ISHPEMING - The owner of an Ishpeming home that was scheduled for demolition has agreed to deed the property to the city for sale.
David Miller of 407 Ely St. is in the process of finding a new place to live following a meeting with Ishpeming Police Chief Jim Bjorne Tuesday morning. After originally issuing a demolition order in October, the council agreed at its December meeting to stay their decision until Wednesday's meeting pending a second inspection of the home.
Miller was not present at the meeting and could not be reached for comment.
"The city contractor deemed it would be unsafe to live in based on structural problems," Bjorne said.
In addition to numerous code violations on the exterior of the building, the second inspection identified issues relating to the foundation and floor joists as well as fire concerns with the electrical wiring. Neighboring homes are close enough to Miller's residence that fire danger affects them as well, Bjorne said. Miller's decision to deed the home spares the council the decision to order an eviction notice. Bjorne said Miller hopes to be out of the Ely Street home by early March.
"I think it went quite well. It was kind of a touchy situation," Ishpeming Mayor Gary Nelson said. "The chief and the city manager (Alan Bakalarski) did a good job working out an agreement that was win-win for everyone."
Bjorne said Miller made his decision based on the cost of the necessary repairs exceeding the $9,000 true cash value of the home. Repairs were estimated at almost $15,000.
The council took no action on the home at the meeting. Nelson said the property would likely be put up for sale once the home is demolished.