Fogle: Work progressing on old middle school

MOUNT VERNON — The old Mount Vernon Middle School was again on the agenda at the February meeting of the Mount Vernon Dilapidated Buildings Commission.

It was reported by Larry Fogle, code enforcement officer, that work was progressing on installing windows in the building at 301 N. Mulberry St.

City councilman Mike Hillier, who attended the meeting, said he had done a walk-around of the building that morning and counted 113 windows still boarded up. Fogle said some of those had windows behind the plywood. It was agreed to try to contact owner John Bechtel to arrange a walk-through of the building.

William Spitzer addressed the commission about a property he owns at 305 N. Norton St. The building had been condemned and was in the court system.

Spitzer said the building was vacant and he had planned on making interior repairs, specifically replacement of the entire kitchen floor, a portion of which had been damaged by a water leak. He purchased the material for the job, and was told by the city to do required exterior work first, which he did.

He said he ran out of money, which was earmarked for the interior work, and has not been able to finish that. He said he did receive some money and would be doing interior work soon. The commission members said they appreciated his explanation, but would continue with the court case; they also suggested Spitzer continue with the repair work.

The commission addressed a complaint by Robert Clay Allison concerning six brick buildings he felt needed attention by the commission. The list included the former middle school. On Dec. 18, 2009, Fogle and City Engineer Cameron Keaton conducted a walking inspection of the six buildings and reported to the commission.

•301 N. Mulberry St. There were a number of areas needing tuck pointing. Bechtel had previously indicated he would take care of this in the spring of 2010.

•100 N. Main St. There is serious distress at the northwest corner and general deterioration. A letter was written to the owner. He is not willing to begin a major restoration project and it was suggested consideration be given to condemn the building.

•101 N. Mulberry St. The porch is pulling away from the structure and it has clogged gutters, causing damage to mortar of exterior walls.

•103 N. Mulberry St. There are areas in chimney and brick walls where tuck pointing is needed. Gutters also need repair. A letter was written to owner.

•107 N. Mulberry St. One chimney has partially collapsed and there are loose bricks on the roof. There are leaks in the gutters and a broken window. A letter to the owner has been sent requesting repairs be done immediately.

•14 E. Ohio Ave. This is a vacant commercial building with a number of areas on exterior walls where mortar has deteriorated and cracks have appeared. The owner has done some cleaning and has promised to demolish the building soon.