Former CLeaners Site Eyed For A Housing Project
By Jay Young
STAFF WRITER
MAY 17, 2024
A local non-profit organization is working with the owner of the former Pearl Cleaners site on a possible affordable housing project, HOPE of Evansville’s executive director said Thursday.
HOPE’s Joshua Calhoun said he’s corresponded with the property owner about a development at 428 NW Third St. The property is owned by an entity controlled by Eric N. Morgan of Evansville.
The Evansville Building Commission recently cited the property because a recent demolition of the burned-out structure didn’t include debris removals. The city could be stuck with a bill to remove the mountain of bricks and debriis that have covered the site since January. Morgan has not responded to interview requests made since that demolition.
The property is located on the edge of the Downtown Improvement District.
“I think it’s a great area for affordable housing,” Calhoun said. “I think it’s an up-and-coming area.”
Beyond the immediate cleanup, the site faces multiple challenges that include years of unpaid taxes and fees that total $46,590 and potentially a $103,000 lien from the company that demolished the walls.
Calhoun said Morgan originally reached out to HOPE about a possible project and shared renderings. He said his organization has applied for funding from the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP} , which administers money from the state and partners with the Downtown Evansville Improvement District.
This is a developing story.
Can you write an article helping me understand how property owners are not held accountable to keep their properties safe? I just don’t understand how properties can be abandoned and left in disrepair time and again. It happens all over Evansville. AND then not pay their taxes? Does this happen in other cities or does Evansville need to revise an ordinance or two? Who is this Eric Morgan anyway? Thank you.
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