Citizens see Moore-Clark building dangers

Earth, wind and fire. It's not just a famous 1970s soul band.

The three elements also represent threats to the vacant and dilapidated Moore-Clark warehouse and areas around the former industrial hub, a landmark on the La Conner waterfront since 1898.

Residents wary of the building's vulnerabilities shared their concerns with the Town Emergency Management Commission during its March 5 meeting at Maple Hall.

"I think of Lahaina," Lori Wise, who has a background in real estate development, said of the devastating 2023 Hawaiian fire that destroyed the historic Maui town and claimed more than 100 lives.

"I think about vandalism and the lack of safety in that area (near the Moore-Clark warehouse)," she added. "We could have a Lahaina any minute."

She said sparks "know no boundaries" and could be lifted to nearby homes, businesses, woodlands, and even across Swinomish Channel.

Town Administrator Scott Thomas said a formal complaint has been filed with Hearing Examiner David Lowell regarding the building's deterioration and its impact on public safety.

"Our process requires a review through the hearing examiner," Thomas said. "He hears all kinds of cases, and this is in his jurisdiction."

Thomas said he is limited in what he can say publicly about the issue.

"It's a legal matter," he said. "That's all I can say. I'm not prepared to discuss this in a public forum."

Other sources said the process to which Thomas referred – one that could lead to condemning the building – can be lengthy and costly.

"Otherwise," one source said last week, "there'd be a lot more condemnations."

"Our hands are tied," another person with knowledge of the matter told the Weekly News. "The lawyers are dealing with it."

As an immediate safety measure, town officials have cordoned off the building with fencing to deny pedestrian traffic on its west side.

The town's long-range goal is to extend First Street south to Caledonia, but current and former town officials have said the building sits several feet inside the public right-of-way.

But it's the here-and-now that was the focus of discussion during the March 5 meeting.

Wise and others have previously voiced to the Town Council concerns about potential fire hazards at the 15,000-square-foot wood-framed structure. Recent windstorms have added to their anxiety, as they told commissioners that panels have blown off the northeast side of the building.

"We're concerned about this in terms of public safety," said MaryLee Killinger.

Wise said she has spoken to a retired Seattle attorney who has cautioned that the town's present liability "is enormous."

If something dire were to occur, Wise said the attorney told her that "insurance companies will go after the city for failure to provide safety."

"We're not against you," Wise said, "(but) we look out the window and see reality."

Commissioners thanked Wise and Killinger for their comments.

"I share your concerns," said commissioner Doug Asbe, who vowed to forward that input to the council.

"We'll pass this on to the council with our report," commission chair Jerry George said.

Wise said she would continue conducting research and attend future Town Council meetings.

"We're staying with it," she said. "We aren't quitting."