to look after the interests of the Owners - Richard and his daughters."

Prosecutors and plaintiffs' lawyers argue that the wall collapsed because safety was sacrificed to get the job done cheaply. The grand jury found that demolition contractor Griffin Campbell had workers strip out joists that he sold for $6 to $8 apiece. No wonder the unsupported wall came down."