MITCHELL - MARCH 7, 2023 - Concerns continue over the safety and building code compliance following a building collapse of the Antique Mall on Main Street in Mitchell in December.
Photo: A partial building collapse occurred at the Antique Mall in Mitchell back in December
During the Mitchell City Council meeting members discussed assessing higher fines on residents that did not get their lawns mowed and weeds around the homes done properly.
However, concerns over the Building Commissioner Bill Sallee and Mayor Nathan Jenkins not enforcing building codes and fines after partial collapse of the Antique Mall was questioned by Mitchell City Council member Vicky Schlegel during the meeting.
Complaints on the structural integrity of the building have been expressed prior to the collapse of the building in December. 7, 2022.
Lawrence County Zephyr received concerns from a Mitchell resident about the building and partial collapse almost a week before the building collapse on December 7th.
Photo: Area around Main Street in Mitchell, Indiana had to be evacuated due to a gas leak following a building collapse
The Indiana State Fire Marshall's Office has not condemned the building but has deemed the building unsafe for occupancy. Mitchell City's Building Commissioner Bill Sallee has not condemned the building using the city's code enforcement.
There were several residents who asked whether the City of Mitchell has required permits and engineering studies to be conducted to ensure public safety. Residents are asking the city to require the property owner to hire an engineer and make sure repairs are done in compliance with the state's building codes.
During last month's city council meeting residents expressed concerns about children and vagrants accessing the building especially of a night.
" With the loss of wages, businesses forced to close, my question is why was not the property owner assessed any fines? Especially, after he was asked to make repairs," stated Vicky Schlegel, Mitchell City Council member.
Lawrence County Zephyr will continue to monitor developments on this story.
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