Taxpayers deserve answers to federal courthouse debacle

The Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in downtown Youngstown was a General Services Administration project from beginning to end. Therefore, while we appreciate the honesty with which the federal agency is addressing the construction flaws that have surfaced in less than 10 years since the building opened, there must be an answer to this question: Who’s to blame for the less-than-perfect project?

It doesn’t matter that the federal government may not be able to seek monetary damages because of the time that has lapsed. A GSA official says the original construction or design warranties have expired. Taxpayers have a right to know how a $16.1 million, highly touted architectural showpiece began crumbling so quickly.

The federal government is spending $1.3 million to repair the distinctive facade, replace the adjacent parking lot and improve the drainage system. The GSA is also tying the building’s lighting to the structure’s automation system.

A front-page story in last Sunday’s Vindicator and a follow-up on Tuesday provide details of what was wrong with the original construction and how those problems were exacerbated by harsh winter weather. That information is interesting and important, but it does not answer the underlying question: Who bears the ultimate responsibility?

After former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. secured the $16.1 million in Congress, the GSA, the real estate arm of the federal government, took control. The agency selected the architect, a prominent firm in New York City, and the building contractor and subcontractors. There were federal officials who monitored every aspect of the construction. GSA should start by determining if any consideration were given to the fact that being at the bottom of a hill would result in flooding problems.

Ground water

Youngstown city officials contend that the sewers that serve the Jones building at the corner of Wick Avenue and Commerce Street have been unable to handle of all the ground water caused by the building and parking lot and by construction at Youngstown State University.

It’s one thing to know what caused the damage to the structure; it’s another to find out who was ultimately responsible for ensuring that all the specifications were being met and that the designs were being followed.

When the building was approved for occupancy, did the GSA officials who were responsible for overseeing the construction raise any red flags? This isn’t about the federal government conducting a witch hunt. It is about taxpayers being assured that they are getting their money’s worth.

Without a doubt, the Nathaniel R. Jones Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse is a diamond in a rough urban community. But seeing the scaffolding around it and the construction crews on site leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of early and stalwart supporters of the project.