As first brought to our attention on Maury Goldberg's New Albany Today blog in Eyesore of the Week or even the Year, here are several views of the wreck at 708 Culbertson. First, the east side.
Here's a closer view of the porch, with the street behind the photographer:
What's left of the front window faces Culbertson to the north.
And here's the interior view, as exposed through the smashed front window:
We'd better hurry and get this one demolished before someone rents it "as is."
If Mr. Roberts is aware of the property as Maury reports, one could assume he's begun the necessary legal proceedings to make clean up or demolition a reality.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a good opportunity to request a report on the status of those proceedings at the next Board of Public Works meeting.
Jeezo, at least put some plywood over the windows. In the previous administration there was a committee solely for dealing with problem homes like this and were torn down.
ReplyDeleteWhat happen to that money?
The sad part is that we could all probably go out and spend the day photographing places like this all over New Albany, and still not get all of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Mr. Roberts getting paid to do? And what excuse will be offered up as to why this place has been allowed to remain like this, for years and years and years?
This is a topic that is a real sore spot with me. I started fighting the issue of non-enforcement 12 years ago, and I have been amazed at the creativity and energy expended by the people who are supposed to enforce ordinances, not in enforcing them, but in finding ways to avoid doing so.
I know this comment may upset the current administration supporters!
ReplyDeleteWE NEED A FULL TIME CITY ATTOURNEY!
Enough said!
NOT!
THIS IS NOT A PART TIME CITY; IT DOES NOT HAVE A PART TIME MAYOR.
I have nothing against the current city attorney, if he only wants to work part time because he doesn't want a pay cut that is fine. Then let's hire a second part-time attorney to pick up the slack!
While we are at it, let’s add a city court; let the speeding fines and other fines help support the city, not the county.
It's time for a change, I am 53 years old, all my life I have heard nothing but horror stories about New Albany politics. But that is a whole different story!
I feel like the city supports slumlords in exploiting people who don't realize they deserve safe, decent housing, and by allowing slumlords to continue to degrade our property values.
ReplyDeleteI am sick of it and all the excuses.
Even if the Building Commissioner "knows" that the laws can't be enforced because of the lack of a city court and full time attorney, he should still be writing the citations. The ordinances don't say "only enforce the codes if you have a full time attorney and city court, in case somebody fights their citation."
And besides, how would he know that they are all going to have to go to court? What about the people who would abide by the law if they got a citation?
The "no court no attorney" story is just another excuse.
By the way, I have a lovely letter from a former city attorney of New Albany in my 2-1/2 inch thick file of my unsuccessful attempt to get one decrepit property cleaned up. His excuse at that time for doing nothing? I'd have to swear under oath by way of affidavit my personal knowledge of any building code violations inside, before the building commissioner would inspect--even though probable cause was evident by viewing the numerous violations on the exterior.
I am sure there is a reason why building codes are not enforced, but I will never believe it is because of a lack of city court and full time attorney. There's a big difference between having no enforcement and having no citation of violations. They are not the same thing.
Geez, I need a Tylenol now.
Steve, please remember, and i know you know this, but the first priority is getting the codes followed, and if necessary, enforced. Then we wouldn't have buildings that need to be bulldozed.
ReplyDeleteONA - You and others like you are the reason we must try.
ReplyDeleteI've spent many months agonizing over your experience, and wishing I could have been of help to you.
Perhaps the best way at this late stage is for us to dedicate our efforts to you.
Take care.