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Board presses owner at 1352 Middle Street to finish work, sets deadline review
Summary
At its April 13 meeting the Wabash City Board of Public Works and Safety ordered owner Mr. Collins to meet with the building department and return April 27 with a timeline to complete exterior repairs and the sidewalk at 1352 Middle Street, warning demolition could follow if work does not proceed.
The Wabash City Board of Public Works and Safety on April 13 pressed the owner of 1352 Middle Street to complete outstanding exterior repairs and the sidewalk, directing him to meet with the building department and return to the board on April 27 with a specific timeline.
The order followed a staff progress update noting resident complaints and limited progress since the end of March. A staff member told the board the city had sent a notice in late February classifying the work as high priority.
Mr. Collins, who identified himself to the board as the new owner, described progress on windows and soffit but said he faces constraints caring for relatives and working full time. "Give me 90 days. I'll have the sidewalk done," he said.
Board members and staff pressed him for greater specificity about the remaining work. A staff member noted some interior code issues were "fixable" but said the exterior siding and trim remained incomplete and that the sidewalk trench had been a major safety concern. Staff suggested interim measures — such as backfill or rock — to make the sidewalk passable until permanent repairs are completed.
A board member urged clear deadlines and a formal timetable. "The only really two choices we have here is to give you more time or to tear your house down," the board member said, telling Mr. Collins the board would rather see repairs completed than pursue demolition.
Chair called for Mr. Collins to meet with the building department within days and asked him to return at the board's April 27 meeting so the board could review and potentially approve a new timeline. The board also recommended erosion-control measures to limit runoff from the exposed soil.
The board did not vote on enforcement action at the April 13 meeting; it set a follow-up review for April 27, 2026.
Clarifying details: Mr. Collins told the board he had taken ownership recently and that certain requirements had been recorded against the real estate at the courthouse; staff said recorded requirements remain binding on subsequent owners. Mr. Collins estimated 90 days to finish the sidewalk but did not provide a detailed work schedule or permit inspection dates during the April 13 hearing.
