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Last updated on Thursday, March 28, 2013
(MITCHELL) - More properties in Mitchell will be torn down as the city maintains its focus on ridding the community of blight.
Krystal Shetler of the Times-Mail reports that the city of Mitchell now has a hearing authority that works to determine the fate of properties that do not meet building codes. During the first meeting in February, seven properties were examined, and one of those -- a vacant mobile home at 507 Crawford St. -- has already been demolished.
The city's hearing authority met again last week to discuss the conditions of three properties.
-- 219 S. Sixth St.: The structure is not safe for habitation because of structural problems, including the fact that the roof is caving in. The property was discussed at the February meeting, but because the owner of the property had not been located, the case was continued until last week. In the most recent meeting, the owner of the property said he attempted to sell the house on contract, but the occupant had not made payments since 2008. The occupant was given 30 days to vacate the property, and the city will demolish the property. The owner will be given the opportunity to pay the demolition fees to retain ownership of the land.
-- 115 E. Frank St.: There is an unsightly outbuilding, formerly used as a railroad depot, sitting on blocks on the property. The owner said he is waiting on his tax check to do repairs on the property -- replace roof, repair trusses, create a wall and add vinyl siding -- which he plans to use as a storage shed. He was given 30 days to complete the project. It was noted there would be fines issued if he failed to complete the project in the allotted time frame.
-- 321 E. Grissom Ave.: The vacant home at the corner of Meridian Road and Grissom Avenue is crumbling and unsightly. It has been empty for many years. Attempts were made to contact the property owner, but she did not show up for the hearing. The authority will allow the city to demolish the property with the city attorney attempting to recover the costs.
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