By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A KFC restaurant on 11th Street has been condemned by the city after a gas leak and other hazards were discovered.
The city’s order to condemn the property at 3035 11th St. means it can’t reopen until repairs are made. It’s not clear when the franchise may make those repairs. A local employee told the Rock River Current that all questions had to go through the corporate office. Phone calls and emails to KFC corporate were not returned.
“We do know that they’re aware of this and obviously it would not be open until those repairs are made,” said Karl Franzen, the city’s director of community and economic development. “I do know that it’s on their attention, but I don’t have a timeframe for it.”
He said he wasn’t aware of any building permit that has been issued for the fixes at the property.
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The gas leak was brought to the city’s attention after a complaint to Nicor, and the city condemned the property May 10 after an inspection.
The property inspection report, obtained by the Current under a Freedom of Information Act request, stated a 2-inch gas main into the building was “deteriorated and leaking severely.” The gas service was locked off by Nicor and will not be turned back on until repairs are made, the report states.
“This is a very serious situation, gas leaking is definitely a public safety issue, but it’s also not a hard fix,” Franzen said of the restaurant’s propects of reopening.
The report also stated that walking surfaces inside were extremely greasy and “like trying to walk on black ice.” It also said the men’s restroom was out of order and must be repaired before the restaurant can reopen.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas