Documents detail disrepair at market building; Mayor Bowers takes blame

Mayor Bowers says he wouldn't have eaten at the market had he known that it hadn't been cleaned in about 10 years

By: WSLS-TV Staff Reports | WSLS
Published: September 24, 2008

Warning: Some may consider these photos graphic.
Inspection photos

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WSLS 10 On Your Side obtained documents from the 'Virginia Department Of Health' which detail the disrepair at the city market building.

Since the city is the building's landlord -- we asked to discuss the inspection results with City Manager Darlene Burcham. But she never returned our call.

When we showed them to Mayor David Bowers -- he had plenty to say.

Mollie says: "So this one says "observed multiple holes in the holes and walls which perpetuate..."

Mayor David Bowers replies: "It's awful, it's awful, it's atrocious, it's despicable, I'm ashamed."

The documents also show that the "physical structure is not maintained in good repair." And, that inspectors saw "multiple holes in the floors and walls." Inspectors also noted that a vendor told them that the "ceiling leaks during rain storms."

Mollie asks: "Why did it get to this point?"

"I don't know, you can keep asking me that, I don't know", replied Bowers.

Mayor Bowers says he wouldn't have eaten at the market had he known that it hadn't been cleaned in about 10 years. He says that's too long And, as mayor -- he accepts the blame.

"That's a city property, we should have maintained it, we didn't, we're going to do it now," Bowers told us.

But, according to the lease between the city and the vendors -- both parties are responsibile for the building's upkeep.

The city's obligations include, but are not limited to, repairs to the roof, exterior and interior walls. Tenants are supposed to keep the premise in good repair, condition and appearance. That includes storing items in accordance with health codes.

Mollie asks, "Is there a certain maintenance schedule that the city implements to make sure that its properties are up to spec?"

"There has not been -- there will be now," Bowers said.

The city will call for regular cleanups twice a year at the market building. Bowers says regular maintenance schedules should be set up at every public building to ensure the safety and welfare of the public.

After all, Bowers added, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness."