10/10/2026
Many of you have questions about how I got to where I am today with the mural issue, so I want to explain.
Years ago, there was a building attached to mine that the RDA tore down. When buildings are connected, the bricks used on the adjoining sides are different from exterior bricks because they were never intended to be exposed to the elements. To protect my building after the demolition, a block wall was constructed and attached to that side of the building.
The wall existed long before the mural.
The RDA later signed that section, including the wall and parking lot area, over to the City. Yes, I have copies of those documents. The property was surveyed and confirmed to be City property.
I purchased 26 N. Center Street 10 years ago and have invested heavily in maintaining and repairing the building. When contractors were working on my roof, they informed me there were issues with the wall. It was not properly capped, and gaps were beginning to form.
About three years ago, I brought these concerns to the City's attention. I was told, "It's not your wall. Don't worry about it." So I didn't.
Around two years ago, when Impact Corry began discussing restoring the mural, I again made them aware of the problems with the wall. That was also when the possibility of condemnation was first brought up, which I felt was being shifted onto me. To their credit, Impact Corry worked very hard to try to save both the mural and the building.
Since then, four structural engineers have inspected the wall. Their recommendation was that the wall needs to come down as soon as possible. Unfortunately, my building has already sustained damage from the wall pulling away and shifting.
In July, the City offered to purchase my building because the repairs were considered too costly. I rejected that offer because this building is my livelihood and a significant real estate investment. I submitted a counteroffer.
I later hired an attorney after the City solicitor stated that I should not be provided with the full engineering report. For more than two months, my attorney attempted to contact the City solicitor and received no response. We finally received a reply about two weeks ago. In the meantime, I filed a Right-to-Know request to obtain the engineering report.
I am tired. This has been going on for far too long.
When the topic of condemnation continues to come up, it feels like a threat to me. Maybe that is not how it is intended, but that is how I have experienced it.
I simply want the facts to be known and for this situation to be handled fairly.I don't want or like being in this position. I am a small business owner, and my business has been part of this community for 13 years. I am heavily involved with the Downtown Corry Business Association because I care deeply about our town and its future.
I love Corry. Over the years, I have worked hard to build a loyal customer base that reaches far beyond our area, with clients coming from across the country to support my business.
The last thing I want is to see another business close in Corry, especially my own. This business is not just my livelihood; it represents years of hard work, investment, and dedication to both my customers and this community. My goal has always been to continue serving Corry and contributing to its growth, not to face the possibility of shutting my doors.
