Culver Town Attorney Gives Updates on Unsafe Properties

Culver Town Attorney Jim Clevenger updated the Culver Town Council on several unsafe buildings that have been the topic of several legal proceedings.

The opportunity by the property owners to provide any objections to the demolition of the structure at 808 Obispo Street has expired, according to Clevenger. He said he wasn’t aware of any filings. Building Inspector Chuck DeWitt will be obtaining three estimates from contractors for demolition.

As for 415 Lakeshore Drive, the former City Tavern building, the unsafe committee voted to move forward with legal proceedings. A complaint was filed with the 27 Group, Inc. which is listed as the deeded land owner even though the Secretary of State records show the company as dissolved. Notice will be served by the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department. A preliminary hearing for an injunction application is set for Sept. 20 at 9 a.m.

Clevenger noted that an inspection warrant will soon be served for the property at 438 S. Ohio Street. Probable cause will need to be presented for believing that a condition, object, activity, or circumstance legally justifies a search or inspection of that building. If a judge approves the warrant, it must be served within 48 hours of the judge’s approval. Clevenger indicated that he will work with Chuck DeWitt on that information to be presented later.