Summary
Contractor Steven Bridal told the demolition board Aug. 21 that exterior repairs and permits are underway at 446 Delaware; councilmembers urged attention to $8,297.94 in unpaid property taxes and advised the owner to resolve the arrears to avoid county foreclosure.
Contractor Steven Bridal updated the Lorraine Demolition Board of Appeals on Aug. 21 that exterior renovation work at 446 Delaware is underway and that several permits have been approved, including for doors, windows, roof and siding.
Bridal said the front-porch permit was approved Aug. 20 and he expects to be back before the board with the project roughly 90% complete by mid‑October. “This job will be complete for Mr. Kidd,” Bridal said, adding he will begin pulling licensed trade permits for electrical and plumbing in the interior phase.
Why it matters: board members and councilmembers expressed concern that the property has $8,297.94 in unpaid taxes and could be at risk of county tax foreclosure if arrears continue. Councilwoman Springowski urged the contractor and owner to resolve tax obligations so renovation work is not lost to a foreclosure action.
City process and thresholds: Matt Krusner, director of Building, Housing and Planning, said the city reviews unpaid taxes biannually and typically refers properties to the county prosecutor when unpaid taxes reach about $10,000. Krusner said staff is considering lowering that threshold and will work with the county auditor to cross‑reference long‑unpaid taxes by years unpaid as well as by dollar amount.
Board action: The board voted to continue the case to allow the contractor to proceed and to provide a progress report in advance of future meetings. Staff requested that applicants submit photos and a brief progress summary at least seven days before the meeting so the board can review documentation ahead of hearings.
Ending: The contractor reiterated an October completion target and said he will submit regular progress updates to the Building, Housing and Planning Department. The board will revisit the case at its next scheduled meeting.
