Parks commission wants more ideas before considering home’s demolition
Laketown Township wants more discussion on the future of an 84-year-old house after a committee recommended tearing it down.
“Before I use the wrecking ball, I want to make sure it’s the right thing to do,” said Parks and Recreation Commission Chairperson Tom Shuff at the commission’s meeting Wednesday, Jan. 18. “I don’t like to tear things down.”
The commission decided to call in the township building inspector to examine the house at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St. Shuff also asked for more ideas for uses of a restored house.
In the meantime, the commission instructed Brett Grams, facilities operations, to post “Keep Out” signs on the exterior to minimalize potential vandalism.
The committee
In November, the parks commission set up a special committee to look at options for the 1,559-square-foot, two-story home built in 1939 by Manuel and Lilah Huyser. Lilah, 85, died in 1996. Manuel, 90, died in 1999.
The township acquired the property in 2001 for a 102-acre park that includes the unoccupied home.
The special committee, led by Parks Commissioner Jeremy Van Hoven, met in December with seven community members who concluded the house should be torn down. Safety, cost and a lack of purpose for the house were key factors in the decision.
“It’s sad but it’s a liability for the township,” Van Hoven told the parks commission Jan. 18. “We’ve got to get the sentimental away from the sensibility.”
Discussion
Shuff thanked the committee for its work and said he wanted more ideas besides demolition.
Parks Commissioner Karen Simmons, who also served on the committee, said the participants came in with open minds and made the recommendation for demolition after thoughtful discussion.
Township Manager Al Meshkin said demolition is a last resort for the house.
“Once that’s done, it’s done,” he said. “I was hoping the committee would come back with ideas.”
Meshkin has estimated restoration at $100,000 to $150,000 including electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and insulation.
Having the township building inspector look over the property is a key step, according to Shuff. If the renovation estimates are too high, the township might need to consider demolition.
“Let’s see what makes sense,” he said.
The parks commission will discuss the Huyser House issue at its Feb. 15 meeting. The meeting is 6 p.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.
The parks commission will send its recommendation to the township board of trustees who will then make the final decision on the house.