Problem properties improved

A gentle nudge from the city of Portland apparently is just the motivation some property owners needed.
A local board was updated Thursday on the status of five properties eyed for demolition. Drastic improvements have been made to all but one, board members learned.
The exteriors of houses at 318 N. Harrison St., 1404 Ben Hawkins St., 804 E. Race St. and 622 N. Pleasant St. have improved dramatically, Bill Milligan, Jay/Portland Building and Planning administrator, told the Portland Board of Works. Improvements have included new siding, new roofs and new foundations.
However, John Turner, who owns the property at 657 W. Second St., hopes to sell it, rather than repair it, Milligan said. Turner was unable to attend Thursday morning’s meeting. Turner submitted a letter stating his intentions to auction off the property.
Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier said there have been several city code violations at the property, including overgrown grass. Milligan said the house has a hole in the roof, the stairway is collapsing and a small building is falling down.
Board members voted to refrain from demolishing the house until the Oct. 7 board meeting. They want Turner to provide an auction date by then.
“We need to reiterate to Mr. Turner that he needs to get moving on this” auction, Hosier said.
Board members also voted to get an update on the properties at 1404 N. Ben Hawkins St. and 804 E. Race St. on Oct. 7.
Also Thursday, board members approved a leak adjustment for a property at 811 N. Franklin St.
Board member Bill Gibson said there was a water leak between the water meter and the house, so it qualifies for an adjustment. The sewer portion of the water/sewer bill will adjusted to a three-month average prior to the leak.
The property is owned by Allen and Lisa Sloniker.
In other business, board members voted to give the airport manager the mayor’s old computer printer. Hosier said he recently replaced his printer.[[In-content Ad]]