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Codes Enforcement Board pursues goal of a safe, attractive Maysville
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By DANETTA BARKER Staff Writer
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Keeping junk from looking like junk isn't easy, especially if the junk is as big as a car or truck or lots of both.
The Maysville Codes Enforcement Board met Wednesday evening to discuss two properties -- Thomas Auto Sales and an abandoned house in Washington.
Steven Thomas, who owns the auto lot, is in violation of the international property maintenance code, according to the CEB. Over the course of three years, Thomas has been fined for junk vehicles stored on the property.
Zoning Administrator Matt Wallingford said Thomas had been cited several times in the past and has paid fines. Thomas has not paid current fines, which led the board to recommend legal action against Thomas.
Thomas has appeared in Mason District Court in the past to answer charges of codes violation and each time he has cleaned up the property, according to CEB.
Thomas said hauling cars and parts in and out of the lot makes keeping it tidy a difficult job.
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| Cars sit facing U.S. 68 in front of Thomas Auto Sales Wednesday. Steven Thomas, who owns the land is in violation of the international property maintenance code, according to the Maysville Codes Enforcement Board. Over the course of three years, Thomas has been fined for junk vehicles stored on the property. Brian Hitch/Staff
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"We have moved quite a few cars out," Thomas said. "We have started a business in Mount Orab, Ohio."
The Ohio business will mainly deal with repairs while the Maysville lot will be for selling used cars.
"We would like to see your cars all lined up and you out there selling cars," board member Harry Mann said.
Thomas paid the overdue fine of $125 and was given 30 days to clean up the lot or court action will be taken.
"Ultimately we want the lot cleaned up," Mann said.
Board members told Thomas they wanted his business in town, but they also wanted him to comply with the ordinance.
Thomas built a fence a few years ago, which did little to help the situation. Board chair Ben Breslin suggested a bigger fence.
"If people don't see it, they won't call and complain," Breslin said.
Codes Enforcement Officer Gary Wells said he wanted the lot cleaned up permanently.
"I want this to end," Wells said. "I want to stop bugging Steve and I want to stop getting complaints."
The board discussed the future of a saltbox house in Washington. Located at 2002 Old Main Street, the house has been condemned by the board.
"When you condemn a property, you have three choices," Wallingford said. "One, the city demolishes and files a lien; second, the city can make the property safe and secure; and three, the owner can make the property safe and secure."
Wallingford said the board has had no luck trying to work with the owner, who lives in another state.
Codes Enforcement Officer Gary Wells roped off the property recently after a portion of the porch roof collapsed. The board would like to see the house demolished, but it is one of two saltbox houses in Maysville, therefore it is a contributing historic structure.
Wallingford said several groups in Washington have expressed concern about the possible demolition of the house. The property is considered a blighted structure, according to the board and is a hazard to the community. The Board of Architectural Review and groups in Washington would like to see the house preserved.
Wallingford has been in contact with several people, including the Elizabeth Wallingford Preservation Estate concerning the property. The Maysville Board of Commissioners has agreed to postpone the demolition of the structures for six months, in order to give time for the property to be sold.
Contact Danetta Barker at Danetta.Barker@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 272. |
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