BY ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The City of Hutchinson may have to take matters into its own hands when it comes to a long drawn out issue with a dilapidated building on the city’s south side.
The building at 2100 Bonebrake has been under disrepair for many years and the city has been trying to get the owner to either bring it up to code or raze it. The building's owner Susan Gress was first put on notice by the city in 2019 about its condition. The building has gas lines running to it but both meters have been removed. It also has electrical service with extension cords running into a motorhome.
An official demo notice was sent to the owner in August of 2019 unless construction plans were offered by October of that year. Since then the owner has been given several opportunities to make repairs to the building but nothing has been done.
In March of 2002 a fire caused damage to the structure making it uninhabitable. No permits were issued to make repairs.
On July 21 of this year, the city met with the Gress’ about finding a way to demolish some part of the commercial building and save the north part by renovating it. The city gave Don and Susan Gress until the next July city council meeting to come up with plans for both.
On August 12 a the building official met with the Gress’ and once again asked that the drawings and plans be made available at this Tuesday's meeting. Depending on what happens Tuesday, the city council will be asked to take action on the recommendation that the building be demolished.
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