Two property owners fined by City's Code Enforcement board

Nita Johnson, The Sentinel Echo, London, Ky.
·2 min read

Sep. 27—Two property owners will be responsible to complete cleanup measures on their property or pay a $1,000 fine.

The two cases — which were up for review on Monday evening — were presented to board members by Code Enforcement officers and City Building inspector Josh Wilson.

Wilson and Code Enforcement Officer Frances Sweet showed pictures of the two properties that have been under review. The first was a property on East 4th Street owned by Don Estep. Sweet said she had spoken with Estep that day and he said the property had been sold. Sweet said, however, that the Property Valuation Administrator's office (PVA) still had the property listed in Estep's name.

Board members Mike Samples, Brian Burkhart and Roxanne Roberts questioned if any improvement to the property had been made. Sweet said some work had been done but the cleanup was not complete by Monday's date — which was a requirement of the order issued three months ago. Hearing officer Eric Edwards said if the property had been sold, the case would transfer to the new owner. He added, however, that without a confirmation of the sale, Estep remained responsible for the cleanup.

After discussion, board members voted to fine Estep $1,000 and have the case set for another review. Should the property be cleared of all safety and unsightly issues before that time, the fine would be dismissed.

A similar situation arose with the property on Whitley Street owned by Elmo Greer. Sweet said the white frame farm house had been demolished that very day, but that the barns on the property remained an issue. Sweet said Greer was sent a letter regarding the safety issues on the property in June, with Greer replying back by letter. Code Enforcement officers required the house to have boarded up windows and doors and those be painted. Although that was done, the roofs on the two buildings remaining on the property continue to be in disrepair.

Greer was not present for Monday's meeting to comment on the progress of the cleanup or future plans. Board members then voted to issue a $1,000 fine and revisit the case in 60 days. Should the property be cleared of hazardous issues, the fine will be dismissed.

A third property belonging to Terry Binder was also on the slate for discussion.

Binder was present for the meeting and told officials that the repairs to his building on North Main Street had been corrected.

Samples and Edwards both commented that they had seen work being done at the site. Binder said the corner of the building's structure had also been repaired. Binder's case was first discussed during the August meeting, with him correcting the issues before the next meeting date.

Board members then dismissed the case and thanked Binder for his prompt attention to the needed repairs.