Town says Florence historic store hazardous
by Mark Cowling | Florence Reminder & Blade Tribune
A major retailer in the historic downtown has locked its doors, and the town has posted a sign on the door that amounts to “Keep Out.”
The landlord said he has lost his tenant and $100,000 in rental income over the next several years because of the town of Florence’s actions. Gem Cox is owner of the historic W.C. Smith Building, which recently housed Conquest Arms gun shop and was previously known for many years as Gentry’s Florence Market.
Conquest Arms closed last week with a note on the door and a phone number. This occurred after Cox received two certified letters from the town dated March 10, stating the town had reasonable cause to believe the building was a danger to the public. The first letter said Cox had 72 hours to arrange an inspection by a registered electrical engineer to confirm the electrical system was safe, or his certificate of occupancy would be suspended and his electricity would be cut off.
