COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Board of Public Works on Tuesday voted to authorize the city to issue a demolition order for the building most affected by the Fifth Street fire on December 3.
The order gives permission for the city to demolish the structure known as the Irwin Block building if it is not done so by the current property owners. However, there is a notification requirement and the opportunity for appeal. Officials hope the order will expedite the process of hearing demolition plans from the property owners.
Recently the cause of the fire was ruled “undetermined” in part because it is believed that the building is on the verge of collapse. The board agreed that while they would like to not get involved and would much rather the owners take care of it themselves, the city would step in because the building is a safety hazard.
“We really don’t want to interject the city into this process but they need to keep the line of communication open and let us know what the plan is,” Mayor Jim Lienhoop said.
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