The decision to release code violation liens on the Wentzel property at 110 E. Center St., Warsaw, took all day Monday, beginning at the code enforcement hearings and ending in a special board of works meeting prior to the city council meeting.

The building, in the heart of the city's downtown district, was set for demolition in April as a result of violations dating back to 1997. It has become a safety and fire hazard. The interior is "gutted" and the facade is boarded up.

A new construction permit was issued by the planning and building department in May. Work reportedly continued on the building, owned by David and Sue Wentzel, for a couple of weeks, then stopped again.

The issue was continued at the 1:30 p.m. code enforcement hearings at the request of city attorney Bill Fawley, pending, he said, financing arrangements to rehabilitate the building.

Jeff Noffsinger advised code enforcement hearing officer Lawrence Clifford that only two of the five $1,000 fines were recorded.

At the city's special board of works meeting, members Mayor Ernie Wiggins and Charlie Smith waived the liens. Wiggins said he had a communication from attorney Vern Landis representing Tucker Family LLC, naming Terry and Sandra Tucker as sole owners. The partnership has been formed specifically to gain ownership of the building, and Landis' letter asked that the liens be waived, which was approved.

"Mr. Tucker has assured me, and I have no reason to doubt him," the mayor said, "that renovation will be done expeditiously."

Smith said the Wentzels will have no interest in the LLC - relations or not. David Wentzel is Sandra Tucker's brother.

Wiggins said he appreciated the Tuckers coming in to clear up the problem. [[In-content Ad]]