Plymouth residence declared unsafe, occupants ordered to vacate

Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

A residence on Clark Street has been deemed unsafe, prompting city officials to issue an emergency order to vacate the property due to hazardous living conditions.

On Monday, April 27th, Plymouth Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal notified Benjamin Oviedo, the owner of the property located at 405 Clark Street, that anyone staying in the structure must leave immediately.

During the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Monday evening, Manuwal informed board members that he served the order to vacate earlier that day because the house lacks running water and any appliances for cooking.

According to the official notice issued by the city, Manuwal stated, "I have determined that the interior condition of the structure poses a danger to the life and safety of its occupants."

Under Indiana Code, any person required to vacate a premises has the opportunity to appeal the decision. Manuwal advised Oviedo that he or the individuals currently living at the Clark Street residence have the right to attend the upcoming Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on May 11th at 6:00 p.m. to plead their case if they disagree with the vacate order.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Manuwal told GIANT fm WTCA that Oviedo told him the person in the house did not have permission to be there.