Here’s a close-up photo of what the York County Commissioners discussed at their Tuesday meeting concerning the “nasty” condition of the properties on the Henderson I-80 exit – photo by Heartlandbeat
York News-Times Press Release
Written by Parker Garlough
County Attorney Gary Olson, Sheriff Paul Vrbka and members of the York County Board are concerned about the condition of several buildings near the interstate in Henderson, and they are exploring their options for intervening.
“Right now, if you go out there and look, the first thing that’ll grab your eyes is a flatbed trailer that’s stacked full of nasty, nasty, nasty mattresses,” Commissioner Andy Bowman said. “There’s trash and weeds blowing around.”
There are other properties in poor condition as well, he noted.
Beyond aesthetic concerns, Bowman expressed concern about the potential effect on customers’ and employees’ health.
“I’m a little concerned that there’s some health issues that could permeate out of that, because part of the properties are being used as somewhat of a business,” Bowman said.
Plus, it could be detrimental to nearby businesses.
“It affected the business that was trying to operate right across the road because (potential customers) associate one with the other,” Commissioner LeRoy Ott said.
Because the buildings are not entirely abandoned, it may be difficult for the county to step in.
“When the taxes are paid for and everything’s paid for, it makes the situation tough,” said County Board Chair Randy Obermier.
Olson suggested legislative change to enable the county to act more decisively in potential future situations.
“The ordinances that the county has right now, probably we’re going to have to take a pretty good look at some time in the near future so when these type of projects happen in the future, that we would have a little bit more teeth to start off with,” Olson said.
If conditions at any of the properties are so dangerous the county ends up taking ownership of the buildings in order to clean them up, financial assistance may be available.
“In the case where we would end up obtaining the property, there are grants and things out there that would cover those costs and cover some of that liability for us if it did get that far,” Bowman said.
Ideally, though, a resolution would be found while maintaining original ownership of the property, Bowman said.
“We’re hoping to find ways to remediate in the meantime,” he said.
Other meeting items
• The county board heard from NACO Benefit Services regarding the NACO Group Health Insurance Program and will consider joining.
• Obermier was not elected to the NACO board. The incumbent, Bill Maendele, will continue to serve as the Central District representative.
photos by Heartlandbeat
