Wellsville: Village Board continues to address unsafe buildings

WELLSVILLE - The village board spent much of Monday night’s meeting dealing with unsafe or potentially unsafe buildings. The village learned that the owner of 47-49 Martin Street has opted to renovate the fire-ravaged home and not demolish it. A property manager representing the owner told the village board that the first floor has been secured as requested. Quotes were also obtained to fix the duplex up. Village Attorney Richard Buck said the owner was “making a good faith effort” to comply. Mayor Randy Shayler said he “would rather have a home there and not a vacant lot.” The Board voted 5-0 to postpone taking action until its next meeting so the property manager can develop a better timeline for repairs.

The Board then heard from Heather Weimer whose home at 86 E. Hanover Street was previously declared unsafe. Weimer explained in detail personal issues she has faced and why more progress on repairs have not been made. Attorney Buck said “I’m hearing a lot of excuses...enough is enough.” He urged the Board to move forward with seeking a judicial remedy and the Board agreed to do so.

Code Enforcement Officer Jo Fenske also asked the Board to declare a garage at 205 Maple Avenue to be an unsafe structure. She noted a portion of it had already collapsed and if there is more deterioration, it could impact a neighboring property as well as the nearby railroad track. The property is next to the former Knights of Columbus building. The buildings are co-owned by a Wellsville man and another person in New York City. The Board voted to hold an unsafe building hearing on November 25^th at 5:30 p.m.