The Knox Board of Public Works heard an update on 253 East Washington Street during their meeting in January.
Director of Building, Planning and Code Compliance Lonnie Boley informed the board he had issued an order to repair the home at 253 East Washington Street on July 10, 2023. He stated the owner got in contact with him approximately 30 days later and a 60 day order to bring the home within compliance was started on August 31, 2023. He added those 60 days were up at the end of October and that the individual has owned the property since December 3, 2018.
City of Knox Mayor Dennis Estok mentioned they had spoke during the October meeting with the owner about showing some signs of progress on refurbishing the home. It was noted new windows as well as siding would need to be installed to bring the home up to the City of Knox building code. He added the city has very little faith in the owner bringing the home up to code due to the time it has taken to show signs of improvement.
In a previous meeting, it was announced the owner was notified estimates from a contractor on finishing the work would need to be submitted by the January 24 meeting. Boley stated no estimates have been received. He mentioned the owner informed him supplies have been on back order holding the progress up. Boley went on to say, the city’s records show there is not a building permit for 253 East Washington Street either. He added the permit costs $326.
Mayor Estok stated the owner needs to purchase a building permit as well as get the windows and siding done. He added with it still being winter, he recommended the board allow the owner until their meeting in May to finish the job in full. A motion was made to have the home brought up to code by May 22. That motion was seconded and passed unanimously by vote.
It was noted, if the job is not finished by the May meeting, the city will move forward with fines.
