As part of the judicial complex in downtown Hopkinsville, 521 Weber Street has served many purposes — most recently as the county treasurer’s office.
Tuesday morning in Christian County Fiscal Court, however, magistrates accepted recommendations presented by the Hopkinsville Fire Department, and unanimously opted to surplus the property.
According to Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam, it will either end up in the hands of someone interested in historic preservation, or will be razed altogether for more space.
Chad Sivills, Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention, said there were multiple concerns, while magistrates Phillip Peterson and Rich Leibe confirmed some issues.
Sivills noted it all begins in the cellar, which has a dirt floor and a lot of the original foundation, with extensive termite damage nearby.
Gilliam further clarified that this assessment just includes 521 Weber Street, and not the old judge-executive’s office, nor any of the other structures along Weber Street.
In fact, Gilliam said the old judge-executive’s office next to the “Chapel of Love” remains occupied, while Magistrate Russ Guffey asked if it was possible to review the building’s structural integrity — perhaps to find consistencies for further prevention.
Magistrate George Barnett said none of the county’s other nearby buildings “fit the criteria” of 521 Weber Street’s disrepair, which he said includes loose stone, disintegrated brick foundation.
With the building currently uninhabited, Gilliam said he wasn’t sure how any potential proprietor would get the structure back up to standards, but that could be an option if an interested party shows intent.
If no one comes forward, expect the property to be demolished.
In other court news:
— Melissa Goff, director of the Christian County Animal Shelter, confirmed nearly 500 animals came in their doors for the month of June. Year-to-date, she said their office has taken in nearly 250 more animals than they had this time last year.
Last month, more than 200 animals went out for adoption. The ratio of having two going out for every five coming in, however, is untenable.
Gilliam confirmed that at least 26 animals per week are taken to Butler County for spay/neuter, while Goff affirmed that Montgomery County, and some other regional outlets, are willing to offer spay/neuter services at reasonable rates.
