Demolition order stands for The Pointe after failure to comply with the city

Monday night, the Plymouth Building Inspector updated members of the Board of Public Works and Safety on the unsafe building known as The Pointe, a property the city has been dealing with for nearly a year.

Two weeks ago, the owner, Bob Richards, and the building manager, Anthony Collins, were given a list of items to have completed before Monday’s meeting. 

Dennis Manuwal stated that he received the report from the plumber regarding the condition of the repairs at The Pointe, located at 309 Gibson Street. He found that the plumber was no longer licensed in the State of Indiana.

The mold analysis was received in the Building Commissioner’s office on Monday afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m., and the facility passed the air quality test. Manuwal said they didn’t pass the hydro test because one hadn’t been completed, and the sprinklers in the building are not the correct ones.

The required report from a licensed electrician had not been received. Manuwal said there was a miscommunication between the contractor and Mr. Collins, and the required test has not been done. Pictures presented during the meeting showed electrical issues that still haven’t been addressed, and doors pointed out to be replaced haven’t been done, along with other problems.

An original demolition order that was issued still stands, according to the building inspector. He also noted that the fine issued at the city meeting two weeks ago has been paid.     

The Board of Public Works and Safety ruled on The Pointe at their meeting two weeks ago, so they were only being informed of the current situation. 

City Attorney Jeff Houin said, “Your action you took at the last meeting gave the building commissioner discretion to make a determination, so there is no action required by the board tonight.”  

On Tuesday, Mr. Richards was issued an order to demolish the building at 309 Gibson Street. The order mandates the removal of all structures on the property and the disposal of all debris. The site will be backfilled with suitable soils to grade and seeded with grass and straw. Underground utilities are to be located, terminated, and capped off.

Action must begin within 30 days of receipt of the order. The order following the Indiana Code must supply complete information regarding the unsafe conditions to a person who takes or agrees to take a substantial interest in the premises before transferring their interest. They must notify the city within five days of the transfer. 

Mr. Richards's only option to stop the demolition order is through the court system at this point.