Burnin’ Down the House
Blighted property could meet spectacular end
LEE ZION, EDITOR
Harrison County Times-Reporter
A house in Mondamin could be burned down to teach people a lesson. 301 N. Main is in extremely bad shape said Mike Kelley at the most recent town meeting, Aug. 3.
Kelly, the public works supervisor for the town, said he visited the town-owned property, but the fleas were terrible. Raccoons and stray cats were everywhere.
“I walked in and I walked right out,” Kelly said.
John Glennie, who serves on the council, said the town has several options: Tear it down or sell it as is.
There was another possibility. Since there are no other homes nearby, the town could give the property to the fire department, so they could burn it down for training. Glennie said.
The council called this the best option of all. Glennie said the town would first have to inspect it to make sure there is no asbestos or lead on the property. Also, several large trees might need to be removed before the house could be burned.
“I think we should ask ourselves what is our end goal is for that property. Is the end goal to have somebody living there and paying for a water utility? Or just to get the eyesore away?” asked council woman Mary Seago.
The house is also close to several ag buildings and the train tracks, which could make the roerty difficult to sell, council members noted.
Kelley suggested demolishing the property and keeping the garage, which is still in good shape.
The council took no action on the property at the Aug. 3 meeting.
