Deadlines set
for unsafe homes
Staff writer
Marion gave two residents May 1 deadlines Monday for making improvements to homes they own.
The council conducted a public hearing on three properties, allowing owners to “show just cause why such structures should not be condemned and ordered repaired or demolished as dangerous or unsafe structures” under city code.
Darvin Markley, who owns a vacant house at 420 E. Moore St., said he was making repairs at that property. He said he already had received a permit from the city for the work.
“Give me 90 days, and I’ll be done,” Markley said.
The council agreed to give him until May 1 to finish repairs at the property, appraised at $6,900.
Darryl Brewer, whose wife, Linda, is listed as the owner of 129 W. Santa Fe St., said he knew there were issues with a roof at that property, appraised at $25,800.
James Masters, neighborhood services director for the city, told the Brewers they would need to submit plans and obtain permits for the work.
Darryl Brewer balked at needing a permit.
“I don’t need anyone to tell me how to build it unless they want to come over with a hammer,” he said.
He said a house fire had caused part of the damage.
He added that money had been tight since the death Nov. 26 of their son, Chris Brewer.
“I can’t invent money,” Darryl Brewer told the council.
Council member Zach Collett told Brewer the board wanted to see at least some progress by May 1.
The council also reviewed a home at 202 Miller St. owned by Deliliah Belshe. Belshe did not appear at the hearing. The council made no decision about the house, appraised at $19,810.