Board Discusses Building Future

The Building and Nuisance Board heard a proposal from two individuals regarding the future of the Gilworth Building on Main Street during a meeting on Monday night.
Green Hills Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Randy Railsback and Assistant Director Jackie Soptic visited with the board about the building, which is owned by Larry Gilworth and has been the source of several complaints to the board over the years. Mrs. Soptic said that she and Railsback had recently visited with Gilworth, who told them he wants to work with the city in making improvements to the building. He said that Gilworth has inquired about funding through the Trenton Downtown Improvement Association’s revolving loan fund to make those improvements, however, Mrs. Soptic said she felt Gilworth might be open to getting rid of the building as well. If that is the case, Mrs. Soptic suggested that the board continue its efforts to have the structure condemned, which she said might prompt a change in ownership. She said that the TDIA has expressed a willingness to take ownership of the property, which she said would at least mean the building would be owned locally. TDIA then would be responsible for whatever happens to the structure. She said that there has been interest expressed in additional housing in the downtown area.
It was noted the building has several issues, most notably a need to replace the roof. Building Inspector Donnie Vandevender said the building is sound, but there is a lot of work that needs to be done to make it habitable.
Board members expressed support for those efforts, but asked that a letter be sent to the city from the TDIA expressing their willingness to assume ownership if the occasion presents itself. Mrs. Soptic said she would visit with the board.
In other business, the board recommended the council approve bids to demolish up to nine properties (see city council story) as well as held public hearings on the declaration of nuisances for properties at 501 Main St., 515 E. Ninth Ct. and 2701 Lulu. Vandevender gave an update on several nuisance complaints and Police Chief Tommy Wright said the department has investigated 109 nuisance complaints so far this year and is on pace to do around the same number as last year, which was 145.