Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Commission Hearing - June 3, 2026

Hearing Officer Joe Harrison Jr. convened the Evansville Vanderburgh County Building Commission on June 3, 2026, at 1:15 PM to consider unsafe building orders for two properties. The hearing addressed requests to vacate, repair, or raise structures deemed hazardous. Two evidentiary cases were heard, involving a fire-damaged house and a property with a dilapidated garage and shed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Susan Stocker Melquires (owner of 6125 Broadway Avenue): Appeared in person with her son, John Swell. She stated the fire occurred on October 10, 2024 (19 months prior), and she had been living in a camper on the property since November 2025. She expressed a desire to rebuild the house with help from family, churches, and Home Depot, estimating $10,000–$20,000 in materials. She acknowledged signing a notice of violation on May 29, 2026. She asked for more time and opposed the raise order, citing sentimental attachment and the property being paid off.
• No other public testimony was offered for the second property (4612 Detroit Road); the owners were not present. Code Enforcement Inspector Kenny Knox reported he had spoken with one owner two weeks prior, and the property was unoccupied.

Discussion Items

Case 1: 6125 Broadway Avenue (CE 26E 84)

• Property: Fire-damaged house and two sheds owned by Susan Stocker Melquires.
• Inspector Testimony: Kenny Knox, code enforcement inspector with 15+ years, testified that the property had been inspected four times since August 19, 2025. He observed fire damage to the roof, siding, and soffit, as well as tall weeds and trash. The house was vacant and secured, but no permits or progress had been made. He recommended the house remain vacated and the house and both sheds be raised. He noted he did not enter the house because it was locked.
• Owner's Position: Melquires argued she was working with contractors and had received material donations. She requested an opportunity to rebuild rather than demolish.

Case 2: 4612 Detroit Road (CE 26C 85)

• Property: House, garage, and shed owned by multiple individuals (Christopher Roman, Amber Presky, Lillian Presky, Logan Presky, Misty Bruce, Aaron Preskey).
• Inspector Testimony: Knox testified that six inspections had been conducted since August 12, 2025. The house had damage to wood, gutters, shingles, chimney, windows, and lacked electrical and water service. The garage’s east wall and roof had collapsed; the shed had exposed foundation and risk of collapse. Knox recommended the house be vacated and repaired, and the garage and shed be raised. He stated the house was repairable, but the garage and shed were dangerous.
• No owner testimony was presented; Knox had contact with an owner who said they would tear down the garage themselves.

Key Outcomes

Case 1: 6125 Broadway Avenue

• Vacate Order: Affirmed. The house and both sheds must remain vacant. The structure is an impaired structural condition, a fire hazard, a public health hazard, a public nuisance, and dangerous due to ordinance violations.
• Raise Order: Affirmed. The house and both sheds must be raised. The demolition deadline is July 7, 2026. If the owner secures a contractor and signs a contract, the deadline may be extended.
• Appeal: Must be filed within 10 days (by June 13, 2026) with Vanderburgh Superior Court.

Case 2: 4612 Detroit Road

• Vacate Order (House): Affirmed. The house must remain vacant.
• Repair Order (House): Affirmed. All repairs must be completed by July 17, 2026. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the same room.
• Raise Order (Garage and Shed): Affirmed. The garage and shed must be raised by July 21, 2026.
• Appeal: For all orders, owners have 10 days to appeal to Vanderburgh Superior Court.