Kokomo board authorizes city crews to enter six properties to remove abated nuisance items

The Board of Public Works and Safety in Kokomo on July 16 authorized city crews to enter six properties and remove items that code enforcement previously abated but that remain in violation. The move affects 1508 N. Morrison St.; 1118 E. Mulberry St.; 1823 N. J St.; 1721 N. J St.; 1218 N. Phillips St.; and 111 E. Steffenbaugh St. The board approved the action by unanimous voice vote after a staff report from code enforcement identified the properties as remaining in violation. Board member motions to allow entry and removal were seconded and met with the board’s affirmative vote. The board’s approval gives city crews permission to enter the listed private properties to remove the abated items identified by the city’s code office; the action was presented as an enforcement follow-up rather than a demolition or sale. The action came during the board’s regular business on July 16; no public commenters spoke on the item at the meeting. The board did not specify any additional follow-up steps at the meeting, such as timelines for removal or cost recovery from property owners.