Demolition proceedings are the next step to be levied against property at 110 E. Center St.

Boarded up and gutted, the building is owned by David and Susan Wentzel.

Neither party appeared before Lawrence Clifford, code enforcement hearing officer, Monday.

In council chambers, Clifford learned no progress has been made on orders imposed in February such as applying for a building permit and submitting architectural plans.

Warsaw building inspector Todd Slabaugh said the roughest information was submitted for a building permit Monday morning. To the commissioner's knowledge, no items have been completed on the job list Wentzel originated.

The last time Slabaugh was in the building was Dec. 10, 2001.

Terry Klondaris said he owns the building to the east.

"Nothing has been done there nor does it seem like anything will be done," he said. "It's not good for downtown, for the looks of the city, and it's been that way too long."

The Wentzels have owned the building for eight years.

Clifford said fines don't seem to phase Wentzel and advised the city could impose an order of demolition. He imposed another $1,000 civil penalty and $1,000 for willful failure to comply with a prior order. Total penalties are now $4,000 against the property.

Mayor Ernie Wiggins said all along the city just wants him to fix the facade.

Wiggins asked Slabaugh to get a demolition estimate and the costs of bringing the building up to code.

He then asked city attorney Bill Fawley to prepare steps for demolition. [[In-content Ad]]