11-04-2011-- CITY TOW LICENSE SWEEP INDICATES OVERALL IMPROVEMENTS-- The Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) today announced results of its first-ever licensing sweep on tow businesses. During the two-part sweep this week, DCE staff inspected seven locations that previously had been reported as hot spots for predatory towing practices.
11-03-2011-- CITY CONTINUES CRACKDOWN AGAINST NEGLIGENT PROPERTY OWNERS-- The Office of City Prosecutor today filed a public nuisance suit against David J. Williams, who has owned or managed at least 69 properties in Marion County. “These public nuisance charges are being filed as part of a greater effort by the City of Indianapolis to crack down on negligent property owners,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “Property maintenance issues often mean the difference between a blighted neighborhood and a vibrant neighborhood. We will continue to hold property owners responsible to their tenants and to their neighborhood.”
10-07-2011-- CITY ANNOUNCES STEPS FOR PAN AM PLAZA AND PARKING FACILITY BELOW IT -- The condition assessment performed last week as ordered by DCE revealed that water infiltration, which appears to have occurred over an extended period of time, has led to the deterioration of a number of structural components supporting the plaza.
09-29-2011-- MAYOR ANNOUNCES MEASURES FOR ENFORCING TOWING ORDINANCE-- Mayor Greg Ballard announces measures for reporting wrongful tows and other towing code violations. Citizens now may contact the Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) via a dedicated hotline at (317) 327-TOWS (8697) or via email at tows@indy.gov to lodge complaints of predatory towing practices.
09-14-2011-- UNDERGROUND PARKING FACILITY IMPACTS PAN AM PLAZA-- The Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) has determined that the structural integrity of the parking facility below Pan Am Plaza poses an immediate risk to life, safety and property. Under the authority of the Indiana Unsafe Buildings Law (IC 36-7-9), DCE posted portions of the parking structure supporting the plaza as unsafe. With the full cooperation of Kite Realty, the owner of the plaza, the plaza will be closed until further notice.
08-26-2011-- CITY CRACKS DOWN ON UNLICENSED CONTRACTORS-- The Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) coordinated its first-ever unlicensed contractor sting to crack down on contractors operating without a license and without securing proper permits, thereby potentially taking advantage of and endangering the safety of the citizens of Indianapolis.
07-21-2011-- CITY FILES COMPLAINTS AGAINST REPEAT OFFENDERS--The City of Indianapolis filed complaints against nine property owners who have consistently maintained environmental public nuisances on their properties. The City is asking the Court to permanently enjoin these property owners from allowing an environmental public nuisance to exist on any of their properties and is seeking compensatory damages for the cost of abatement, as well as fines and punitive damages.
07-18-2011-- STATEMENT FROM MAYOR GREG BALLARD ON CITY-COUNTY COUNCIL VOTE APPROVING PREDATORY TOWING ORDINANCE
07-11-2011-- CITY FILES NUISANCE SUIT AGAINST LOCAL MOTEL-- The owners of the Traveler’s Inn located at 8202 Bluff Road – Sean Bruske and Reuse America, Inc. – face public nuisance charges in a lawsuit filed today by the Office of City Prosecutor. The suit alleges that the since July 2008 the property unreasonably consumed public resources, including law enforcement resources used to respond to criminal and nuisance issues at the property. From July 2008 to June 2011, there have been more than 1,200 police runs, and more than 2,200 officers have spent time and resources to investigate criminal, public safety and nuisance complaints at this location.
05-06-2011-- CITY PREPARED TO TACKLE HIGH WEEDS AND GRASS-- The City of Indianapolis Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) continues its high weeds and grass program this week, dispatching inspectors to private properties that have been reported for high weeds and grass and assigning properties in violation to City mowing vendors.
05-17-2011-- INDIANAPOLIS ANNOUNCES CONSUMER PROTECTIONS FROM PREDATORY TOWING -- Mayor Greg Ballard and City-County Council President Ryan Vaughn announced details of a proposed city ordinance to protect consumers from predatory towing practices in Indianapolis. "For too long drivers have been at the mercy of tow truck operators in our city," said Mayor Ballard. "The ordinance that Council President Vaughn will introduce in the coming weeks will provide basic consumer protections so people can recover their vehicle safely in a timely manner and with the knowledge that they won't be charged excessive fees."
04-11-2011-- CITY CRACKS DOWN ON NEGLIGENT PROPERTY OWNERS-- Two property owners face public nuisance charges in separate lawsuits filed today by the Office of City Prosecutor. Caroline Briggs, owner of the historic building at 829 N. Pennsylvania St., and James E. Chalfant/Chadwick Partners, Inc., owner of the historic structure at 1005 N. Pennsylvania St., which was destroyed by fire earlier this year, have been named as defendants. The filings are a joint effort between the City Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Code Enforcement. The City Prosecutor will serve as the enforcement official for the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission.
03-23-2011-- CITY’S IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION RATING COULD MEAN INSURANCE SAVINGS-- The Department of Code Enforcement (DCE) today announced the city’s independent insurance rating has greatly improved for commercial and residential construction, according to the independent Insurance Services Office, Inc (ISO). The improvement could result in property insurance savings on future construction.
01-26-2011-- CITY FILES NUISANCE CHARGES AGAINST DANCE HALL PROMOTERS-- Promoters responsible for last month’s deadly shooting at an under-21 dance party at the Indiana State Fairgrounds have been named as defendants in a lawsuit filed today by the City of Indianapolis. The Office of City Prosecutor has identified Vanessa Searcy, Mark Battles, Brian Hill, Derrico Freeling, Cory Parchman and Desean Boykin as Defendants in the lawsuit, citing them as a public nuisance. Additionally, the Defendants did not obtain a dance hall license, one of the 24 required business license types administered by the Department of Code Enforcement (DCE).