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Vehicles Being Removed From Flood Stricken Plaza Towers Garage

Posted at 11:59 AM, May 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-03 11:59:15-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Vehicles are being towed out of the Plaza Towers parking garage, about two weeks after flooding forced residents to evacuate the downtown Grand Rapids building.

Residents were able to make appointments to get back inside the flooded downtown building and remove vehicles Friday.

The management team also said it hopes to have residents back inside their homes by next Wednesday.

During the recent flooding more than 1,000 residents were evacuated from their condos and apartments at Plaza Towers, one of the tallest buildings in downtown Grand Rapids.

At one point there was seven feet of standing water in the building’s parking garage, which forced power to be shut down.  It is still not clear when residents will be allowed to pull dozens of vehicles from the structure.

Following is a portion of the letter sent to residents today by the Plaza Towers Management Team:

“We will be able to accommodate people that need access via appointment over the next two days. Please call 855-3335 to schedule. We would like to keep appointments limited to only urgent situations. We will have escorted access on Friday from 11am-3pm.

On Friday, residents and their insurance agents are meeting at the driveway access gate on Fulton Street. Because this is a work site we will escort groups down to the parking area. Flashlights and waterproof boots are recommended. Merl’s Towing Company will have a representative onsite to assist with towing arrangements. Due to the low ceilings normal towing practices cannot be used and Merl’s has a plan for safe vehicle removal.