Former Levy building causing difficulties for Linden

By Tom Jones

For The West Alabama Watchman

LINDEN — It has been about four months since the roof of the former Levy Department Store in downtown Linden caved in, creating a Main Street eyesore and a public safety hazard.

Mayor Charles Moore first brought it to the Linden council’s attention the first meeting in May. Sine then, members have had no success in getting property owner Arthur Thomas to do anything. As of Sept. 1, the council instructed city attorney Woody Dinning to file suit against Thomas. If nothing is done, the City of Linden will have to demolish the building.

Linden Police Chief Scott McClure wrote previous owner Don Black on Jan. 19 about the poor condition of the property, including a broken front window and a leaking roof.

Then on June 20, he wrote the new owner, Thomas, citing potential water damage to adjoining buildings.

Across the street at the former Little Drug Store, leaking water has caused a similar roof cave-in, but it is not as conspicuous, being further back in the building. That building is owned by Wayne Stewart, who said recently he had offered the property to the city at a bargain price.

Mayor Charles Moore expressed no interest in city ownership of the building and adjoining structures, but the city is expected to begin discussion on the Little roof in the near future, according to McClure.