Warsaw Code Enforcement Evaluates Three Rental Property Cases
March 1, 2023 at 12:22 a.m.
Warsaw Code Enforcement Evaluates Three Rental Property Cases
By Caleigh Byrer-
The first case, regarding Little Crow Lofts, 201 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, was in reference to Jackie White's unit. White said she had been living in her unit for roughly three years and has been experiencing severe water leakage for nearly the entire time, despite making many maintenance requests.
The ceiling, walls, floor and windows of the unit have been affected by the ongoing leakage as there is water damage marks evident on the wood and suspected mold growing.
White said her health is now suffering from the state of her apartment as she has developed legionnaires disease, which is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by breathing in droplets of water.
Attorney William Stockdale, Vice President Nicole Mass and Regional Manager Carrie Brady attended the meeting in representation of Little Crow Lofts.
Stockdale claimed management had not received any complaints or maintenance requests from White prior to November 2022 and that her two most recent complaints were resolved within 11 days.
He further said they are taking the issue seriously and have reached out to three contractors for quotes so that it may be resolved. As their next step, SERVPRO will be coming to evaluate the mold in the unit Thurday.
Stockdale also noted the weather played a role in the timeline of the repair.
"It would be significantly more difficult to seal the leak on the outside of the building while we are still experiencing rain, snow and cold weather," Stockdale said.
Hearing Officer Tom Earhart pointed out that Little Crow Lofts has appeared in meetings before for similar issues. He specifically called attention to a recent instance in which they had taken four weeks to clear debris from their basement after the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory evaluated it, deemed it a health and safety hazard and said it must be removed from the premises within two weeks.
After a brief discussion between White and Stockdale, it was decided that White will be moved to a new apartment within the complex until the repair is complete. Little Crow Lofts will be expected to return at the April 4 meeting with a contractor selected and moving forward with repairs.
The final two cases regarded properties owned by Shafer Rentals that are located at 212 Wedrick Drive, Warsaw; and 1017 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw.
Sherri Makinson, owner of Shafer Rentals, spoke on behalf of both properties. Makinson has owned the Fort Wayne Street property since 2016 and the Wedrick Drive property since 2017, which both remain vacant and in need of repair.
The Fort Wayne Street property is intended to be turned into two rental units and the Wedrick Drive property will be put up for resale following renovation.
Makinson said she was unaware the properties posed a potential health and safety hazard but is willing to make the necessary repairs and renovations required to get them up to code.
She employs only one maintenance worker for roughly 60 rental properties, so she is actively looking for an individual or contractor to work exclusively on the two properties at hand.
Makinson will be expected to return at the April 4 meeting with an individual or contractor selected to move forward with repairs and be able to provide a solidified timeline for the completion.
The first case, regarding Little Crow Lofts, 201 S. Detroit St., Warsaw, was in reference to Jackie White's unit. White said she had been living in her unit for roughly three years and has been experiencing severe water leakage for nearly the entire time, despite making many maintenance requests.
The ceiling, walls, floor and windows of the unit have been affected by the ongoing leakage as there is water damage marks evident on the wood and suspected mold growing.
White said her health is now suffering from the state of her apartment as she has developed legionnaires disease, which is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by breathing in droplets of water.
Attorney William Stockdale, Vice President Nicole Mass and Regional Manager Carrie Brady attended the meeting in representation of Little Crow Lofts.
Stockdale claimed management had not received any complaints or maintenance requests from White prior to November 2022 and that her two most recent complaints were resolved within 11 days.
He further said they are taking the issue seriously and have reached out to three contractors for quotes so that it may be resolved. As their next step, SERVPRO will be coming to evaluate the mold in the unit Thurday.
Stockdale also noted the weather played a role in the timeline of the repair.
"It would be significantly more difficult to seal the leak on the outside of the building while we are still experiencing rain, snow and cold weather," Stockdale said.
Hearing Officer Tom Earhart pointed out that Little Crow Lofts has appeared in meetings before for similar issues. He specifically called attention to a recent instance in which they had taken four weeks to clear debris from their basement after the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory evaluated it, deemed it a health and safety hazard and said it must be removed from the premises within two weeks.
After a brief discussion between White and Stockdale, it was decided that White will be moved to a new apartment within the complex until the repair is complete. Little Crow Lofts will be expected to return at the April 4 meeting with a contractor selected and moving forward with repairs.
The final two cases regarded properties owned by Shafer Rentals that are located at 212 Wedrick Drive, Warsaw; and 1017 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw.
Sherri Makinson, owner of Shafer Rentals, spoke on behalf of both properties. Makinson has owned the Fort Wayne Street property since 2016 and the Wedrick Drive property since 2017, which both remain vacant and in need of repair.
The Fort Wayne Street property is intended to be turned into two rental units and the Wedrick Drive property will be put up for resale following renovation.
Makinson said she was unaware the properties posed a potential health and safety hazard but is willing to make the necessary repairs and renovations required to get them up to code.
She employs only one maintenance worker for roughly 60 rental properties, so she is actively looking for an individual or contractor to work exclusively on the two properties at hand.
Makinson will be expected to return at the April 4 meeting with an individual or contractor selected to move forward with repairs and be able to provide a solidified timeline for the completion.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092