Milford Orders Demolition Of Davidhizar Properties
By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews
MILFORD — After years of complaints and legal wrangling, two Milford properties owned by Ronald Davidhizar were ordered to be demolished, according to a letter sent to Davidhizar and made available at the March 8 meeting of Milford Town Council.
The letter from Milford Building Commissioner Scott Mast stated properties at 605 Kinwood Drive and 105 N. Maple St. in Milford be “demolished and removed” pursuant to Indiana Code 36-7-9-7. The demolition and removal “shall be accomplished by May 15, 2021.” However, this order could be vacated if the Health Department of Kosciusko County finds either property “habitable and suitable for residential purposes.”
According to the findings enumerated in the letter, a hearing was held March 12, 2020, in which the building inspector, Tom Bulger, issued repair orders. Further inspections in June 2020 found repairs were not sufficient to avoid condemnation.
“Neither of the buildings are habitable at this time despite the owner having had more than eight months to make the properties habitable,” wrote Mast.
The following agenda items were also addressed at the Milford Town Council meeting:
• The council agreed to have Town Attorney Jay Rigdon draw up annexation papers for North Park Estates if residents petition to become part of the town of Milford.
• Lamar Schwartz, owner of CMT Transport on SR 15 in Milford, petitioned for a variance to add on to his building. Council member Doug Ruch requested more information showing exactly the location of property lines.
• During fire reports Milford Fire Chief Virgil Sharp said the north siren is now working. The council voted to approve $168 in charges.
• The council also voted to pay $15,134 for new doors and masonry at the fire station in preparation for the new pumper truck, which will be arriving later in 2021.
• During utilities reports, the council chose Pulver Asphalt and Paving to perform Community Crossing Grant work paving streets and installing ADA ramps. Pulver’s bid of $220,473 beat Phend and Brown’s bid of $249,368. Council member Ken Long noted the difference between the two is two-thirds the total cost of the town’s share of the matching grant.
• The council approved $1,131.43 to renew cellular routing service between the well and water tower through BL Anderson.
• During clerk/treasurer reports, the council voted to continue using Keystone software at a cost of $7,255 for the year.
• Council members agreed to average four months of service to a residence with a water leak at a cost of $74.66.