MOUNT VERNON — The Dilapidated Buildings Commission conducted its first meeting for 2011 on Tuesday morning in Mount Vernon City Council chambers with chairman David Glass presiding.
No properties were condemned or demolished in the past month, announced Glass. Charges had previously been filed regarding the property at 100 N. Main St. Glass said he has talked with the property owner, who is aware of the historical status of the building and is planning to sell the building. The city has put a hold on these charges during the pending sale.
Two properties have been referred to city law director Bill Smith. The property owner of 203 N. Division St. had been given a timeline of Dec. 15 to replace doors and windows in the garage and to repair the garage roof. No significant repair has reportedly taken place, and the city is now moving forward to demolish the garage which was previously condemned.
“We have no other action than to tear down the garage,” said Glass, adding that the house seems to be secure. Commission members unanimously agreed to proceed with demolition of the garage.
Also referred to Smith is the property at 3 Maplewood Ave. After the house was condemned by the commission on May 4, 2010, token repairs were reportedly made by the owner. When commission members conducted an inspection on Dec. 8, the results of the inspection showed many leaks in the structure; flooring poorly supported and in danger of collapse; central heating system not operating; trash and debris piled throughout the first floor; water and sewer services shut off; and serious health and sanitary issues noted.
Mount Vernon Fire Department Chief Shawn Christy believes the house is going to be given to family members who wish for the house to be torn down. In considering the house to be used in training practices with the fire department, Christy believes the house is too close to other homes to be considered safe. He said the family does not want to spend money to secure the building just to tear it down. Christy stated he will remain in contact with the family regarding the structure.
One property previously condemned was that at 204 E. Sugar St. The owner was given until Dec. 31 to replace three columns which had been removed. Commission member Mike Hillier noted that new columns have been installed, and although they are leaning, he assumes they are attached.
Numerous residences throughout the city continue to be monitored by the commission.
“The majority of these are minor things and are coming to an end soon,” said Glass. Among these are structures at 240 Ames St., 901 W. Burgess St., 6 W. Chestnut St., 906 W. Chestnut St., 1003 W. Chestnut St., 103 Quarry St., 401 N. Sandusky St., 205 Shirley Ave., 4 South St., 75 Sychar Road, 115 E. Vine St. and 104 Walnut St. Commission members agreed that improvements have been made or are in progress, and they believe documented problems should be resolved soon.
