MOUNT VERNON — Although the Mount Vernon Dilapidated Buildings Commission did not hold a meeting in July, it did release an updated status report for properties it is dealing with in Mount Vernon.
A recent concern is the building and grounds at 500 N. McKenzie St., more commonly known as Round Hill Mansion or the Curtis Mansion.
Recent deterioration of the building has brought it to the attention of the commission. Upkeep of the grounds had been spotty over the last year or two and the building has several problems with the exterior, including windows missing and needing replacement and roofing issues.
These were the two immediate concerns of the commission because a leaking roof and open windows will allow weather damage to the interior. Additionally, open windows allow birds and animals to enter and do damage.
Safety-Service Director Dave Glass and Code Enforcement Officer Larry Fogle met with property owner Erwin Weber to discuss plans for maintenance of the property.
“Larry [Fogle] and I talked to him last week,” Glass said. “He gave us a little tour of the outside. Now, we didn’t go inside; most of our concerns are exterior concerns. He was up there with someone who is working on the windows, reconditioning them one at a time. Then he took us on a walk around the outside and we looked at the various items we were concerned about. Our concerns were with the deteriorating condition of the building. We emphasized the most important thing is that the roof is secure and the openings are sealed so there’s no access to birds or animals or anything like that.
“We followed that up the next day stating what our concerns were, and asked him to furnish us with a definitive time table of when he could get things done,” he continued. “We believe he has full intention of totally rehabbing the mansion and we need to know when that’s going to happen.”
in other business the commission reported:
•Two properties, 203 Division St. and 3 Maplewood Ave., were referred to the city law director. These properties were condemned but in each case, the owners had not signed for certified letters sent by the commission. By referring these cases to the law director the city could have officers from the Mount Vernon Police Department hand deliver the certified letters to the owners. In each case, Glass said, the owners have responded positively and have either begun repairs or have entered into a discussion with the city about the property.
•One property on the commission is continuing to monitor is expected to be removed from the list at the August meeting. The residence at 303 N. Jefferson St. has had exterior repairs completed to the commission’s satisfaction.
•The commission reported that through June, 10 structures have been demolished this year and 19 have had the required repairs done.
