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 because no permits have been issued. Property owners have until the end of the day to obtain the proper permits.

Six homes were originally slated for demolition Monday. 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.

“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. 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.