Knox Plan Commission Outlines Steps for Blighted Building Owner

The Knox Board of Works has agreed to a timeline with an out-of-state property owner to make significant repairs to the structure. The building at 6 N. Pearl St. next to Poppin’ Off Popcorn was purchased at tax sale, sight unseen, by a California resident.

They’ve advised city officials they intend to restore it into a single-family home as soon as the weather allows and say they have ample money to do so.

Knox Mayor Dennis Estok says the city is willing to work with the owners to get the home back on the tax rolls but expects to see a time frame and plans for doing so.

He adds the purchaser is affiliated with a large company that buys houses as investments and flips them for profit, so resources to finance the restoration should not be an issue.

The Board of Works agreed the owners need to come to their March meeting with their permit and plans in hand to discus a time frame for getting the work done. The Board of Works will have a final say on the timeline after receiving that information.