OTTAWA — City officials ordered the building that houses Hometown Computers, 124 S Main St., be barricaded. They say the building is an immediate threat to public safety. City planning and codes director Wynndee Lee told Ottawa city commissioners Wednesday night that because of the severely deteriorated condition of the building, building is in imminent state of collapse. It must be shored up, repaired or demolished soon, she said. Inspectors from the city and representing the owner have looked at the three-story building, and she told commissioners there are several factors undermining the building’s structural integrity. The building is in foreclosure and is in control of a Kansas City bank, which is looking at its options. What happens to Hometown Computers is still in limbo. She said the business was ordered to vacate the building. She said she expected the business inventory to be removed during daylight hours. City manager Richard Nienstedt said the commission could hold an emergency special meeting depending on the circumstances.
Thursday, Jan. 5, 4 p.m.
