HPC Minutes 1978 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

April 25, 1978 Page 4 presentations on Historic Zoning that are scheduled for May 16th and May 23rd. Ms. Peck said that there will be a letter sent out to the residents on the first of May concerning the presentations. 4, Historic Landmarks and Standards Ms. Oxian read a .letter received from Garwood Judah, from the Air- port Authority: "Dear Mr. Oxian: On behalf of Mr. Lloyd S, Taylor, President of the Airport Authority, thank you for your March 29 offer regarding disposition of the structures located at 24030 Cleveland Road. Although the Airport Authority is purchasing the land and pro- perty at that location, possession of the houses and other buildings will not pass to the Authority for a period of eight years. The owner retains the right of possession and use during such time. Your inter- est and offer of assistance for a possible excellent procedure of dis- posal is certainly appreciated by all the members of the Airport Auth- ority. Please convey the thanks of the Authority to your Commission members. Signed: Garwood Judah, A.A.E., Airport Director." He then read a letter from Mr. William Richardson, St. Joseph County Engineer, dated March 31, 1978: "Project M -S-090(1) - Olive -Sample Streets Grade Separation Dear Mr. Oxian: Your letter to the Board of Commissioners has been sent to me for review and investigation. I have not fully been able to research your request but on the surface, it ap- pears that it might be possible. When St. Joseph County purchases these homes, the owner of the home is generally given the option to buy the house back and then having it moved, in which case we assist them in moving. The problem as I see it with a third party entering the ne- gotiations would be the problem of the State Law which regulates sur- plus property disposal by the County. Under the State Law, we must have the property appraised and offer it for public bid to the highest is and best bidder. At this particular time, I do not have any final an- swer for you but we will investigate it. Signed: William J. Richard- son, P.E. County Engineer." Mr. Oxian then read a letter from Mr. Richardson, dated April 21, 1978. Subject: Project M -S-090(1) Olive -Sample Streets Grade Separa- tion. Dear Mr. Oxian: I am enclosing a copy of the letter that we have received from D.E. McGillem & Associates. I believe that the letter is self-explanatory as to what would 'have to be done in order for the Com- mission to purchase any of these homes. John, I have a special favor to ask you that is to allow us to carry though with the planned demolition of these structures. I would have no objection if the Commission would to negotiate separately with the Contractor for the purchase of the homes prior to demolition but when you consider all of the work involved in demolition such as removal of the basement wall, slabs, discontinuing and sealing of utilities and the final cleanup and backfill of the yards, there is more than just removal of the house involved. If we pursued your plan, those expenses and legal responsibilities would also be yours to bear and we could be getting into quite an administrative jungle. If you have your eye on any particular homes in that area, I would be more than happy to work with you. Also, keep in mind that each individual home owner has the option of removing the house from the site and we assist them financially in doing so. The basic fear I have in my mind is one of danger to the neighborhood with having a number of vacant homes sitting there. Vandalism with subsequent arson could be a very serious happening in that neighborhood and could bring serious ramifi- cations. At this time I formally request whether you are interested in It all of the homes or just particular ones and we will then try to reach some kind of method of operation. Signed: William J. Richardson, P.E. County Engineer.