Ironton might not be able to prevent Intermet from tearing down the now-closed Ironton plant.

Thursday, September 07, 2000

Ironton might not be able to prevent Intermet from tearing down the now-closed Ironton plant. And whether the building is actually a viable industrial site is admittedly debatable.

But there is one demand that the city should insist the company comply with – or face the consequences.

Since the plant’s closing earlier this year, the property has fallen progressively into a sorry state.

High weeds, trash around the plant and other signs of vacancy have become the norm.

In a city that must now try to attract new industry to the area and more jobs for the workers Intermet/Ironton Iron displaced, an abandoned plant site that is not cared for is a liability we cannot afford.

Now is the time to strengthen the laws that keep absentee landlords from letting vegetation grow out of control and abandoned piles of trash accumulate.

Even if Intermet’s intentions are nothing but laudatory, this a safeguard that Ironton needs as it prepares to try to attract new employers to the county.

And, besides, those laws could eliminate some of the rundown housing in the city, too, if there are any of those sorts of problems brewing.

If the city looks trashy and abandoned properties are obvious and uncared for, an employer might wonder if this is a place he should invest his money.

Nothing turns off a potential industrial interest more than the appearance of apathy – and that is just what an abandoned property screams to anyone who sees its disrepair.

Ironton City Council and the mayor should be prepared to keep their eyes on the Intermet property and the progress of the plant’s demolition and then insist that the property be properly maintained.

Making those preparations now might prevent a problem later and allow the city to recover from the loss of the plant jobs in the best way possible – with a ground-breaking for a new industry’s facility.