Linda Harris DANGEROUS – A large piece of concrete that fell from the Sinclair Building at Fourth and Market "weighs about 10 pounds" according to City Manager Mike Johnson.

STEUBENVILLE — City officials are warning pedestrians to steer clear of the Sinclair Building at Fourth and Market after chunks of potentially deadly concrete fell onto the sidewalk this week.

City Manager Mike Johnson said the sidewalk, the westbound turning lane on Market Street and the northbound curb lane on Fourth Street have all been closed because of safety concerns.

“The current scaffolding is insufficient to catch the falling concrete,” he said. “If the concrete hits a pedestrian or car, serious injuries, including death, may occur.”

The building is owned by an LLC and has been offered for sale.

“It’s very concerning that concrete pieces are falling off the building,” Johnson said. A piece he has in his possession “weighs about 10 pounds.”

Linda Harris FALLING DEBRIS – The Sinclair Building at the corner of Fourth and Market streets in downtown Steubenville has been partially closed off after chunks of concrete fell from the structure, prompting the city to close adjacent sidewalks and traffic lanes over safety concerns.

“I believe the falling concrete could be life threatening. According to ChatGPT, as it falls, the concrete gains speed due to gravity. Ignoring air resistance, an object dropped from 30 feet reaches roughly 30 mph. A 10-pound concrete chunk striking someone’s head at that speed carries enough energy to cause skull fractures, traumatic brain injury, neck and spinal injuries, loss of consciousness and fatal injuries.”

He said the building is missing pieces of concrete “from higher than 30 feet.”

“Concrete falling from higher up increases the chances of traumatic injury or death,” he said. “Due to the potential for serious and possibly fatal injuries if one of these pieces of concrete (were to) hit a pedestrian, the city closed the sidewalk and one lane on Market Street and one lane on Fourth Street.”

He said city officials reached out to the owners “but have not received a response yet,” though he said he will be meeting with an individual “involved” with the building.

“(We) are looking at all options at this time,” he added. “We have (also) contracted with a fencing company to install a fence around the sidewalk to prevent pedestrians from walking by the building.”