Yellow caution tape now surrounds the iconic homestead at Shadow Rock Park in Forsyth. After almost 50 years in that location right next to the water, city officials say it's seen at least 20 floods and now they have deemed it unsafe.
The homestead cabin was originally built in 1886. That makes it 131 years old. It was restored and moved to Shadow Rock Park in 1969.
While it was an actual house historical experts say there isn't a lot of the original features left. They even call it a “replica.”
City officials have been keeping a close eye on the building over the past few years.
“Over the years, we’ve inspected it after each flood and seen that each time it's gotten a little worse. This time we've had the historical society look at it, we've had FEMA look at it and we've had several people who know cabins have looked at it and they’ve all agreed it’s in disrepair to either repair or to move,” said Forsyth Public Works Director Chris Robertson.
The City of Forsyth wants to hear what you think they should do with the building. They are open to options and are going to be talking about that at Monday night’s city council meeting.
A call was made to City Hall to inquire in what manner should interested parties communicate with the council and was told that someone would get back to me.... I'll post an update when that happens...
Update: I received a callback from Public Works Director Chris Robertson who divulged to me that there were a couple of options already being considered. He indicated that a final decision would be made at the October 13th Council meeting. In the meantime, Mr. Robertson urged me to tell one and all, that if they would like to offer constructive opinions as to what to do with the building, to please give him a call at 417-251-1380 during regular business hours.
