COVINGTON — Merchants near Odd Fellows Hall, which was gutted by a fire May 21, called for the demolition of the historic building's three remaining walls at a Covington City Commission meeting Tuesday night.

        Business owners say an attempt by the owners of Odd Fellows Hall to salvage the walls for a half-million dollars in tax credits could destroy their future.

        “The wasted time and money will bankrupt the businesses,” said Ed Bessler, owner of Bessler's Economy Market, located on the closed portion of Madison Avenue.

        Covington's solicitor Jay Fossett said owners of the building told the city that half of the 400 block of Madison Avenue could be closed at least another two weeks as work continues to remove debris and shore up the remaining walls.

        Business owners are unhappy the city is allowing the street to remain closed at their expense and do not believe the street needs to be shut down.

        “What do you tell (employees) about the city saving walls and not their jobs?” Mr. Bessler asked.

        The owners of Odd Fellows Hall — Damian and Kelly Sells and Tony Milburn, all of Covington — could not be reached for comment.

        Merchants said business is down 70 percent since the early-morning fire, which officials ruled accidental.

        Business owners were also upset that the city has given Odd Fellows Hall owners until July to decide whether to demolish or rebuild the structure. They say this could prolong the amount of time the street is closed.

        City officials discussed the possibility of opening two lanes of Madison Avenue for traffic and allowing people to park for free in the metered slots in the area because construction crews have tied up nearby parking lots.

        No decisions were made on these issues.

        “We'll do everything in our power to get Madison Avenue open as soon as possible,” said Covington Mayor Butch Callery.

        Three businesses, Dee's Sports Bar and Bottoms Up on East Fifth Street and The Computer Guys on Madison Avenue, remain closed.

        Several businesses reopened this week, including Citizens Federal Savings and Loan, 422 Madison, on Tuesday and Red Light Cafe, 14 E. Fifth St., today..

        Traffic reopened Monday on Fifth Street, between Russell Street and Scott Boulevard, and a block of Madison Avenue south of Fifth Street.
       

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