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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 09 September 2008 08:03 |
Figuring out whose jurisdiction this mess is has been a real task. I want to first say that other than the ORF Inc. owner, none of the people named or discussed here have done a thing wrong and I am thrilled that those whose jurisdiction this is not would bother to take the time to explain the way things work. I have come to the conclusion that the system is imperfect enough that the very rich can manipulate it to become even more wealthy without ever having to pay someone off.
Jerry Spurling, Warren County Chief Building Official, writes:
“You are correct, when the structure were first built, they did so under the authority of the Warren County Building Dept. We either had an agreement with Harveysburg to do their inspections or they annexed it after the project was done. I am not sure as that was before my time.
All the buildings, (AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION), met all code requirements, and were issued certificates of occupancy. They were basically issued permits for one room buildings and or facades and they only area approved with electric was the concession area. They were basically inspected for structural issues only. The main purpose of the site was to provide outside entertainment. Meaning large crouds were not assembled indoors but out doors.
What was done after that or on-going maintenance is the responsibility of the owner first then for the fire Dept. to inspect.”
As I understand his statement, Jerry Spurling is speaking about 1990 when the Ohio Renaissance Festival was mostly a tent show. Records at the Warren County Auditor seem to indicate 27 merchant buildings were present during that year. Those merchant buildings are listed as “Lawn Items” which kind of threw us, but when we read what Jerry Spurling had to say it kind of makes sense. I can definitely see how a gazebo could be a lawn item.
Back in 1990, there were also several non-merchant buildings: The main gate, ticket booths, some stages, food service booths, and the likes.
As I understand it then, the Warren County Building officials were basically done with the place in 1990 when the whole of the complex received its initial inspection. After that, it was the responsibility of the Village of Harveysburg, OH.
Massie Township Volunteer Fire Department
The Village of Harveysburg, OH does not seem to have its own fire department because it has only some 500 to 600 citizens. Instead it relies on the Massie Township Volunteer Fire Department.
I am about to speak about 16 people who risk their lives to fight fires in their community for no pay. I have a huge volume of respect for these people and the additional 3 volunteers of the Massie Township Fire Department who are not themselves firefighters.
Massie Township Fire Department
10 Harveysburg Rd
Harveysburg, OH 45032
Staff:
Volunteer Firefighters – 16
Other Volunteer Staff - 3
Source: http://www.firedepartments.net/Ohio/Harveysburg/MassieTownshipFireDepartment.html
So here is the question, who is inspecting these buildings? In the near decade I was involved, nobody once inspected my building that I am aware of and I locked my building up tight when I was away. Do I think this is corruption? No. I think the place has slipped through the cracks of bureaucracies and the rich owner of the place used that to make even more money by not spending what was necessary to insure the safety of his customers. After all, who is looking?
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