35W bridge collapse results in condemned home
My home was just condemned by Minneapolis. I expected, perhaps, that the government would seize the property for eminent domain later this year…but not this. I’m back in shock.
New news: NTSB is focusing on the southern end - the end that is 23 yards from the above door. Apparently, it shifted 50 feet toward said door before the bridge collapsed.
EDIT Sun, Aug 5: Link to Star Tribune story broken and as a commenter revealed, it looks as if it was taken off of the site entirely. Corrected link on behalf of Noah to mirror of the story on MSNBC. Here’s also a Google cached version of the original. -Aaron.
EDIT Sun, Aug 5: Link to Star Tribune story broken and as a commenter revealed, it looks as if it was taken off of the site entirely. Corrected link on behalf of Noah to mirror of the story on MSNBC. Here’s also a Google cached version of the original. -Aaron.
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Did they give you any warning that your house was going to be condemned? Just a note on the door when you got home? Are they putting you up somewhere?
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Can’t tell you what your words and stories have meant to me this week. You provided a simple and first-person reporting of a horrible tragedy without the hype of local/national news coverage.
So sorry to hear that you must evacuate, but after reading about the bridges side-step toward your living quarters, it seems like a wise move.
Best of luck with your move, and thanks again for caring enough to spend time on your blog. I have forwarded it to many family and friends around the country.
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Noah,
Thanks for the pics and updates, nice job getting out there to help folks. Sorry to hear about your place. Is that a permanent thing or just until they inspect or fix things?
August 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Stay safe, Noah. I’m sure you’re still in shock, but we bloggers are all glad y’all are safe. Glad you got your cats safely out. Take care.
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:29 pm
All I know for a fact is on the notice. I’ve been doing research and will post once I get facts confirmed.
August 3rd, 2007 at 10:23 pm
[…] But now Kunin, who was the closest person living near the bridge, just received notice from the city of Minneapolis to immediately vacate his home. […]
August 4th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
Before it collapsed or as it collapsed?
Still, I don’t see why your house was condemned. It’s like locking the barn after the horses have escaped…
August 5th, 2007 at 9:22 am
“As it” collapsed, per my understanding.
August 5th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Noah, I hope that you have checked in with the Family Center. You might have stayed away because they are tending the families of the victims, but you are a victim too and should register with the center. Their was probably little warning for the regulatory services folks who posted the condemnation on your door, but another of your posts tells us that you would be moving your stuff out so I’m hoping city authorities have been in contact with you. In any case, please contact the family center. I would not have known about your website, but Mark and Leah are visiting us this afternoon and mentioned that you have been made homeless by this disaster. Please, don’t hesitate just because others have suffered more.
August 5th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
That article about the bridge shifting 50 feet was taken off the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s website. Do you have a copy you can post?
August 5th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
So sorry to hear about you having to move–I can’t believe it! I would see if the city can help you. We went away this weekend sans car and always park on the street but came home today and found out our car was towed because Pres. Bush was in town and in the immediate area. We never had any notice because we left early Friday morning. Have you found a place yet? Todd and I are renting out our place at Riverview Towers for the year so just let us know.
August 6th, 2007 at 11:54 am
Could the reason for your property being “condemned” is that they’re uncertain if the surrounding hills may have suffered from something called “liquifcation”? Meaning, when a large amount of weight is displaced and suddenly dropped on the soil, whatever liquid (water or otherwise) it contains, (for sake of better terms) *oozes* out of the soil. This makes the surrounding land like quicksand and very unstable. Could it be that they’re doing this solely as a safety precaution?
mike
August 6th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Its possible that this bridge was deliberately destoryed in order to make way for a wider road. Have you thought about it? Do some forensic ecnomic analysis and see what you come up with for motive. Will they simply repair the bridge or will it be made wider this time? Thus, you indicated that they were going to try and seize your home anyway? Why?
August 6th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
Hi. I talked to you briefly in the foyer of Mondale Hall today, and it occurred to me shortly after that if you started up some kind of paypal donation fund, people like me (and those above) would be willing to help you in your efforts. I think you should.
Good luck.