10/19/64 Board of Public Works Minutes

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=I necessary repair work. Mr. Grabarz advised that the work, to date, has not been up to Code. The Board directed Mr. Parker to advise his client that the work must be up to Code and the hearing was continued for two weeks. Cis now Paul Schwertley, attorney for property located at 2010 S. Michigan Street which is an estate of Charles and Julia Tree and said Estate is insolvent, according to Mr. Schwertley. Mr. Schwertley requested one weekis continuance to allow time for him to ascertain whether the owners will tear down the structure or whether theCity shall do the demolition work and place a lien on the property. Request granted. Case continued until October 26, 1964. Mr. Grabarz requested 2 weeke° continuance on the matter of opening bids for demolition of property located at 513 S. Bendix Drive. Request granted and case continued for two weeks. Comes now Mr. Jacob Gilbert, owner of property located at 330-330?-1 S. Michigan Street at the request of the Board to show cause why he has not demolished this property which was more than 50% destroyed by fire or why the subject property has not been boarded up. Mr. Gilbert advised the Board that he had not taken action because, according to an article and picture in the South Bend Tribune, the area where this property is located is going to be developed into a State Highway under Redevelopment plans. He also denied that the property was 50% destroyed by fire. His contention was that it was useless to repair property or destroy when it would be purchased by the government. .After hearing Mr. Gilbert, the Board advised him that the reports of the Building and Fire Departments shao7 this property was.'40--or 50% destroyed by fire and was not subject to repair. The Board further advised Mr. Gilbert that an alternate proposal was that the structure could be demolished to the ground floor and the ground floor repaired. With reference to the newspaper article concerning thO redevelopment of this area, this was simply a proposal made by Blair & Associates for a master plan of development for the future and said proposal had not been approved. It might be approved at a much later date but this plan was not for the foreseeable future. Further, that if this area vas purchased by the government, Mr. Gilbert would be paid.a fair amount for his property. Mr. Gilbert requested a list of proposed repairs from the Building Department. Mr. West, Building Commissioner, advised the Board and Mr. Gilbert that a list will be furnished if he desires it and further that the property must be repaired if Mr. Gilbert so wishes, in,accordance with the Code. Repairs must also meet present day Code requirements. The Board therefore ruled that it will follow the recommendation of the Building Department. Case continued for further study. Mr. Gilbert,threatened to appeal ruling.