Fisher Ave. House Sold, Likely Ending Standoff Over Code Issues
Fisher Ave. House Sold, Likely Ending Standoff Over Code Issues
Posted
Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
Fisher Ave. House Sold, Likely Ending Standoff Over Code IssuesWarsaw code enforcement officials are seeing some progress on several properties.
A house at 1627 Fisher Ave., which has been under scrutiny for nearly two years because of an elaborate collection of items assembled in the front yard, is being sold.
The move likely ends a protracted standoff that ended up in court last year.
The property, just south of Warsaw Community High School along what becomes Ind. 15, has been owned by Brad Eberly, who, along with the tenant, had refused to take action over requests to clean up the many items spread out on tables and other debris left on the sides of the house.
The city took the owner to court last year and a court ordered the cleanup.
On Tuesday, city officials announced they had learned the property was being sold. While the transaction is not complete, the tenants have been given notice that they need to move, said Dana Hewitt, code enforcement officer.
In another case, hearing officer Thomas Earhart on Tuesday learned another home with numerous health concerns was being cleaned up and that it is scheduled to be part of a sheriff’s sale next month.
The house at 507 S. Union St. is owned by Stephen and Princene Moore.
The city has been working with the Kosciusko County Health Department over conditions inside the home. On Tuesday, officials learned that garbage and debris had been removed from numerous rooms, including the kitchen. Bill Baxter, an environmental scientist with the health department, gave an update on the situation Tuesday and said he was “amazed” with the progress.
Earhart asked that Moore return with an update in case the sale of the house does not happen.
In another case, Earhart ordered the demolition of a partially constructed carport that is attached to a home at 1615 E. Sheridan St.
Building Commissioner Ray Behling informed the office of the violation on Jan. 11, noting that there was no building permit application for the project.
Since the next meeting is not scheduled until March 12, Hewitt said there was a sense of urgency to do something about the wood-framed structure since it was already viewed as unsafe.
“The concern was the structure could collapse and would need to be addressed quickly,” Hewitt said.
According to the city, the house is owned by Mark and Rebecca Powell.
Hewitt said he attempted on two occasions to contact the tenants at the house with no success. On a third visit, tenants were informed of Tuesday’s hearing, but nobody representing the property attended.
Because the carport is deemed to be a safety hazard, Erhart ordered it demolished.
A property at 1015 E. Main St. continues to not meet satisfaction of code enforcement officials. Jason and Bobby Wade were taken to court last year by the city in an effort to clean up a large amount of debris outside of their home.
The homeowners are under order to clean up the junk and face a permanent injunction requiring them to maintain the property so it meets city code. Items have been loaded up onto a trailer, which is parked at the property.
At one point, officials believed they were moving much of the stuff to a property a few blocks away that is owned by a relative.
The Main Street case is being referred to the city attorney for further action.
Progress was reported in another case involving three properties owned by Ralph and Joellen Fitch.
Fitch said he was ready for city officials to tour 214 N. Fort Wayne Ave., 500 Chinworth Court and 1503 Green Hill Drive.
