Alexandria expects sale of condemned building

In a recent article by Chris Mayhew on Campbell County Connects The owner of a building condemned by the city on East Main Street has communicated with the city for the first time in more than a year, expressing an intent to sell the property rather than have it demolished.

Alexandria expects sale of condemned building

By Chris Mayhew • cmayhew@nky.com • 5:17 pm, Jul 19, 2011

ALEXANDRIA – The owner of a building condemned by the city on East Main Street has communicated with the city for the first time in more than a year, expressing an intent to sell the property rather than have it demolished.

The city’s building inspector condemned the building Feb. 7 of this year. The city, citing a safety hazard, had previously boarded up front windows that were broken out and left unattended in August 2010.

More than $3,700 in $75-a-day code violation fines have also been levied by the city against the property.

The city’s attorney has recently spoken with Edward C. Schumann, owner of the property at 8339 E. Main St., about having the building appraised with the idea of selling it, said Mayor Bill Rachford.

“Mr. Schumann has been in touch with some folks who have expressed some interest in buying the place,” Rachford said.

A phone call to Schumann July 19 was not immediately returned, and previous phone messages and letters to Schumann left by The Alexandria Recorder about the building have never been answered.

The city’s attorney, Mike Duncan, is familiar with the appraiser selected by Schumann and is waiting for the appraisal to happen, Rachford said.

The appraisal was scheduled to happen about two weeks ago when it was unexpectedly delayed because of a medical emergency for the appraiser, Rachford said. The same appraiser is expected to perform the appraisal soon, he said.

Since Schumann is interested in selling it now, the appraisal needs to happen soon and it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to delay the building’s fate further, Rachford said.

“I just don’t want him to continue to put it off and drag his feet … and drag that process out for five years,” Rachford said of Schumann.

If the property can be sold to a viable buyer who wants to use it, that’s the preference, but it’s time to stop dealing with the issue, he said.

“I really don’t want to destroy the building, but I will if I have to,” Rachford said.

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