Asbestos, Other Problems, Plague Courthouse

In Columbus County, North Carolina, local officials are preparing to take action in the matter of an aging courthouse. The current county courthouse in Whiteville has not aged gracefully, and faces a multitude of problems. Officials must either renovate the current courthouse or build an entirely new structure.

“It’s [the courthouse] been a little outdated for what needs to be done in the judicial process,” said commissioner Amon McKenzie.  “Our goal now is to put a committee together and that committee is going to come with a recommendation.”

The courthouse is plagued with a variety of issues: damaged windows, cracked walls, worn flooring, toxic mold, and carcinogenic asbestos. Asbestos exposure has been conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Exposure to asbestos can also lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and other pulmonary issues. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, but despite the number of new patients affected every year, scientists have yet to find a cure. The majority of patients succumb to mesothelioma within 2 years of being diagnosed.

“The building is a historical site,” said McKenzie, explaining that even if the county decides to build a new courthouse, they will not demolish the old courthouse. “We’ve had it registered as a historical site. We’ll hold on to that. That’s sort of like a landmark for good ‘ole Columbus County. When you say Columbus County you have to think the courthouse.”

McKenzie added that it is likely that local taxes would not be raised in the event of the construction of a new courthouse, due in part to the stagnant economy.

Source: http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=11688775