Knox BOW Votes to Refrain from Renewing Permit at Pearl Street Property

A property that has been addressed multiple times by the Knox Board of Works over the last few years was discussed again when members met for their July meeting.

As previously reported, a building located at 6 N. Pearl Street was originally slated for demolition in the summer of 2016 but the Board of Works took action to delay the enforcement in March of 2017 when they learned the property owner, Lucia Valladares, had plans to fix the structural issues.

Valladares originally had one contractor conducting the ordered repairs on the unsafe structure. However, after reportedly experiencing issues with the initial contractor she enlisted the assistance of a new one.

Director of Building and Code Compliance Kenny Pfost provided an update on the property during the most recent BOW meeting.

He shared, “I have not heard from the owner, from Lucy, nothing’s been done, the contractor still hasn’t registered or anything.”

Board Member Jim Collins inquired about what their next step should me and City Attorney Autumn Ferch supplied him with a response.

She explained, “I believe the discussion will be to begin the enforcement action and start over with a new enforcement action. 

Board member Steve Dodge asked if the owner’s last building permit had expired and Ferch noted that it has. Mayor Dennis Estok said the recommendation he discussed with Director Pfost was to refrain from renewing the permit.

An official motion to that effect was made and passed unanimously.