Brad Stahl’s Pierceton properties have been the subject of repeated complaints at the town’s council meetings. Recently, he left this junk plane on one of his properties at Fourth and Catholic Streets in violation of town ordinance. Photo provided.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

PIERCETON — Pierceton should start action this month to force a man to clean up his property in town.

That’s according to Town Attorney Tammy Keirn. The property in question belongs to Brad Stahl.

Stahl’s properties have been the subject of repeated complaints from residents at Pierceton Town Council meetings for some time.

Recently Stahl transported a junk plane and left it on one of his properties at Fourth and Catholic Streets, said resident Annie Espinoza.

The Pierceton Police Department was called. Town Marshal Jim Bumbaugh gave Stahl a warning a few days before he cited him.

As of Monday morning, Jan. 9, the plane was still at the property.

It will now be the town’s decision on further action, said Bumbaugh.

The plane issue falls under a violation of the town’s junk vehicle ordinance, but his properties violate its unsafe building ordinance.

“He’s got a handful of properties that are uninhabitable,” said Bumbaugh.

Espinoza mentioned the safety concern regarding Stahl’s buildings, stating she was concerned kids could get injured going into one of them.

She noted she was “glad” Pierceton has established a fund to pay for legal costs to deal with unsightly properties. There’s $10,000 in it right now.

Keirn explained how the cleanup process will work. The council will hold a hearing that Stahl will need to attend.

If there’s still a problem following that, paperwork will be filed in court with the ultimate goals being demolition and cleanup.

People are welcome to donate to the town’s fund to clean up properties by sending money to 105 W. Walnut St., Pierceton, IN 46562.