WNYresident
December 22nd, 2003, 09:50 AM
Full story on www.buffalo.com (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20031222/1054980.asp)
News headline erred on sinking homes story
12/22/2003
Contrary to the headline on the front page of The News on Dec. 12 that stated "Over 1,000 homes sinking, Amherst official tells state," I never told the state (or anyone else) that we have 1,000 sinking homes in the town. In my report to the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council, I wrote the following: "Based upon foundation repair permits that we have issued, complaints received alleging problems, and many inquiries, the foundation related problems have affected over one thousand homes." Approximately three-quarters of the foundation problems are related to lateral earth pressure problems, not sinking problems.
Furthermore, the foundation problems range from minor problems to major problems. The average cost of a foundation repair is $10,600 based on permits issued this year.
Town of Amherst officials are quite aware that we have a serious problem that requires rational solutions on many levels.
THOMAS C. KETCHUM
Commissioner of Building
Full story on www.buffalo.com (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20031222/1054980.asp)
News headline erred on sinking homes story
12/22/2003
Contrary to the headline on the front page of The News on Dec. 12 that stated "Over 1,000 homes sinking, Amherst official tells state," I never told the state (or anyone else) that we have 1,000 sinking homes in the town. In my report to the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council, I wrote the following: "Based upon foundation repair permits that we have issued, complaints received alleging problems, and many inquiries, the foundation related problems have affected over one thousand homes." Approximately three-quarters of the foundation problems are related to lateral earth pressure problems, not sinking problems.
Furthermore, the foundation problems range from minor problems to major problems. The average cost of a foundation repair is $10,600 based on permits issued this year.
Town of Amherst officials are quite aware that we have a serious problem that requires rational solutions on many levels.
THOMAS C. KETCHUM
Commissioner of Building
Full story on www.buffalo.com (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20031222/1054980.asp)