New Help For Clean Up

VINCENNES, IND. (WTHI) -       A pair of major players in a southern Indiana community try and help get rid of a downtown eyesore.

     The city of Vincennes has been wrestling with the clean up of the old Gimbel Corner building since it was destroyed by fire last December.

     The city's 2 largest employers have now joined into the effort.

     The height of the weeds is about the only thing that has changed at the old Gimbel Corner site in downtown Vincennes this summer.

     The mess is one that has become a black eye that bothers the community.

     "For the city of Vincennes, its citizens and the public in general it's a frustrating project to see it still there," said Marc McNeece with the Vincennes Redevelopment Commission.

`     The rubble has been the subject of negotiations and legal action, but it is still there.

     Now both Vincennes University and Good Samaritan Hospital have joined with the city to try and finally get it cleaned up.

     "From Vincennes University's stand point and Good Samaritan Hospital's standpoint what we're focused on is what's best for the community," said Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rob McLin.

     Right now it isn't clear exactly what the university and the hospital will bring to the table to help clean up the mess.

  What is clear is that they want to be part of the solution.

     "Really early in the process, couldn't even tell you what it means to help yet," said McLin. "but I will tell you that we're willing to put our resources toward getting this resolved and getting this cleaned up as quickly as possible."
     
     "It's good news when your 2 largest employers in your community are willing to throw their resources and help behind any project," added McNeece.

     Now, with the help of 2 community heavyweights perhaps the city will finally be able to move the mountain of rubble.

     The city will seek to have the owners of the building pay for the clean-up.

     In a written statement Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum said:  "Our community and our taxpayers have already spent thousands of dollars and we are furious that 2 owners think we can be held hostage to their irresponsible behavior."