Bell tower demolition goes forward

St. Tammany News

The old bell tower at the Greater Covington Center on North Jefferson Avenue, formerly the First Baptist Church of Covington, has sounded its death knell.

The bell tower demolition was approved and added to the 2008 Covington budget at a City Council budget hearing Oct. 23, 2007, when it was determined the tower could be demolished for about $5,000.

Safety and security issues were reasons given at that time for the need for the demolition. Lack of a suitable way to light the tower for security and safety at night, falling bricks and the "attractive nuisance" the tower presented to children wanting to climb it were all reasons the tower should come down, according to Greater Covington Center Manager Jarme Martino.

The city had kept the tower because of demolition costs to remove it. Once the demolition cost problems were solved, monies were allocated in this year's budget for the removal.

Improvement plans for the Greater Covington Center include new signage that will advertise upcoming events and a courtyard where patrons can gather during intermissions, Martino said.