Editor, Times-Union: As the owner of property in downtown Warsaw, I was pleased to read the article in your Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, edition regarding the plans for the First Friday Community Building event for Aug. 3, 2012.
Having been a Warsaw and Kosciusko County resident of 30 years I have seen the community progress and grow with great pleasure. I support the effort to build the feelings of “community” the First Friday group has endeavored. I also believe there are opportunities to do some additional things to make Warsaw even stronger and more attractive to individuals and families considering relocating here that are yet to be considered.
There is an issue I must address and hopefully I can clear some apparent misconceptions. In the article regarding the Aug. 3 First Friday event, various possible parking areas are listed. Among those listed is the parking lot of the building at 215 S. Lake St., popularly known as “The former BVM building.”
It seems that many of my fellow residents assume that that property is owned by the State of Indiana and or is “publicly owned”. That is not the case. That property was leased by the State of Indiana for the entire duration of their occupancy and that property has been and currently is privately owned. I am the current owner of that property.
Because of liability issues, I cannot allow that parking area to be used as “public parking.” My attorney has made me “critically aware” of my liability from persons and property being injured or damaged on my property if I do not regulate its use. As a result I have posted signage that states the lot is private property and as a result it is not for public free parking. I do patrol that lot and I have notified any violators of its private ownership and that public parking is prohibited. I have not towed any vehicles to date and I truly hope for the same in the future.
Some downtown businesses interested in using the lot for their own use approached me regarding the possibility of leasing parking space. I investigated with the city and have instituted a program that mirrors the city program for leasing parking space in the city owned lots. As a result, some of my spaces are leased and additional space is available. Anyone interested in leasing parking space should contact me through Investors Realty and I will be pleased to work with them.
Pursuant to my desire to build and support the community and since the announcement about parking there after 5 p.m. only has been previously printed, I will allow parking for the First Friday events only with the complete understanding of the following conditions:
1. Any persons parking there assume all risks and agree to hold Family Four Properties harmless and free from any liability for any damage or injury incurred as a result of their parking in the lot at 215 S. Lake St.
2. That all persons recognize that this letter is a public notice of the private ownership of that property and accept the conditions stated above.
I wish the First Friday event great success and let’s promote Warsaw and Kosciusko County as a great place to live, work and raise our families.
Michael Dilling Family Four Properties, LLC Warsaw, via e-mail
