Martinsville unsafe‑building authority reviews dozens of properties, plans inspections and possible warrants

The Martinsville City Unsafe Building and Hearing Authority met and reviewed multiple problem properties, received a public submission of addresses and agreed on steps to inspect and, if necessary, pursue administrative warrants to confirm unsafe conditions.

Cherry Lane, a resident who signed up to speak, handed the board a list and photographs of several addresses he said were vacant or in disrepair and asked the authority to review whether the properties fell under its jurisdiction. "I just have a list of properties here and some pictures," Lane told the board, and left the documents with staff for follow-up.

Staff and board members described the statutory threshold the authority applies: buildings that are not sealed against vermin or where animals can gain entry generally meet the enforcement standard. "If a varmint can get inside, we get involved," said Bob Strader, who the board identified as responsible for property inspections and follow-up. Strader said the board would make copies of Lane's list, members would drive the properties in their spare time, and Strader would compile findings and report back to the authority.

The board discussed 489 East Walnut in detail after noting the owner, Scott Burroughs, had not attended despite certified-mail notice. Staff described extensive interior damage at that address — collapsed flooring, missing decking and ongoing leaks — and called the building a safety hazard. Board members agreed to pursue contact by phone; if the owner refused or did not respond, they planned to send additional certified correspondence and, if still unsuccessful, seek an administrative warrant to enter for inspection. "We ask permission to go in for an inspection. If we get no response, then we ask for an administrative warrant," a member said.

Members also updated each other on other unfinished cases. They reported 1415 Cross Street has been sold and is now occupied; 790 East Columbus has an electrical permit pending and will require a meter/panel inspection; and 539 East Morgan is moving forward with roof replacement plans. The one-car garage at 389 North Lincoln has a blown‑out corner visible from the street; board members agreed to attempt in‑person contact and, if needed, certified mail and enforcement steps.

The authority discussed taking a measured approach with vulnerable homeowners. On 520 West Douglas, members noted the owner had suffered a recent personal tragedy and agreed to make in‑person outreach before pursuing enforcement. Board members said limited grant funds might be available to help repair owner‑occupied, insured homes but did not record a formal disbursement.

The board also moved to approve the minutes from its July meeting; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The authority closed the meeting after taking no immediate demolition actions and assigning inspection follow‑up to staff. "We'll give Mr. Strader time to look, and then if he needs our blessing we'll get involved," one member said.

Next steps include staff field inspections based on the public list, attempts to obtain owner permission, additional certified mailings where owners do not respond and pursuit of administrative warrants only if necessary to ensure public safety. The board did not schedule any demolitions or formal abatements at the meeting.