The Muncie City Unsafe Building Hearing Authority continued the case for 8810 East Kirby on July 10 and required an inspection before the next hearing, set for Sept. 11.

John Johnson, who identified himself as the owner through D and M Bros LLC, said he has owned the property for two years and is “trying to remodel it.” Staff told the authority that a building permit for the property had been approved and was ready to be paid for and that an inspection would be scheduled to confirm progress.

The authority gave Johnson 60 days to make measurable progress and instructed him to schedule an inspection with the building commissioner27s office the week before the next hearing so inspectors can document work completed. If inspectors find substantial progress, the authority said it may extend additional time at a later hearing; if not, it will proceed with further enforcement.

Why this matters: the property has been boarded for three years, Johnson said, and the authority emphasized the need for interior rehabilitation so the building can be habitable rather than cosmetically improved to remain vacant.

Next steps: Johnson must pay for the approved permit, schedule the required inspection before Sept. 11, and demonstrate progress on repairs to avoid stricter enforcement.