Board denies extension for long-vacant Greenwood house after neighbors cite falling trees, vehicle damage

The Greenwood Board of Public Safety on April 6 denied a homeowner's request for an extension to complete exterior work on a long-vacant house on First Bow Street and directed the city's legal department to take immediate action to correct ongoing safety and maintenance violations.

Neighbors who addressed the board said the property has been vacant since 2014 and poses an ongoing safety risk from poorly maintained trees and an unfinished garage. "We have lost limbs into our property five different times," said a neighbor who identified himself as Steve of 962 First Bow Street, listing incidents in 2018, 2020 and twice in 2023. "A dead limb recently shattered the back glass of my Buick sedan," he said.

Another neighbor, Linda Gibson, read a letter saying she and her spouse have lived in Greenwood for 40 years and that the neighboring house has been only partially remodeled for years, attracts birds through open vents and lacks garage doors and siding. "We would like to access our rights and have our city require this homeowner to be responsible to meet safety standards so as to prevent unnecessary risk," Gibson said, asking whether Indiana's unsafe-building authority could be applied.

City staff told the board they had issued a warning notice with a correction deadline of the day of the meeting and that code enforcement officers found the problem still existed. Staff reported a building-life violation was reported on March 16, 2026; a new permit was then issued March 18, 2026 and is valid for one year, but neighbors and staff said the property's condition and a longer permit history (a remodeling permit tied to 2017 that later expired) show a prolonged problem.

The property owner disputed some claims, saying he had trimmed and removed trees, that most exterior siding and windows are new except for the garage area, and that disability and lack of funds slowed progress. He asked for more time to finish the exterior work. The owner said much of the wood on the ground had already been removed and he planned to finish the project this year.

After hearing neighbors' accounts, staff evidence (city photographs) and the owner's explanation, a board member moved to deny the extension request and to direct the city legal department to take immediate steps to correct the situation. The motion passed on a voice vote. Chair said the city legal office (Mr. Hodson's office) would follow up with the complainants about next steps.

Clarifying details recorded at the meeting included the permit history (remodel permit from 2017 that later expired, a reported violation March 16, 2026, and a permit reissued March 18, 2026 good for one year), and multiple dates neighbors cited for limb strikes and vehicle damage.

The board's action was procedural enforcement: the request for an extension was denied and staff was directed to pursue legal remedy; the owner was not assessed a new fine in this meeting, and the board did not enter any temporary abatement order on the record at the meeting. City legal staff will follow up with neighbors and the property owner to begin corrective steps.