The Knox Board of Public Works members are encouraging property owners to keep up with necessary repairs at their homes so they do not fall into the category of an unsafe property.
There are several properties in the city that have been on the enforcement list for quite a while. City officials are attempting to work with the owners to comply with enforcement issues before assessments are issued, but that is not always the case.
Director of Building, Planning and Code Compliance Lonnie Boley said the owner of 253 E. Washington Street has been to the site to mow and put a sign on the concrete block there for anyone to take it. The exterior of the building still needs to be repaired in order to keep animals from getting inside and causing damage. The home has been under enforcement for the past five years. The owner has another month to get it complete. Mayor Dennis Estok said it is a blighted property and the updates need to be done. Updates will be given during the board’s meeting in September.
Boley said at 607 Prettyman Street, the owner has until September 10 to finish the clean up at the property. He has made some progress at that location.
At 6 N. Pearl Street, a special assessment of $5,000 was filed earlier this month. An electric service has been installed, but NIPSCO will be contacted as it appears the proper material was not used with the installation of a box and wiring. Additionally, the siding has not been completed and the fence has not been removed. This structure has also been under enforcement for at least five years and was initially slated for demolition.
A quit claim deed was signed over to the City of Knox at 108 S. McGill Street. The property owner was ordered to remove the foundation, but the owner took action to give the lot to the city. A contractor will remove the foundation and the city will decide next what to do with the property.
The board approved a motion Wednesday morning to assess a fine of $2,500 to the owner at 307 John Street as the property needs to be cleaned up per the enforcement notice.
