WILDWOOD — Four people having breakfast had to make a run for it Sept. 2 when the front deck of their condo began to collapse.
According to reports, Dexter Silimperi, owner of the 523 West Montgomery Avenue property said he heard a crack shortly before the deck began to fall. He said the repair crew told him the deck was framed incorrectly and the wood used was unfinished and had rotted.
Unfortunately, Silimperi said his troubles with the condo also included a leak in the roof and a garage door collapse.
City inspectors were out on the scene yesterday morning. They will also be checking additional homes on the block for similar issues.
Construction Official Glenn Franzoi told the Herald columns on all the deck fronts of the block were to be exposed for a complete inspection. A design professional, he said, will have to be brought in to design a fix.
Then, according to Franzio, the construction office can review those designs and the proper permits can be issued.
Franzoi added there may also be issues with the rear decks, but the current cause of concern is the front porch decks.
Currently residents are still living in the units.
“The buildings can still be occupied,” Franzoi said. “We’re just telling people not to go out on the decks.”
http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/9372-sunday-breakfast-interrupted-deck-collapse
This is a great story because it was dramatic, yet nobody was injured. Four people were eating out on the deck when they heard the cracking as the support posts failed. Luckily they were able to flee to safety.
