Renovation to avoid demolition

Feb. 8—GOSHEN — Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty thanked four buyers of homes previously owned by landlord Ron Davidhizar for their efforts to improve the community during a series of Goshen Board of Work public hearings for unsafe building demolition.

"I just want to say that I'm very glad that you are making this investment in our community and our whole hope in encouraging the former property owner to sell is that people like you would make investments so there would be additional development in these areas so thank you," Leichty said.

All four hearings resulted in the board putting demolition orders on hold for 90 days as the owners worked to make significant improvements. Homeowners will also return to present an update to the board March 28.

All homes were auctioned in December or January and had a variety of severe code violations including foundation cracks or holes, inoperable HVAC and plumbing systems, broken windows and doors exposing the interior to the elements, and roof concerns.

A home at 208 Queen Street was the most severe, now leaning due to foundation problems, and has a hole in the second-floor wall leading to outside. The home's last rental inspection was in 2008, and its last water bill was reportedly in 2009.

The home was purchased by Leopolda Mendoza, who told the board by translator that they were aware of the issues facing the home and that he intended to undergo a complete remodel, but 90 days would not be enough time.

"We're going to start by tearing down everything in the interior," the translator repeated, "And then we're going to start with everything on the outside. That's all we can say right now."

Leichty asked about when the foundation would be repaired and was told the interior must be torn down to assess the severity.

"It's got to become structurally sound again, that would be the first thing, other than boarding up again," said Travis Eash, Goshen Building Department.

Bartell and Company Auctions' Craig Blough told the Mendozas haven't yet taken ownership property, because they're waiting on paperwork from a city lien. Goshen attorney Don Shuler explained that the lien — which is unrelated to the property directly — should be closed Monday, and then the 90 days would begin.

The new property owner of 321 W. Oakridge Ave., Gabriel Alvarez, told the board that hopes repairs on his new property will take about three months at most to get it up to code, starting with the foundation.

The home's last building permit was filed in 2015, and its last water service was in Feb. 2021. Among the violations similar to the other homes, the Oakridge Avenue property also has rotting floors and evidence of termite damage.

Eash said securing the floorboards and repairing the foundation in certain areas should be the top priority.

Two of the property owners weren't at the board of works meeting. Bartel and Company auctioneer Craig Blough told the board that one was on a family vacation, while the other had a miscommunication and missed the meeting.

Blough reported that the new property owner of 702 N. 6th St., Gabriel Camerena, has remained in communication with him and the building department. The closing date is scheduled for Friday.

Building inspection Myron Grise told the board that he spoke to all the new owners after the auctions and that they agreed to 30 to 60-day inspections.

"I talk to them almost daily, all of them," Grise said.

Eduardo Pizana, who purchased 111 S. 29th St., has already submitted a preliminary scope of work to the city, but this property also closes Friday.

OTHER BOARD ITEMS INCLUDED:

* Approval of an agreement with the Elkhart County Drug-Free Community Fund for a grant awarded to the Goshen Police Department for $42,803 to purchase equipment to analyze suspected illegal substances and provide officer training on the equipment.

* Approval of an agreement for maintenance on the fountain in front of L&M Hair Salon with Aquascapes of Michiana for $3,100.

* Portions of road near or on 10th Street will be closed for utility work as the city continues the road's improvement project. The board approved a one-day partial closure of Reynolds Street for NIPSCO gas main replacement. The repair will take place sometime between Feb. 12 and Feb. 15.

* Approval an extension for the lane restrictions on 10th St., Plymouth Avenue and Reynolds Street as NIPSCO continues gas main relocation, having been delayed by the icy weather in January. Lane restrictions and parking restrictions in the area will remain in effect until March 29.

Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at dani.messick@goshennews.com or at 574-538-2065.