Hartford City: Partially Demolished House at 539 West Franklin Raises Safety Concerns
From the Hartford City Property Standards Board meeting on August 12, 2026
A partially demolished house at 539 West Franklin Street in Hartford City has stalled mid-demolition, with the front section still standing and surrounded by caution tape, raising safety concerns from neighbors.
Two dumpsters sit on site, but nothing has been placed in them. Neither the contractor, nor the property owner, Mr. Stewart, is returning phone calls from the city. No work has been done in approximately two weeks.
A neighbor reported that workers came one day and knocked the top floor down onto the bottom floor. Mr. Hatton, a neighbor across the street, came out to help. Ordinance Control Officer Dennis Maddox has been unable to reach the contractor or owner.
The board voted 3-0 to table the case for 30 days while Maddox continues attempts to make contact.
Source: YouTube transcript — Hartford City Property Standards Board Meeting August 12, 2026
Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.
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