closed #200857
Unsafe Buildings
309 W Watson ST
- Case Date:
- 2/11/2025
I am writing as a concerned citizen who frequently drives by a property with multiple mobile homes in severe disrepair. Based on what I’ve seen and a report previously submitted to Bloomington’s UReport system, the conditions of at least one of these trailers are unlivable and pose serious health and safety risks. Most recently, I noticed that the roof of the trailer facing Madison Street has caved in, making it completely uninhabitable. This is in addition to the already hazardous conditions, which include: Lack of Basic Utilities: The trailer has no running water or gas for heating and cooking, making it unsafe, especially in extreme weather. Severe Structural Damage: Floors are dangerously weak, with one section in the bathroom completely collapsed and covered only by a board. The bathtub is resting on bricks, which is unsafe. Unsanitary Conditions: The resident has been forced to confine himself to a single room for warmth, using blankets to block off parts of the trailer. There is also ongoing animal waste inside the home, creating a serious health hazard. Fire and Safety Risks: Makeshift heating methods and extreme clutter increase the risk of fire, endangering not just the resident but also the surrounding community. According to the UReport complaint, the property owner is the resident’s wife, though she does not live there. She has publicly acknowledged these unsafe conditions but has failed to take responsibility for cleaning up the property or ensuring it meets basic health and safety standards. As the legal property owner, she is ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the land and any structures on it, including ensuring they meet health and safety codes. These conditions appear to violate multiple housing and health codes, including: Indiana Code Title 16, Article 41, Chapter 27, which requires property owners to maintain safe and habitable conditions for any mobile homes on their land. (Link) 410 Indiana Administrative Code 6-6, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe, sanitary conditions in mobile home communities. (Link) Bloomington’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Title 20, which governs the safety and upkeep of structures on private property within the city, including mobile homes. I am not a legal or city expert, but based on my understanding, these regulations seem to apply to this situation, and I trust the city will review and enforce the appropriate codes. The property owner should be held accountable for the cleanup and remediation of these unsafe conditions. Additionally, I believe the resident may require urgent assistance, and I hope the city can connect him with available resources to address his health and safety concerns. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Concerned Citizen]