Four Roofs Collapse in Four Days

Don't look for new programming on Public Access Channel 15 anytime soon. Thursday morning a  portion of the roof at the offices of  Cox Communications on Highland Avenue collapsed. By the afternoon, an e-mail from public access coordinator David Smith was sent to groups that produce shows at the local studio.

"Due to a roof collapse in the complex that houses our facility, all operations at Cheshire Public Access are suspended until further notice. Once determinations are made, you will be notified as to future plans. Thanks for your cooperation," read the e-mail.

Deputy Fire Marshal Donn Youngquist said two workers at FPT heard a very loud noise around 6 a.m. and walked next door to tell  a Cox employee about their concern. Youngquist said they called fire officials at 6:45 a.m.  

The roof hadn't collapsed when crews arrived, Youngquist said. About two hours later, Youngquist and a structural engineer were taking a look at the roof's snow load.

"We were walking around back, deciding what the plan would be. We were talking about weighing (the snow load) and it collapsed," at 8:45 a.m., Youngquist said.

Building owner James Fazzone was at the site Thursday afternoon talking with the structural engineer he hired and making plans for repairs. "We're going to fix it. We'll start as soon as we can," he said. The plaza had  four tenants.

Fazzone said he built the office plaza around 1981. He said he's talked to his insurance company and feels his policy will cover the repairs.

The collapse is at least the fourth in town this week. On Wednesday, the entire back wall of the 32,000-square-foot Calvary Life Family Worship Center on East Johnson Avenue buckled, causing the building inspector to declare the structure uninhabitable, Youngquist said Thursday.

Church administrator Phil McMillan said on Thursday that the congregation of several hundred is looking for a temporary place to meet. "As you can imagine (the building) is a total loss. We don't know where we'll meet. It's a terrible travesty," he said. The building is only a few years old, according to town records.

The gift shop roof at Bishop Farm on So. Meriden Road collapsed Monday said Building Official Bert Schiaroli. The roof of the historic Keeler Stove Shop at 166 So. Main Street also came down on Wednesday, he said. "It's not occupied, but it's not habitable," he said.