MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Board of Health approved a resolution to condemn the property at 12423 Cotton St., Howard, when members met in regular session Wednesday evening at the Knox County Health Department.
Claiming the property is a public health nuisance and unsuitable for habitation, Knox County Health Commissioner Julie Miller stated she has been unable to contact the owners of the property. Knox County Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Springer asked the situation be brought to the board and the property be condemned. Howard Township will now share the burden of locating the property owner and seek out options for taking down the property.
Environmental Health Director Nate Overholt has visited the property for inspection and was unable to obtain entry. “It was in very, very bad condition,” said Overholt in his observance of the outside of the house and from what could be seen through the windows. He added that neighbors are claiming the house is full of raccoons. Measures are being sought to have the property torn down within the next 30 days.


