Carol Stream may inspect condos following collapse

Carol Stream officials say there is no immediate danger of another overhang collapse at a condominium complex where bricks fell and knocked a balcony railing to the ground early Tuesday morning.

But Community Development Director Bob Glees said a visual observation of some of the buildings has officials discussing a more thorough inspection, which would have to be done with the cooperation of the building manager.

"We're considering doing that," he said. "I don't feel that at any moment something else might fall down, but there may be good reason to make sure nothing else is in danger of failing. If we felt there was imminent danger, cracking and stuff hanging off, then we would do something about it immediately."

In the early hours Tuesday, a decorative overhang of a Carolshire Commons Condominium at 127 and 129 W. Elk Trail collapsed and temporarily displaced 23 families.

One day later, a blue tarp lined the top of the three-story building, and boards blocked balcony access for four of the condos directly beneath the fallen bricks.

Many of the buildings at the complex have similar overhangs, and Glees said a quick glance indicated that further inspection may be necessary. However, he stressed that without an emergency situation, the village would have to work with the manager of the building. Officials say it is up to property managers to maintain the buildings.

A potential inspection program fizzled about three years ago after village leaders could not figure out how to pay for it.

Officials met Monday to discuss the Carol Shire collapse and figure out potential resolutions. Village President Frank Saverino said, however, that without a formal program, the village cannot do much. However, Saverino said it's only a matter of time before another overhang in the complex comes down.

"We're going to try to look at what we could do to make it better," he said. "(The overhang) across the way, it's just a matter of when it comes down."

Building manager Jay Singh said the building's age contributed to Monday's collapse and that neglect for many years caused the "freak accident."

However, he said all of the buildings remain structurally sound and agreed with Glees' assessment that there was no imminent danger for residents.

"We want to work with the city to bring something in place to move toward the future," he said. "It's not wise to stand here and not do anything for another 50 years. Everything is fine until it's not fine."