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Merrillville council signals tougher enforcement on blighted rental properties including Whitcomb Townhomes
Summary
Councilors said they will pursue property owners of blighted rental units—issuing tickets, referring matters to town court and attaching unpaid nuisance costs to tax bills—after residents described severe debris and unsanitary conditions at Whitcomb Townhomes.
Councilors raised enforcement actions in response to ongoing blight complaints at rental properties, notably the Whitcomb Townhomes.
A councilor described the scene at Whitcomb Townhomes as "like a war zone," citing dressers, mattresses and other debris. Council discussion focused on stronger enforcement against property owners rather than tenants. The police chief said the town will begin issuing tickets to owners and pursuing matters through town court. The town attorney confirmed that unpaid municipal remediation charges (e.g., mowing or clean-up) can be sent to the county as uncollectible and attached to the property tax bill.
Council also noted a recent fine of $7,500 levied under a new ordinance against the owner of a derelict gas station on US 30; the police chief said the property also has an open case with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The council emphasized that enforcement will expand beyond Whitcomb Street to other areas of town.
Council directed staff to proceed with enforcement and use available legal remedies to compel property owners to address unsafe or blighted conditions.
