Closure of the West Jordan Sugar Factory.

As most of you have no doubt heard,  the City Building Official has tagged the Sugar Factory as “Unsafe” and locked the doors. The unfortunate timing with the planned opening of “See How They Run,” at the Sugar Factory Playhouse understandably has many residents upset and emotional.

I am cognizant of your feelings, and share many of them. I have tickets to the performance scheduled for this Friday, and was  looking forward to a wonderful evening with my wife and friends.

Speaking only for myself as one of your elected representatives, after reading copies of the inspection findings based on the seismic study performed by BHB Consulting Engineers, PC, a walk-through inspection by the city’s third party liability carrier (insurance) Utah Risk Management Mutual Association, and findings and recommendations by the City Building Official, I have to concur with the decision to tag the Sugar Factory as “Unsafe”. I want to share two comments made in the reports:

The Building Official began his report as saying “I have an obligation to protect life and limb through the enforcement of building codes as it pertains to the building and structures.With this new study in hand, I have no choice but to tag this building “Unsafe” and keep people out of it.”  He ended by saying “I write this letter with empathy towards the arts council and the many volunteers who dedicate themselves to the benefit of the city. I, too, and a performing artist. I hope that a different suitable safe site can be found quickly to allow this community and all those who have put in countless hours towards this “playhouse” event to continue.”

The URMMA report, which covered all areas of the Sugar Factory, concluded by saying “I feel the facility poses a significant risk to the general public in its current condition and the risk of injury to employees, volunteers and the public is great. The financial exposure to the city cannot be understated.”

I have concerns that demands are being made that the City Council reverse the decision made by city staff in accordance with state and local statues designed to protect the public. I am not prepared to reverse a decision where there is compelling evidence that safety of the residents would be compromised by doing so.

I’ve been told that the existing conditions have been around for the past five years since the Playhouse occupied its current location. I’ve been told that I have a greater risk of injury or death just driving home from work than any seismic activity taking place that would put patrons at risk.  All that may be so. But IF I were to sanction overturning the ruling by city staff and such an event SHOULD happen, I can guarantee that the families of those who were injured or killed would be the first in line to say that the city was negligent in permitting the building to be used KNOWING the safety issues involved.

I will join forces with other members of the council and Mayor to attempt to find another venue for the Arts Council to perform this play. I am under no illusions as to the difficulty this has created. I AM a supporter of the arts, and want our community to enjoy the benefits the Arts Council provides. But I’m not willing to sacrifice the artists and patrons safety as part of that support.

PS:  As of this posting, the Arts Council has secured a venue to perform the play at the Midvale Performing Arts Center.  I applaud their quick work to save this production.

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Tags: Public Safety, Sugar Factory

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