Homes not ready for demolition

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Although officials had originally said some Richmond Hill homes would be demolished Monday, the Thanksgiving holiday delayed the process.

Department of Code Enforcement officials said Monday that no homes would be razed Monday because no permits have been issued. Property owners have until the end of Monday to obtain the proper permits. Applying for the permits costs homeowners $159. A representative from State Farm says, generally speaking, the homeowner is responsible for their deductible but everything else including the permit fee is passed on to the insurance company. However, that depends on the homeowner's coverage.

Six homes were originally slated for demolition Monday, though officials said Monday it could happen sometime this week. The department believes 33 homes will need to be demolished.

Property owners learned of the orders through email, in person or by notices posted on their properties.

"We got lucky we got some really really great neighbors and some of them aren't coming back so that makes you sad," says Craig Burns who has to rebuild after his home was destroyed in the explosion.

“This, I think, is a situation that we have never experienced. For the most part I think everyone has been very understanding that this has been a safety issue and we have been trying to offer homeowners an opportunity to start fresh and get that recovery process going,” said Adam Collins with the Department of Code Enforcement.

Residents can fight demolition by hiring an engineer and submitting a written plan to rebuild. Kate Johnson with the Department of Code Enforcement  explains to file a permit contractors need a letter from utility companies verifying shut off, as well as a letter stating the property is asbestos free. It's a lot of steps, but code enforcement says the city ordinance is there for a reason.

"We want to make sure the homes are taken down by licensed wrecking contractors who are bonded and insured and they know what they're doing they can bring it down in a safe manner," says Johnson.

At last check Code Enforcement had not received any appeals.

Two people were killed and about 90 homes were damaged when an explosion hit the south side neighborhood on Nov. 10. The explosion is being investigated as a homicide, after all accidental causes were ruled out.