Building Dangers Concern Silver Lake Council
SILVER LAKE — What council members once hoped could become an asset to the community has, instead, become a local nightmare for them.
During the regular council meeting, held Wednesday evening, May 18, Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter presented a letter from an attorney representing the owner of the old Silver Lake school building asking for an abatement on fines recently imposed.
Town Marshal Craig Hollopeter told the council he has begun imposing the fines in hopes of spurring the owner into some kind of action on the building. While town ordinance calls for up to $100 per day until the building is brought into compliance, Hollopeter has, instead, been fining $100 every seven days for the past five weeks.
Hollopeter presented several photo printouts showing where the worst of the damage lies. This damage has been caused by a variety of factors, including vandalism and decay.
“I don’t think there’s any question, this could be considered a dilapidated building,” Hollopeter told the council.
Hollopeter pointed out the building stands next to a public playground and a school bus stop. He expressed concern over the chimney beginning to crumble and the heavy air conditioners in the windows, supported by rotting wood.
“We don’t know when a piece of the chimney is going to fall off. We don’t know when the air conditioners are going to fall,” Hollopeter said. “We’re right next to a playground.”
The chimney is full of bats, he added. The foundation is crumbling and many windows are broken out.
According to Hollopeter, the owner’s attorney has contacted the town, asking about an abatement on the fines. He told the council he would be glad to provide the abatements if the owner brings the property into compliance. Council members agreed.
“We’re talking major-dollar renovations within a 60-day period before we’ll think about abating,” Hollopeter said, frustration evident in his tone of voice.
Several years ago, a buyer came forth expressing interest in renovating the building. It had already been slated for demolition. JT Prater pointed out the town paid around $10,000 to cancel that contract so the interested buyer could purchase the school and redevelop it.
“I don’t have the sentimental feelings other people have because I didn’t go there,” council member Phil Shalley said. Clerk-treasurer Tonya Conley replied, “I don’t think anybody has any sentimental feelings toward this building anymore.”
“If anything, we feel guilty for supporting him,” Hollopeter added.
A question came up as to what would happen if the owner refuses to pay or bring the building up to code or tear it down. Hollopeter responded that, in that situation, the fines would be turned over to the town attorney, who could either sue him or order him to pay back taxes. If he still refuses, the property would then go up for tax sale.
The next step for the council will be to work with the owner’s attorney to see about bringing the property into compliance. While council members showed reluctance to continue trusting the owner, they agreed to do so.
“I think it’s a positive development that his attorney contacted us and wants to work out a resolution,” Town Attorney Scott Reust said.