Plymouth Board of Public Works affirms emergency vacate order for Clark Street home; other problem properties raised

The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety, on Monday evening, affirmed Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal's emergency order to vacate a home at 405 Clark Street, after it was discovered that a person was living in the uninhabitable structure without running water, electricity, or a functioning kitchen.

Manuwal told the board he was alerted to the situation by the Marshall County Probation Department, which notified him that one of its clients was residing on the property. When Manuwal visited the home, he found a man sleeping in one of the bedrooms.

Property owner Benjamin Oviedo maintained that he had only allowed the individual to store belongings at the home and that the person was not supposed to be living there. The subject has since vacated the property.

Manuwal sought to have the home boarded up to prevent future unauthorized entry, but City Attorney Jeff Houin clarified that Monday's hearing was limited in scope to the emergency vacate order. Manuwal subsequently issued a separate order to board up the structure.

The owner's daughter, Sharon Oviedo, pushed back on the boarding order, asking that it not be carried out due to potential damage to the home's siding, and pledged that the family would ensure all windows and doors remained locked and secure.

When pressed about future plans for the property — which was purchased in 2022 — Sharon Oviedo explained that the family spent two years in litigation and did not clear the title until 2024. She said the family intends to make improvements and noted that the roof has already been repaired, but she declined to commit to any specific timeline for further work.

Councilman Don Ecker expressed concern about the years the property has sat vacant and pushed for a clearer plan going forward. The Board of Public Works and Safety put the Oviedo family on formal notice that any infraction — whether someone gains unauthorized entry, a broken window, or an unlocked door — will trigger an immediate order to board the structure.

Ecker also raised concerns about a second troubled property, asking Manuwal to look into the home at 1808 Hillcrest Avenue, which has been under construction by Eduin Rodriguez for three years and remains unfinished. Manuwal confirmed that after the initial two-year building permit expired without completion, Rodriguez was granted a second permit. Ecker said the prolonged construction is detracting from what is otherwise a nice neighborhood and called for action. Manuwal said he would reach out to the owner to determine his plans for the property.

In one final matter, Councilman Dave Morrow inquired about outstanding fines levied against the Red Rock Inn. Clerk-Treasurer Lynn Gorski confirmed the fines have not been paid and warned that if payment is not received by Friday, a lien will be placed on the property.