By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW – The city of Warsaw is assessing fines against the owner of Economy Inn on US 30 in order to kickstart renovations needed after high winds caused major damage to the building nearly two years ago.

A storm in May of 2019 ripped part of the roof off and caused extensive damage to much of the interior.

The Economy Inn in Warsaw has been closed for nearly two years because of storm damage. InkFreeNews file photo.

Progress with repairs was initially slowed by the insurance process, but portions of at least $1.8 million have already been released to help cover costs to rebuild.

The building has a new roof, but much of the interior has been gutted and has not been renovated.

The city has been waiting for months to see design plans.

Jay Patel, the property owner, said an engineer from Indianapolis was supposed to attend a city code enforcement meeting held Tuesday, April 13, and provide detailed plans, but he was delayed and did not arrive until after the hearing.

Hearing Officer Thomas Earhart complained about how the case has dragged on for more than a year and a half and questioned Patel on why it was taking so long to prepare plans.

Patel suggested he would get paperwork together as soon as possible.

Earhart also expressed dismay that the city had not been updated on $1.8 million in insurance payments and asked for an accounting of how that money’s being used. Patel said he would oblige, saying that kind of information is an open book.

Patel was warned in March that the city could take steps toward demolition if progress is not soon made and Earhart brought up the option again.

Earhart opted to begin fining Patel $300 a day until he satisfies five stipulations that include working with the city, working with the state and proof that finances are available to do the work, according to Dana Hewitt, the city code enforcement officer.

The issue will be reviewed on May 11 at the next code enforcement hearing.