Friday will mark the first anniversary of an event that Chautauqua County Rural Ministry is still dealing with today...the collapse of 123 Central Avenue in downtown Dunkirk. The building complex was closed for nearly a month until demolition could take place. Among the impacts on the agency, the relocation of 19 people to the State University of New York at Fredonia until the facility could be re-opened. Steve Keefe, President of Rural Ministry's Board of Directors, says he is thankful there were no injuries or deaths from the collapse, but he says the anti-poverty agency is still dealing with legal issues nearly a year later...
Keefe-Still dealing with legal issues
The owner of the building at 125 Central passed away earlier this year, complicating the situation. Peterson says they are seeking state funding so that final repairs can be made...
Peterson-Seeking some state funding
The project is one of six from Chautauqua County that have been listed in the Western New York Economic Development Council's $75 million request for state funding. Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce the final projects later this fall.