NH officials target blighted homes

By Lois Mittino Gray

Members of the New Harmony Town Council are taking action to put some teeth in enforcing a new ordinance abolishing unsightly homes and structures in town. Three certified letters were sent out by Town Clerk Ann Huelsmann on Friday, May 22 notifying owners of problems with the top three structural concerns on a list compiled by town councilors. “We met and have identified a bunch of them, but we are going to deal with the top three first,” explained Councilwoman Connie Weinzapfel at the May 19, New Harmony Town Council meeting.

“This is a normal process, let’s start with these three and see how it goes. We will do another two next month,” observed Town Council President Jeff Smotherman. “I want people to know this is not directed toward personal issues. This is about the betterment of our town and public safety. It is about consideration for neighbors, improving life, and maintaining a strong community.”

The trio of structures cited this month were inspected by Zoning Administrator Tom Stahl who made a list of infractions against the Unsafe Building Ordinance being worked on at this time.

Smotherman said the most complained about location is the former Car Wash at 908 Church Street owned by the Conyers’ family that is overgrown with weeds and in deteriorating condition. “The roof and fascia need to be repaired to be in compliance with our standards ,” said Councilman Rod Clark.

Another site is located on 818 East Street, near the old school and Murphy Park, and is owned by Kevin Reed. The front porch is not in compliance with standards, and the roof of the garage needs repair in the deteriorating structure. “There is trash in the yard and it is all overgrown, it’s a mess,” declared Councilman Tom Williams.

A third site is at 1112 Lynnwood and is owned by Jason Woods. There is a tree coming out of the roof and the roof needs replacing, as well as work on the exterior walls and garage. The yard requires attention, too.

The two others that round out the five lots of concern are Jim Stinson’s property on Church Street and another home on Murphy Street.

“This needs to be a legal process,” commented Weinzapfel. “We need steps in handling these issues.” Councilors discussed how much time to allow owners to respond to the issues brought up in the letter. After discussing thirty or sixty days, they accepted Smotherman’s compromise of 45 days to take action. After that fines of up to $250 a day can go into effect.

Right now, there has been a first reading on the Unsafe Building Ordinance. A Public Hearing is set for the next Council meeting on June 16 to discuss what the ordinance will include and possible fines. All interested persons are invited to attend. From there, the ordinance can be passed on second reading. “Enforcement is something we need to look at,” Smotherman emphasized.

In a related action, Council members passed on first reading an ordinance establishing a separate fund, as required by the State, to be numbered 22-34 to put all the fines and penalty money into after payment.