Commission affirms emergency cleanup at 125 South Twelfth after owner’s representative disputes handling

The Richmond City Unsafe Building Commission on Sept. 16 affirmed emergency action to clean and seal 125 South Twelfth Street after hearing extended public comment from a woman identifying herself as Carol L. King, who said she was acting on behalf of owner Rachel Diddy.

King disputed the process that led to use of a contractor the city engaged and said she had been working to remove hazardous materials and clear the property before the city’s emergency action. She told the Commission, “My daughter has a traumatic brain injury,” and said she had notified city staff and sought help to address the property’s condition. The Commission voted to affirm the emergency action, citing photographic and health-department documentation of hazardous conditions.

Why it matters: The vote formalizes the city’s determination that the property presented an imminent health and safety risk and endorses the city’s right to act in an emergency when health and code officials determine conditions require immediate remediation. The hearing also recorded a property-owner representative’s claim of procedural irregularities, which may be relevant to any subsequent appeals.

Staff presentation and evidence Code-enforcement staff and the Wayne County Health Department provided photos and summaries showing prolonged vacancy, broken windows, extensive trash and debris, signs of open drug use, standing water and human or animal waste in the basement. Staff said the property had attracted repeat police and fire responses and that an emergency cleanup and sealing was conducted; staff cited Richmond resolution 1-2025 as authority to recover cleanup and administrative costs.

Owner representative’s statements Carol L. King asked the Commission to direct future notices to her mailing address, said she had been communicating with code staff and that she and contractors began work to remove trash and demolish a garage before the city’s contractor was employed. She said that B and B contractors entered and completed additional work and that some of the property’s plumbing (including a water heater) was removed by persons who had been occupying the house.

King asserted that she and her daughter received formal notice only on Aug. 28, 2025, and disputed an earlier remark by a staff member that notices dated to October 2023. She also said a check from the owner that was postdated had been rejected and that she intended to pay outstanding taxes, liens and fines. The representative said she had not filed for an emergency injunction in court during the narrow window when work occurred.

Legal and procedural points raised Commission staff explained how the city sends notices and that, when conditions escalate to an imminent emergency, an internal ‘‘courtesy letter’’ and coordinated action with the health department and police can occur. Staff advised that appeals of emergency orders are governed by state law; the Commission referenced Indiana Code concerning emergency injunctions and the process for seeking court review of emergency government actions.

Commission action and next steps After closing the public hearing, the Commission chair moved to affirm the emergency action taken at 125 South Twelfth Street “as recommended by the enforcement authority and based upon the information provided.” The motion passed by voice vote. The Commission recorded that it had authority only to affirm or reject the emergency action and advised the speaker that grievances about how other city departments or contractors carried out work should be taken up with those departments or in court if appropriate.

The meeting record notes that the property was sealed and that the city will proceed under its normal procedures to recover cleanup costs if applicable. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote count or specific lien dollar amount for the 125 South Twelfth action.