Editor’s note: This story has been updated to clarify when the $500 fines would take effect.

By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — SkyTeam Properties is making progress on two troubled properties in Warsaw.

The property management group is in the process of completing interior renovations to apartment buildings at 303 S. Indiana St. and 422 S. Union St.

The city notified the owners in June of 2021 about numerous building code violations with both properties.

The interior of the Indiana Street property is being renovated and the same will then be done to the second property.

In fact, the building at 422 S. Union has been removed from the city’s ongoing list of troubled houses, having made needed repairs.

But the building on Indiana Street still has four major issues, as windows, the roof, the basement and the foundation, all need more work.

Representatives of SkyTeam said they’ve struggled to find competent contractors.

Thomas Earhart, the administrative judge who oversees code enforcement hearings, threatened to fine the owners over the four outstanding issues.

A month ago, SkyTeam was fined $100 each for 11 violations.

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, Earhart set a fine of $500 per issue to be paid immediately. An update is expected on April 5, the next Code Enforcement meeting.

Travis McConnell said he believes the fines set last month served as a motivational factor and that progress will continue to be made.

The city will seek an update on April 5.

In another matter, a home on Fort Wayne Avenue may not be not demolished after all.

The city has been moving forward with demolition plans after the owner did not appeal the decision on the two-unit building at 214 Fort Wayne Ave.

City officials learned Tuesday that a buyer had contacted the owner and made an offer.

Officials said they will want to see a sales contract at the next meeting to stave off demolition.

Also, there was an update for a property at 316 S. Union St., where the owner, Darwin Busz, is relying on space heaters for warmth.

The building has multiple building code issues, and Busz is working with agencies to find a new living arrangement.

The local housing agency had been working with Busz, but contractors reporting to the housing authority refused to enter the premises because of concerns with a tenant and some activities.

The apartment has a history of illegal drug activity.