Old Hardware Store In Leesburg To Become Apartments
Posted
Amanda Bridgman-
LEESBURG – The old hardware store in Leesburg has been sold and will be transformed into six apartments, according to the new owner at the council meeting Monday.
Bill Lawyer introduced Scott Gingrich and said that he sold the old hardware store building, 115 W. Van Buren St., to Gingrich.
“I’ve lived there for seven years, and I’m happy to announce the old hardware store will be turned into an apartment building,” Lawyer said. “It’s gonna be good to see the hardware store used in its full capacity. He’s gonna bring a lot of quality to this town.”
Gingrich lives in Milford with his family and owns several properties in Kosciusko County. He told the council he plans to create a total of six units and will start with putting two units on the ground level.
The council reminded Gingrich that the parking ordinance in the town is strict and that he will need to provide enough parking spaces for future tenants. Gingrich said he would figure that out and will attend the January council meeting to get more information about the sewage system at the property and other pertinent information regarding utilities.
Also Monday, the council approved the salaries for town employees for 2021. The street commissioner will be paid $21.42 per hour; clerk-treasurer, $25,959 annually; deputy clerk-treasurer, $15.30 per hour; town council members, $2,000 annually; and $4,250 for the town attorney.
Street Commissioner Craig Charlton gave his monthly report Monday and said the parking ordinance that prohibits parking on town streets between 3 and 5 a.m. is becoming such a problem, it’s time for the town to start towing vehicles.
In the past month, Charlton has issued seven parking warnings and six violations, he said. The first ticket is $50 and $100 thereafter. Parking on the town’s streets during these hours makes it hard or impossible for the street crews to sweep or clear away snow, Charlton said, adding that the town is not liable for any violators who leave their vehicles there and they get bumped or damaged.
Charlton told the council that it’s time for the town to “start impounding” problem vehicles.
Residents are also reminded that it is their responsibility to remove snow from their sidewalks.
The next Leesburg Town Council meeting is 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at town hall.
