While the powers-that-be have been dithering about what to do about the old gym on Water Street, in terms of whether to seek a grant to repair the building, nature has taken its course. As indicated by this series of photos, rainwater from the recent rash of storms have flooded the building’s interior, causing parts of the ceiling to cave in, and have damaged some of the equipment that the Police Athletic League (PAL) has been storing inside for its youth programs.
The Jefferson County School Board finally voted just last week to explore the possibility of securing a grant through NextEra for the repair of the historic building. There is no guarantee, however, that a grant will be secured. Meanwhile, there is also a question now of whether PAL will want to remain in the building, given the structure’s poor condition and the destruction of some of the organization’s equipment.