Commission hears mixed progress on three blighted properties; Knights Inn demolition on track

Property improvement partner Hodges updated the commission on three properties under orders for repair or demolition.

On 1641 South Main (the Knights Inn site), Hodges said permits have been submitted, an asbestos-removal contractor has been selected and utility shutoffs ordered. "Permits have been submitted, an asbestos removal company has been selected and should start any day now," Hodges said, and noted a contractor estimates about three weeks to complete demolition once work begins. He said the contractor plans to remove all buildings and parking to leave an empty property when finished.

Hodges reported no permits or engineering reports have been filed for 1017 South Ash; the property missed a begin-by deadline and staff will prepare estimates and options over the next 30 days to present to the commission if the owner does not act.

At 214 South Main the owner has a dumpster permit (granted Sept. 4) and reports clearing a path and removing a false ceiling so an engineer can assess structural integrity; Hodges said staff has not been granted interior access to independently verify the owner's reported interior work. The commission asked that these three properties be updated again at the next cycle and discussed possible cleanup scopes that could include debris removal as part of demolition work.

Commissioners emphasized they wanted staff to notify the commission before any deadline extensions and to return with concrete next steps if owners remain inactive.