Kokomo board approves emergency demolition of garage at 711 S. Armstrong, seeks bids

The Board of Public Works and Safety in Kokomo approved an emergency order to demolish a garage at 711 South Armstrong on Aug. 20 and authorized advertising for bids due Sept. 17, 2025.

City staff member Joe told the board the demolition process began in 2024 and that a recent inspection found the garage ‘‘falling into the alleyway, harboring homeless people and is a fire hazard,’’ which his office determined made the structure dangerous. Joe said the office posted and mailed multiple notifications and that emergency demolition was necessary "in order to protect life safety or property." He cited Indiana Code 36-7-9-9 when requesting board approval to demolish the garage structure only.

After the presentation, a board member moved to issue the emergency demolition order and to advertise for bids due Sept. 17, 2025; another board member seconded the motion. The presiding officer called for a voice vote; the motion carried.

The board did not provide an estimated demolition cost on the record and did not identify a contractor. The motion directs staff to advertise for bids with a return date of Sept. 17, 2025. No public commenters spoke during the open comment period on this item.

The board’s authorization applies only to the garage structure at 711 South Armstrong; Joe specified the office’s request covered demolition of the garage structure only. The transcript does not record any other legal conditions, funding source, or relocation plans for individuals who may be sheltering in the structure.

The board moved on to its next agenda item after approving the emergency order and advertising action.