A “tree-top column” at the Chautauqua Amphitheater broke on Wednesday as a result of excess weight due to snow and ice buildup during the recent warmup. (image from Chautauqua Institution)
FALCONER BUILDING COLLAPSE
Ice buildup and melting snow, combined with an aging building, were likely the cause of a roof collapse that took place in Falconer on Wednesday afternoon.
Falconer emergency crews were called to roof collapse that took place at a building on the southeast corner of W. Main and Dow streets Wednesday at about 3:30 p.m.
At first, there were reports that a person may have been trapped inside. However, it was soon learned that the single-story building was vacant and no one was inside during the collapse.
No injuries were reported and the exact cause remains under investigation.
CHAUTAUQUA AMPHITHEATER
Meanwhile, the Chautauqua Amphitheater is off limits after a wooden support column holding up a portion of its roof sustained damage from ice and snow buildup.
According to Chautauqua officials, a “tree-top” column near Gate 1 failed shortly after noon on Wednesday.
Chautauqua’s Operations staff has called in outside engineers to assess the structure and provide direction on how best to secure that section of the building’s roof and prevent further damage. Local utility companies have also been alerted.
Until further notice, access to the entire Amphitheater structure is restricted to appropriate personnel only.
The amphitheater has been a controversial subject in recent months after Chautauqua Officials announced they were planning to construct a brand new amphitheater to accommodate modern needs and requirements. However, that idea was meant with a lot of criticism, and officials have opted to instead look into the idea of simply upgrading and persevering the current structure. A final decision is expected in August of this year.
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