Building official reports demolition possible at 705 West Walnut, flags unsafe structure on North Newark

Rick Denny, who presented the enforcement update, told the Building Standards Commission that the owner of 705 West Walnut (referred to in the record as Ms. Hurley) received a certified and regular letter about the commission's decision and has indicated she is seeking demolition quotes.

“She said she would get quotes for a demo,” Denny said, adding that Ms. Hurley told staff she had some quotes and was trying to find someone to clean the units out before demolition could begin. Denny said she was “leaning toward demo” but that no firm timeline has been set.

Denny also described Case 3454 at 803 North Newark, where siding has been removed and portions of the walls appear to be leaning. He said staff moved that case up the list because of safety concerns, that a stop-work notice has been issued and that the structure appears unsecured. “I'm concerned about the safety of that,” Denny said. He said staff will bring the case before the commission at the next meeting if the owner does not remedy the conditions.

On Case 3347 at 502 North Newark, Denny said the office has not heard from the owner and no work has occurred; staff will continue notification efforts and attempt to locate responsible parties before presenting the case to the commission.

Denny noted the 803 North Newark property is visible from Highway 51/Business 380 and reiterated that staff will proceed to schedule the matter for a future hearing unless the owner resolves the issues beforehand.

The commission did not take formal enforcement action during this meeting; staff described ongoing outreach and next steps.