Evansville hearing affirms multiple raise and vacate orders; $2,500 fine imposed for water shutoff

Summary

At a Dec. 12 Evansville Building Commission hearing, the pro tem hearing officer affirmed several vacate and raise orders, modified some orders to repair agreements with compliance deadlines, referred ownership disputes to housing court and imposed a $2,500 civil penalty for a property with inactive water service while tenants remained.

Michael DiRienzo, the pro tem hearing officer appointed by Mayor Terry, opened the Dec. 12 Evansville Building Commission administrative hearing and said he would treat the matters under Indiana unsafe-building statutes and local ordinances. He reminded property owners that his orders can be appealed to the Vanderburgh Superior Court within 10 days.

Inspector testimony and documentary evidence led the hearing officer to affirm multiple raise and vacate orders across the city. On 413 Reed Street, Inspector Allen recited structural deterioration, missing mortar and slipped bricks, interior damage including a rusted electrical panel, rodent evidence and a lead-risk assessment that identified hazardous lead-paint locations. After owner Michael Turry disputed some notices and said, “I wanna fix it up, and you’re telling me I can’t,” the hearing officer found the structure an impaired condition unsafe to persons and property, affirmed the…

Evansville hearing affirms multiple raise and vacate orders; $2,500 fine imposed for water shutoff

Summary

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