By Joseph Slacian
jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
WABASH, Ind. – A structure on Willard Drive was ordered demolished Thursday, Nov. 16, when the Wabash Board of Public Works and Safety met.
Meanwhile, the owners of a home on Adams Street told the board they will demolish a home at their own expense.
The board voted to declare a lean-to shed at 1284 Willard Drive and unsafe structure, and a 10-day demolition order was issued, effective Nov. 15. The board tabled the matter in October when owner Mike Galley said he would seek quotes to demolish the structure on his own and report to the Building Commissioner’s office.
However, Assistant Building Commissioner Terri Wilburn told the board that Galley has failed to do so.
“He has brought us nothing,” she told the board. “Nothing’s been done as of Nov. 1 and as of yesterday.
“My recognition is we take action ourselves.”
Galley did clean up trash from around the yard, she said, adding that was the last time he had contacted the office.
As for the Adams Street home, Christa McCombs told the board that she and her husband, Grayson, have retained Hank’s Construction to tear down the home.
“The utilities have been disconnected,” she said. “Hank’s Construction is finishing another job for the city on Adams Street, and as soon as that job is complete he’ll be moving down the street to 1470 Adams Street.
“We’ll be demolishing the home, taking out the foundation, removing all the debris, bringing in the fill dirt. All that will be left is the garage and the lot.”
Mrs. Grayson said the couple will try to sell the lot. But Mayor Scott Long suggested the couple consider donating the lot to Wabash County Habitat for Humanity.
“It has some tax benefits for you,” he said.
If all goes well, Mrs. Grayson said, the work could be complete by Christmas.
Mrs. Grayson also asked for a copy of the demolition order, as she and her husband are preparing a civil case against a contractor who failed to repair the building’s roof, leading to it’s falling into disrepair.