Main Street in Susanville was scheduled to close today between Weatherlow and Cottage Streets to facilitate the demolition of the St. Francis. A notice announcing the closure was posted on social media Thursday afternoon but has since been removed, leaving it unclear whether the work will proceed as planned. Detours were set to begin at 8 a.m., with the project expected to be completed by the end of the day.
No official statement has been issued regarding the current status of the demolition. However, a statement from City Manager Dan Newton at the Susanville City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6, may shed light on a potential reason for the delay. Newton explained that the Department of Emergency Services had deployed a cadaver dog and handler to inspect the site, checking for anyone who might be trapped or any remains within the building.
“The dog did hit on a few areas, and so we needed to take time to inspect and search for bodies. None were found, but that doesn’t mean the site has been completely entered and inspected, so it’s possible there is somebody in there,” Newton said. This added inspection could be a factor in the postponed closure and uncertainty surrounding the demolition.
Photos courtesy of Bob Kelly, Susanville West Maintenance Supervisor
