FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A recently demolished house on the city’s south side has left neighbors uneasy, as debris and an open basement hole remain untouched for over a week. Residents say the abandoned site is a safety hazard, particularly for children, and they are questioning why cleanup efforts have yet to begin.
Concerns Over Safety and Responsibility
Ashley Keesler, who lives nearby, worries about the risk the site poses to children in the neighborhood.
“Yesterday, there were a lot of kids out riding their bikes just right past it,” Keesler said. “And they shouldn’t have to.”
Beyond scattered debris, the exposed basement foundation remains a major issue.
“There’s a basement. And underneath all this stuff is a big hole,” Keesler explained. “I am concerned if a kid gets down there, how are we gonna get them out?”
Shaft Jones, another neighbor, believes those who tore down the house should be responsible for clearing the site.
“If they would have come and cleaned it off, leveled everything, it would have been fine. But they abandoned it, like a job site,” Jones said. “Just left everything the way it was.”
City’s Role Under Scrutiny
The Fort Wayne Department of Neighborhood Code Compliance ordered the demolition last week. However, no updates have been provided regarding the cleanup timeline. Residents say they feel left in the dark, with no clear answer on who should take responsibility.
21Alive News reached out to city officials for clarification but has not yet received a response.
The city typically oversees demolitions of unsafe structures, but debris removal can sometimes be delayed due to contractor schedules or budget constraints.
Unanswered Questions and Growing Frustration
The lack of communication has only added to neighbors’ frustration. Many say they have seen demolitions in other areas cleaned up almost immediately, leaving them wondering why this case is different.
- Why was the property left in this condition for so long?
- Who is ultimately responsible for the cleanup?
- When will action be taken?
As days pass without answers, concerns continue to grow. With warmer weather approaching, some fear the site will attract unwanted visitors or become even more hazardous.
Comparing Local Demolition Practices
To better understand the situation, here’s a look at standard procedures for property demolitions in Fort Wayne compared to nearby cities:
| City | Typical Cleanup Time | Responsible Party | Enforcement Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne | 1-2 weeks (ideal) | City or contracted crew | Varies by case |
| Indianapolis | 1 week | City or property owner | Fines for delays |
| South Bend | 10-14 days | Contractor | Inspection follow-ups |
| Toledo | Immediate (if city-led) | City government | Strict oversight |
In some cases, delays occur when property owners are required to handle cleanup rather than city crews. It remains unclear whether that is the case for this Fort Wayne property.
What Comes Next?
With no immediate action in sight, neighbors are left waiting. The community is hoping for a swift response from the city to resolve safety concerns and remove the hazardous debris.
Until then, residents say they will continue pushing for answers, ensuring their voices are heard in hopes of getting the site cleared before an accident happens.
