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Goshen affirms unsafe-building order for 1006 Downer Road, sets staged compliance deadlines
Summary
The Board of Public Works and Safety affirmed an unsafe-building order for the duplex at 1006 Downer Road, requiring exterior cleanup by Aug. 9, demonstration of significant interior progress or sale by Aug. 23, and a compliance hearing on Sept. 3, 2026. The owner said he is cleaning the property and intends to sell.
The Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety on July 9 affirmed the building commissioner's unsafe-building order for 1006 Downer Road and set a staggered schedule of compliance for the property owner.
The board's action requires the owner to remove debris and complete exterior repairs by Aug. 9, demonstrate "significant progress" on interior repairs or toward a sale by Aug. 23, and appear at a compliance hearing set for Sept. 3, 2026. The motion, which included a requirement that the owner maintain communication with the building commissioner, passed unanimously.
Building department staff told the board the two-unit duplex has extensive problems that render it uninhabitable: "The structure is not reasonably weather tight," the department's inspector said, listing water-stained ceilings, torn and missing flooring, failed finishes, foundation cracks and exposed wiring that require licensed repairs. Staff advised that a substantial beginning of repairs must be visible within the prescribed schedule.
Jeff Bowers, the property owner, told the board he recently regained control of the property after a protracted sale and has removed multiple trailers'worth of debris. "I've been working and cleaning it up," Bowers said, but he also told the board that completing all interior repairs himself may take longer; he stated he plans to put the property up for sale and hoped that would expedite resolution. Bowers indicated October as a personal target to finish work if he keeps the property, but he accepted the board's tighter exterior deadline.
Members discussed balancing accountability with a realistic timetable. One member noted the board could impose civil penalties if the owner willfully fails to comply, and legal staff reminded the board the recorded order and the compliance process enable enforcement remedies, including a civil penalty up to $5,000 for willful noncompliance.
The board's motion affirms the findings in the building commissioner's order dated June 12, 2026, but modifies the schedule: exterior cleanup by Aug. 9; significant progress toward interior repairs or sale by Aug. 23; and a compliance hearing on Sept. 3, 2026 to evaluate the owner's progress. The board asked city staff to remain available to assist the owner with resources or potential buyers, and urged continued communication between the owner and the building commissioner.
The board approved the motion unanimously and said staff will return with an update at the scheduled compliance hearing.
