Broadway Tavern Property Cleanup Near After October Fire
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
MENTONE - Attorney Larry Beeson reported some "good news" to the Mentone Town Council Monday night.
He also presented an ordinance regulating limited parking time and angled parking.
In the good news, he said the remains of the Broadway Tavern may be cleaned up soon.The tavern on South Broadway Street was destroyed in a fire in October. Since then, the remains have just stood there. The fire caused around $100,000 in damages and the building was considered a total loss. Previously, the town council discussed the building and how to get the property cleaned up. However, there was a dispute as to who owned the building.
Beeson said he's talked to attorneys representing both sides of the dispute. An insurance check was issued for the cleanup of the property. That check is expected to be endorsed by the two sides Thursday when they meet to discuss the property dispute. Once the check is endorsed, the site should be cleaned up.
"Time will tell," Beeson said. "Hopefully it will be cleaned up by the next board meeting."
The ordinance presented by Beeson states parking time shall be limited to two hours on Main Street between Morgan and Tucker streets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Sundays and legal holidays. The town will put up two-hour parking signs.
The second part states that parking shall be limited to angled parking with the right front tire closest to the curb on Broadway Street between Maple and Monroe streets. Signs will be displayed.
The final part issues penalty for violators. For each violation, a $5 fine will be assessed, if it is paid within 10 days of the violation. If the fine is paid after 10 days, but before 30 days, the fine is $25. If the fine is not paid after 30 days, the fine is $50. If the fine is not paid at all, the town may seek the fine due through the legal process.
The parking ordinance was unanimously approved.
Council member Roger Long asked if the ordinance could be amended to address the parking at the mobile home park. Eads said he didn't think an ordinance was needed, but the police department could handle any parking problems out there with ordinances already on the books.
Councilman Jack Simpson told Beeson he wanted him to write up a letter to homeowners so they have to fix up properties that are totally run down.
"We have nine in town," he said.
He said the letter should give them 30 days to reply how they will bring their home up to standards. After they reply, Simpson said the town should condemn a house that is not brought up to standards. Some of the houses are being lived in, but others are unoccupied, he said.
