A building slated for demolition may be sold to the Town of Winamac.
The Pulaski County Commissioners heard the request at their meeting last night. The structure, located in the 200 block of West Main Street in Winamac, was deemed unsafe after problems with the structure as well as mold were located.
Winamac Town Manager Brad Zellers says the have a plan for the site.
“It’s in horrible shape,” says Zellers. “We would like to acquire it and use it as the parkway for the trail when it’s down, cleaned-up, grass seed.”
Currently, the estate that owns the property is responsible for demolishing the structure – which will cost several thousand dollars. Even if the building is sold, the demolition order from the county will remain in place.
Officials with the Town of Winamac expressed their desire to work with the county on the project, including sharing the cost of demolition in order to bring the parkway project to completion.
There is a risk of a second buyer given a possible tax sale on the property.
Winamac Town Board President Kenneth McFarland says they’re hoping for a quitclaim deed.
“If the Auditor’s office, and the Clerk, the Treasurer maybe, and the Commissioners agree to do away with back taxes on it on a quitclaim deed, as long as they agree, then they’re diminished,” says McFarland.
The Pulaski County Commissioners approved action to provide trucks to haul material from the site. The Town of Winamac must now approve the purchase to complete the parkway project.
The Commissioners also recommended that the Town of Winamac consult the matter with Pulaski County’s attorney prior to moving forward.
