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Owner of 520 West Douglas tells board exterior repairs done; inspectors to walk property with contractor
Summary
At a Martinsville code-enforcement meeting the owner of 520 West Douglas said exterior repairs—including a replaced side window and a secured front storm door—have been made; board members agreed to have staff and the owner's contractor walk the property and to hold off on enforcement so long as the exterior remains secured.
Lisa Hollick, the owner of 520 West Douglas Street, told the Martinsville City code-enforcement committee that the window and storm door the board had previously cited have been repaired and that a contractor, Josh Thacker of Thacker's Construction, is prepared to help complete work over time.
The issue returned to the committee after staff reported no visible, sustained progress since earlier meetings. Bob Strader, a committee member who inspects properties, said he could still see places that had been plywooded and that at times the storm door had been off; Hollick replied, “It's got glass in it now,” and said a contractor had “screwed it shut completely” until she could get a replacement latch.
The committee's chair and members said their enforcement priority is safety and securing properties against the elements and vermin. “What we look at is safe and enclosed,” a committee member said, adding that the board’s concern is preventing access by children or animals.
Members asked Hollick to arrange a walkthrough on site with Strader and her contractor so staff can list required exterior repairs. Strader and others reminded Hollick that some work may require remodel permits, and the committee instructed the owner to have her contractor contact staff to confirm permit requirements. Hollick said Thacker had agreed to work with her on payment terms and that dumpster rental to remove interior debris could cost about $550 a month.
After discussing the condition and the owner's plan, the committee said it would not force immediate demolition or other enforcement so long as the exterior remained secured and staff could perform the walkthrough. The owner said her longer-term plan is to finish interior repairs and move in once funds and contractor work permit progress.
The committee closed discussion on the item after agreeing to the on-site walkthrough and permitting follow-up.
Ending: The committee left the matter open for inspection and follow-up at the next meeting if needed; staff will report on the walkthrough and any permit applications or further enforcement steps.
