GOSHEN BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY: Progress shown on property repairs, deadline extended

Steve Wilson, Goshen News, Ind.
·2 min read

May 2—GOSHEN — One property formerly owned by Goshen landlord Ron Davidhizar, and another currently owned by him, were discussed by the Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety at their Thursday meeting.

As the board approved the meeting agenda, Mayor Gina Leichty made a motion to remove the final meeting agenda item, a review of the order of the city building commissioner for Davidhizar's property at 112 W. Jackson St. Due to a legislative change, the city building commissioner can now issue a fine against Davidhizar directly, rather than waiting for board approval.

The motion passed unanimously.

"It saves time, expedites the process and makes sure Mr. Davidhizar is held accountable for cleaning up his properties and the blight they cause," Leichty said of the decision following the meeting.

Another property, at 407 Center St., was auctioned off by Davidhizar Dec. 16, 2023, and is currently owned by M&H Rentals. The board approved a motion to modify a demolition order on a property to a repair order, allowing an additional 60 days to complete necessary repair, at which the board will review the progress on the property further.

"They are cooperating and moving forward," Goshen Building Inspector Travis Eash said of the repair work M&H Rentals has been doing on the property of late, indicating that progress on it is being made.

Michael Schmucker, representative of M&H Rentals, Inc., spoke to the board.

"Everything just takes time," he said about the repair work being done.

Other motions approved by the board include:

* The closure of three streets for the May 27 Memorial Day Parade;

* Awarding a bid from Jordan Ford for the purchase of two chassis-cab units;

* Approval of the closure of Plymouth Ave., at the intersection with 10th St., between May 6-10, and;

* An agreement with Alt & Witzig Engineering, Inc., for geotechnical recommendations in the amount of $4,220.

Steve Wilson is news editor for The Goshen News. You can reach him at steve.wilson@goshennews.com.