The owner of 1340 Gable Drive, Warsaw, faces possible court proceedings. InkFreeNews photo by Brianna Pitts.

By Brianna Pitts
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Warsaw’s Code Enforcement Inspector Dana Hewitt requested either a demolition or receiving order on the property located at 1340 Gable Drive, Warsaw.

The property in question has been labeled “dangerous” by building inspector Rob Hurford, due to extensive damage caused by a fire in May 2021. Additionally, there is a broken window, which has allowed adults and juveniles alike to come and go, according to the neighbors.

The only time Melvin Handshoe, the property’s owner, has been seen was May 2021 when Hewitt went to the residence to inform him of a tall grass and weeds complaint. Shortly after this, on May 9, 2021, the fire occurred; however, Handshoe was nowhere to be found that day, and was unable to be contacted afterward.

After extensive research on Handshoe’s current whereabouts, it was determined he was living with his father. On June 1, a notice was sent of the code hearing to Handshoe’s father’s address, and it was returned with a signature resembling the name Melvin Handshoe. However, he was not present at the hearing on June 13.

Ultimately, Hearing Officer Thomas Earhart decided on a receivership order, which will give Handshoe the chance to appear in court and plead his case.

In other business, Judith Brown, the owner of 731 E. Market St., has been issued a 10-day warning before everything sitting outside the building will be hauled away, with a bill sent to Brown. The property’s current tenant has numerous ordinance violations and has been running a buy-and-sell business out of his home.

A follow-up will take place on June 15, where the building and code enforcement inspectors will inspect the residence’s interior to determine other necessary actions. Hewitt advised the owner to attempt selling this property in order to get out from under the fines and bills that are sure to follow.

Also during the meeting, city officials learned Little Crow Lofts has been working with repairmen to seal exterior walls where water had been entering the apartments. The roof has been repaired and examined for any other damage. After a walkthrough with a contractor, the owners were advised to wait 30 days to ensure any moisture has dried and no more future moisture occurs. During the interior repairs, it would be about a three to four day process per room, and only one tenant would be displaced. Housing would be provided to those displaced due to repairs. There will be a follow-up at the July 25 code hearing.

Shaffer Rental Property representative Sherri Makinson was also present at the hearing to speak about two properties, located at 212 Wedrick Drive and 1017 E. Fort Wayne St. Repairs for both of these properties are underway, with both properties being gutted and redone, bringing all of the interior systems up to code. There will be a follow up at the July 25 code hearing.

John Wise was given notice of the hearing over a complaint received in March 2022 about a concrete stoop that needs repairing on East Center Street. He will be tearing out the concrete stoop and building a wooden deck in its place.

Follow-ups for Little Crow Lofts, the Shaffer Rental properties, and Wise will take place at a July 25 hearing.