Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Unsafe Building Demolition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hearing officer approves compliance plan for 1622 Royce, sets six‑month repair deadline
Summary
At an Elkhart OTA hearing, the owner and a tax‑lien representative agreed to a compliance plan for 1622 Royce Avenue; the hearing officer entered findings and granted the city authority to pursue demolition if the owner did not complete repairs by July 29, 2025.
Hearing officer Jim Rickoff accepted a compliance agreement for the fire‑damaged property at 1622 Royce Avenue and entered findings that will allow the city to demolish the structure if the owner does not complete required repairs.
The agreement, described in court, requires the owner to contact the city building inspector for a fire report by Feb. 12 and to complete repairs within six months, by July 29, 2025. Rickoff said he will follow up with a written order and findings of fact.
Debbie Marcantonio, who said she represents Central Region Tax Auction for 1622 Royce, and the property party identified as Ruben Anzaldua confirmed the terms in court. Rickoff told Anzaldua, "Within a period of 2 weeks from today, which would be February 12, you need to contact the building inspector for a fire report." He later added that the period to complete the project would be six months, through 07/29/2025. The hearing record shows the city had provided contact information for the building inspector.
The hearing officer said he would enter findings that the property is subject to the terms of the agreement and mail a copy of the order to the owner. City counsel indicated they had nothing further for the record.
No formal vote was required; Rickoff issued the findings and stay conditioned on the compliance steps described above.
The order gives the city express authority to demolish the building if the owner fails to follow the agreement; Rickoff also noted the possibility of extensions if the owner demonstrates ongoing progress and requests more time.
The city and the owner will use the building inspector's report as the basis for any additional permits or compliance steps. If the owner fails to comply, the city may proceed with demolition under the findings of fact and applicable procedures.
