MOUNT VERNON — On Thursday, the Board of Property Maintenance Appeals condemned the site of the former Mazza’s Restaurant on West High Street. Owner Joel Mazza has 90 days to demolish the building.
“There’s no question it qualifies as condemnable, even to the point of having it demolished,” said Greg Bemiller, property maintenance enforcement officer. “There is talk that they want to redevelop the property, which is great, but we can wait only so long before taking action.”
The structure at 208-218 West High St. formerly housed a nail salon as well as the restaurant. Bemiller said the roof has partially collapsed, the bricks on the west wall are deteriorating and developing holes, shingles are blowing off, there is mold growth due to roof leakage and building material is falling onto the sidewalk.
Speaking on behalf of Mazza, attorney Phillip Lehmkhul requested the board wait until its January meeting before taking action as Mazza is seeking state funding for redevelopment of the property.
“There’s no dispute as to the condition of the building,” he said. “Mr. Bemiller is correct that it will be torn down. The question is, who will tear it down and who will pay for it?”
Lehmkuhl said Mazza plans to install fencing around the property beginning today. Law Director Rob Broeren pointed out that cannot happen because Mazza has not yet applied for a fence permit.
Lehmkuhl said Mazza has two prospective tenants for a redeveloped site: a professional office building and Dunkin’ Donuts. Mazza is leaning toward the office building at this point, but Lehmkuhl said that he will probably reverse course and go with Dunkin’ Donuts.
“It’s a valuable property and even more valuable if the building is down,” said board member and fire chief Chad Christopher. “I am excited people are interested in the property and there’s a future for it…but let’s get the building down.”
As fire chief, Christopher deemed the structure unsafe for firefighters to enter. He placed a notice on the building in October that firefighters will only enter the building in a life-saving capacity.
The board also recommended condemnation and demolition of three structures at 14 Kenyon St. Bemiller said the property, which is vacant and owned by JP Morgan Chase, is “quite dangerous” and unfit for occupancy.
Problems include a collapsing foundation, unsecured front and back doors and an entirely gutted kitchen. The bank has had no luck selling the property.
The bank has 45 days to demolish the structures.
Board members unanimously passed a motion to condemn the property at 304 E. Ohio Ave. and ordered the two residents to vacate the house while repairs are made and utilities restored.
Characterizing the house as a blighted property, Bemiller said the wood is deteriorating, the foundation needs shored up, the house needs to be made weather-tight and water and wastewater services must be restored. Water and wastewater services were discontinued on Nov. 7 due to nonpayment of the bill.
“The place is very filthy, very deteriorated and there is debris everywhere,” he said. “[The owner] is affecting the neighborhood in a way we cannot allow.”
One neighbor, Joshua Strouse, told the board some of the problems he has had with the owner. Problems include collecting trash, cutting trees at 8 p.m. and using the firewood to heat the house, removing official survey stakes and leaving an unmoved vehicle on Strouse’s property. Strouse also alleged that the owner has been stealing water from an outside spigot at 308 E. Ohio Ave.
The owner has 90 days to make the required repairs. In the meantime, Safety-service Director Joel Daniels directed Bemiller to work with Broeren and law enforcement to clean the property of trash within 30 days.
Owners Jason and Larry Gunsorek updated the board on the former school building on North Mulberry Street. A security fence has been installed and signage added.
“In terms of our inspection today, it seems no one is accessing the property,” said Larry Gunsorek. “We think we have it as good as we can get it at this point from a security standpoint.”
Jason Gunsorek said they accepted a proposal for a structural engineer on Thursday and have engaged local architect Jeff Salva of Green Valley Design. They’ve also interviewed local law firms to help them with zoning regulations and possible tax abatement.
“Things continue to progress pretty nicely pertaining to the development,” he said.
