By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
A frustrated Decatur businessman came before city council Tuesday night to express what he considers a last resort in seeking a solution to a major problem.
Chris Caston, co-owner and operator of Innovative Concepts, told council his problems began a few weeks back with the opening of Adams Health Network’s new satellite on N. 13th St.
The rear of the AHN building – which houses StatCare, Behavioral Health and a pharmacy – is situated across Manchester St. from Innovative Health.
Caston said service vehicles and employee vehicles parked behind the AHN building are causing major problems for semis attempting to enter Innovative’s area for deliveries.
Caston is frustrated because his attempts to rectify the problem have brought no response from AHN officials.
“They are our new neighbors and I am thankful for them,” Caston said. “I’m not looking to make trouble, but I don’t know what else to do.”
The problems began in March and are continuing, according to the Innovative owner. He asked council if some no parking zones could be instituted to solve the problems.
Some of the semis making deliveries at his place are 53-footers full of equipment for Innovative, which, among other things, engineers, installs and maintains technology systems and equipment for commercial and residential spaces.
Some of the semi drivers have threatened to not make a stop if there is a problem entering the dropoff area.
Caston said he has made several attempts to resolve the issue through emails and voice messages. At one point, he emailed AHN CEO Scott Smith but got no answer, he said.
“We’ve been very diligent and professional, but it’s just not working,” Caston continued. “I am thrilled that they are there, but I’m not thrilled that we can’t get our semis in.”
At one point, Caston said, “We’ve been there 31 years (founded in 1993) and we’ve never had an issue.”
He noted that there was a time recently during a conversation (apparently with the driver of an AHN service vehicle) “when things didn’t go well” and the police were called. It was at that one point that Caston decided to turn to council to see if anything can be done in the way of a solution.
“It just seems like your message hasn’t gotten to the right person,” Mayor Dan Rickord offered.
Council decided to carry through with a suggestion made by Councilman Matt Dyer: send someone to get the parties together and seek a resolution.
Councilman Scott Murray offered to do so.
“If we can get a diplomatic approach to this, I’m all for it,” Caston said.