Chicago Porch 1

[dik]

From the Chicago Tribune:

The owner of the Lincoln Park building where a porch collapse killed 13 people in June agreed Wednesday to pay $112,700 to settle city code violations at 22 buildings he owns.

Attorneys for Philip Pappas and two of his companies agreed to pay $108,500 in the city's case against them for 713 W. Wrightwood Ave., where the porch collapsed June 29, killing 13 and injuring dozens. Pappas also agreed to pay $200 for each of 21 other buildings where the city alleged porches on buildings he owns were constructed in violation of city code or without permits.

 

[ishvaaag]

An agreeable man ...

But that citizens behave uncivily is no wonder when so many civil servants neither fare very well in mores, and awesome numbers of people get simply off social wealth.

It is the duty of the state to give example to the people and ensuring everyone gets a decent life. Then surely will see far less code violations.

 

[dbuzz]

I qualify my comment by stating that I don't know anything about this case...$112,700 seems to be an inadequant and lenient penalty if the owner has been negligent is some way.

What value on human life? $8,669 per person?

 

[Bbird]

I am in the same situation as dbuzz. Without prejudice I must admit the fine seems nothing in comparison to 13 lives and proven violation of city code.

I am talking of course on the assumption that the loss of lives was a direct consequence of the code violation, based on the impression of dik's report.

It could be a case of simple porch design with minor infringements of the city regulations blown out of proportion after the tragedy but the fact 22 buildings were involved and the design has proved to be a serious risk to the public is not a small matter.

Can the American engineers comment if the amount of fine involved is adequate just for paying an idependent structural engineer's investigation, analysis and calculation, reporting and acting as expert witness in the court proceeding for this saga.