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Public raises concern over abandoned gas station; commission discusses land bank, TIF or unsafe-building ordinance to address it
Summary
During public comment, a speaker said a foundation had tried to acquire an abandoned gas-station property with no heirs; commissioners discussed Land Bank title issues, possible use of Westgate TIF or EDC funds, unsafe-building enforcement, or a tax sale as options.
During the Nov. 25 meeting of the Daviess County Redevelopment Commission, a member of the public (Speaker 6) urged attention to an abandoned gas-station property described as an eyesore. "The foundation agreed to work with the government to serve and purchase the gas station... No heirs to this property," Speaker 6 said, and asked whether the county could take action.
Commissioners and attendees discussed alternatives. Speaker 3 and others asked whether county tax records had been checked and whether the property sits inside the Westgate TIF area; Speaker 5 said the Land Bank has tried to obtain the site but "they've hit the dead end and that's where they've turned, because they can't get title to do anything." Several participants suggested using West TIF funds, EDC funds, or the Land Bank to acquire the property, though ownership and clear title are obstacles.
Speakers discussed enforcement and acquisition pathways, including exploring unsafe-building ordinances or pursuing a tax sale so a new owner could address the condition. Speaker 1 urged county commissioners to review existing ordinances to identify legal tools for removal or remediation. The commission asked staff to examine ordinances and report back on whether unsafe-building enforcement or other mechanisms could be used to resolve the property’s condition.
