Warsaw Hearing Officer Lawrence Clifford reviewed three properties Monday afternoon, two of which have been deemed unsafe by the city, and all three are considered non-compliant. After hearing testimony from neighbors of one of the properties and Building Commissioner Todd Slabaugh, and reviewing photos, Clifford said the properties will be discussed again at a Dec. 16 hearing at city hall at 1:30 p.m. The city mailed letters to all property owners informing them of Monday’s hearing, but none of the property owners appeared. One of the properties reviewed was a former commercial building at 202 S. Union St. owned by Michael Walton that has been deemed unsafe and non-complaint by the city. The city has recommended the property be demolished. A lawn mower sales business previously occupied the building, but the building is currently vacant. Slabaugh showed photos of the building during Monday’s hearing and said neighbors have continued to complain about the condition of the property. Slabaugh said issues with the building include bricks deteriorating and falling off the building, a dilapidated fence on the south side of the property, siding and facade repairs not finished, a large amount of overgrown weeds, windows boarded up and scrap wood and other debris piled at the rear of the property and on the roof. Slabaugh said he estimated the cost to repair the building is $45,000 and he received one quote of $17,500 to demolish the building. Randall and Jessie Slone, 206 S. Union St., attended Monday’s hearing and expressed concern with the condition of the property. The Slones agreed the building should be demolished. Another property that was reviewed Monday was a home owned by Tara Smith at 520 Gilliam Ave. that the city has named as non-compliant. Slabaugh said the home has a fencing issue where a fence on the property does not meet the city’s fence rules. Clifford ordered the fence to be removed and rescheduled the hearing for Dec. 16. Shipping palates were used to create a fence on the property, and there is not uniformity of material that was used to create the fence as well as non-uniformity of height, according to Slabaugh. The city’s zoning ordinance states all fences must be constructed of uniform material, color and height and must be maintained in a good state of repair. The ordinance also states painted fences must be repainted whenever peeling or uneven fading or streaking occurs. The third property reviewed Monday that has been deemed unsafe and non-compliant is a home owned by William Kelly at 614 E. Center St. The items of concern include the roof and overhangs are dilapidated, a number of windows are in need of replacement, the home’s chimney appears to be in danger of collapsing and there is excessive weed and brush growth all around and up the sides of the home. A letter was submitted by Kelly, who did not attend the hearing, that stated a contractor is looking into repairing and replacing the roof and overhangs. The letter also stated his chimney has been inspected by a contractor who has assured him that it is in no danger of collapsing. Clifford said he would like for the contractor to testify on behalf of the home.
