Well, it is February 2010 and the courthouse project is moving ahead at breakneck speed. A guess at the number of construction workers would probably be over 100 but less than 125. New sections and floor levels seem to go up daily. Even though it has been cold on the site, without rain the work can continue uninterrupted.
Around the back of the courthouse, a temporary mechanical elevator was installed to move workers to the higher floors. Previously, the men (and women?) were required to climb makeshift ladders to advance to the next floor. In the front of the courthouse, metal stairways have been added. There are still several of the ladders in use around the project but the elevator and stairway are welcomed additions. They are a signs of progress.
When looking at the building from the front, it appears lopsided. There are four major sections beginning from the most western to the most eastern. The eastern section hasn’t had one level built though two portions of its flooring have been poured and its appears that its first floor will be complete within two weeks. The most western section has nearly reached its completed height of 7 stories.
Jim Fuller, Clerk of the Court, stated, “That he was told the reason the southern section was completed first was because most of the major building components would go into this section.” When asked if he had heard anything about Angela’s walkway Jim said, “I know the Chief Judge wants a dome on the building and Angela wants the walkway. They are both still discussing the possibilities. ”
Our crack reporter, Brian Baldwin, was in his element serving up his tubed steak delicacies. He could be heard from a distance defending why Jacksonville employees did not make up a large number of workers on the construction site. The site was picketed a week ago over this issue by local unions. Serving up a dog, Brian said, “Look, don’t tell me they don’t give Jacksonville workers a chance because the do. I’ve been told that many of the workers can’t pass the “P” test. They have to get past the nurse to work.” When one of the listeners inquired as to what he was talking about, Brian explained, “Every worker on-site must pee into a cup for a urine test for drugs. They don’t need drugged up workers hurting someone by careless acts. I’ve been told that very few Jacksonville workers can pass that test. Heck, it should be easy. The “weed” would be out of their body in 30 days… can’t they stop smoking pot for 30 stupid days? But even so, they’ve caught guys with cocaine in their urine, too.”
Noticing glaring looks from a couple of the non-workers, Brian quipped, “Now I’m not sayin that all Jacksonville workers are lazy and drugged. So don’t even go there.”
Another man said, “That doesn’t explain the workers that got on the job and were fired.”
“Ya wanta know about that?” Brian asked. His tone of voice elevated just a tad.
“I heard they can’t cut it. Plain and Simple. Some of the shirts (supervisors) told me that they have to let them go the first day because they just cannot keep up with real workers. They also said that several workers have left by noon their first day on the job. It seems that they don’t like the pace or the amount of hard labor.”
The large stationary crane has not been moved from the western position to its final location on the far east side as predicted. But, a new large yellow crane has been assembled and has joined the two stationary cranes. It appears the yellow crane is being used to place some of the first pieces of exterior skin onto the building.
Brian’s hotdog and sausage dog business finally has brisk sales. That 8 years of waiting has finally started to pay off. What some may call overnight success. Workers were stacked up waiting for his culinary delights. I waved goodbye from a distance and yelled, “I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Seeya”, he yelled back. What a guy!
Recent update: Brian called to say that he is upset with someone. It appears that he has been listening to the local weather men and they have been getting it wrong. Brian said, “I can make a closer guess at the weather with my fickle finger.” Ha!
