Muncie hearing affirms multiple demo and rehab orders, sets return dates and city demo bids

The Muncie City Unsafe Building Hearing Authority on Feb. 12 affirmed demolition or rehabilitation orders for multiple properties across the city and set deadlines for owners to file repair plans and schedule inspections. The authority asked staff to verify progress at return hearings set between March 12 and April 9 and authorized city-initiated demolition for properties placed on the noncompliance list.

The hearing matters because the orders affect public safety, neighborhood blight and property owners' obligations under the city's unsafe-building process. Authority members emphasized that the city must balance time for legitimate rehabilitation with protecting neighbors from hazardous conditions and ongoing vandalism.

Authority action and next steps included confirming demo/trash orders for 32604 East 16th Street while asking the owner to submit repair plans and permits and return March 12 for inspection; affirming rehab orders for 517–519 West Howard Street and…