Blackford Development Corporation Acquires Two Distressed Properties Through Voluntary Transfers

From the Hartford City Property Standards Board meeting on August 12, 2026

The Blackford County Economic Development Corporation, connected to "Build a Better Blackford," has acquired two distressed Hartford City properties through voluntary deed transfers, according to testimony at the August 12 Property Standards Board meeting.

520 East Third Street was deeded to BDC after the owner became incapacitated due to medical issues. His sister, Lori Tucker, obtained power of attorney and signed the property over. The house had been without water or heat for at least a year, and floors were rotted from ground moisture. John Creek, who coordinates with property owners on behalf of BDC, said the house is a teardown. BDC has already cleared extensive brush from the exterior — the house had previously been invisible through the overgrowth. The board voted 3-0 to remove the property from its agenda, with BDC handling demolition.

306 North Mulberry was deeded to BDC by an owner who could not afford the cost of demolition. The house was one of the worst hoarding situations the board has seen, requiring a dumpster — paid for by the previous owners — to clear belongings. The kitchen addition in the back is beyond repair, with rotten floors and visible damage. However, Creek requested 30 days to assess whether the front portion of the original house might be salvageable. He cited a lesson learned from a previous property — Charlie Hughes's house — which was demolished when it could have been rehabilitated, because the basement and foundation were not inspected carefully enough. The board voted 3-0 to defer 30 days.

Source: YouTube transcript — Hartford City Property Standards Board Meeting August 12, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.