The Kokomo City Board of Public Works and Safety on Aug. 27 approved an emergency demolition order for the structure at 729 South Webster Street.

Chelsea, a city staff member presenting the item, said the property "caught fire in 2021" and that the structure is "completely wide open, harboring wildlife and a fire hazard," which led the office to determine the building is dangerous. She said the city provided multiple notifications — posting at the property and certified mail — before declaring the emergency demolition necessary to "protect life, safety, or property in accordance with I.C. 36-7-9-9." The board voted to approve the demolition and to advertise for bids with responses due Sept. 24, 2025.

Why it matters: The action authorizes removal of a structure the city has identified as a hazard and starts a procurement process for demolition contractors. The board referenced Indiana Code 36-7-9-9 as the statutory basis for emergency demolition authority.

Board action: Motion carried; staff will advertise for demolition bids to be returned by Sept. 24, 2025.