By Aaron Vehling

A decrepit old creamery houses more than the memories of a business long passed, two Rush City residents alleged Monday night at the Rush City Council meeting.

David Roerig and Carl Boyland are two residents who live on Division Street.

They approached the council during the public comment portion of the meeting because they were concerned about an old creamery in their neighborhood which they say houses transients and poses a general safety threat.

ìThere is a report of a transient living in the building, inviting kids to play,î Roerig said. ìI walked through there. I didnít see anyone but I did see current newspapers on a makeshift coffee table.î

Roerig said that in addition to the possibility of dangerous people living in the old building.

ìItís a hazardous area anyway,î he said. ìWe can keep our own kids out of there, but we want to make sure the rest of them stay out, too.î

Roerig told City Administrator Daniel Hoffman that he understood the city had a limited ability to address the issue (because the property in question is private) but asked Hoffman, ìIs there anything you can do?î

Hoffman said this was not the first time he heard complaints about this property.

ìEither the county or the sheriff wrote to the owner a few months ago about this,î he said. ìItís a recurring problem.î

The city has also contacted the owner numerous times, Hoffman said.

ìHe keeps saying he is going to convert it to rental units,î he said.

The urgency of the situation was compounded by an alcohol-laden party some minors threw on the property recently, said Mayor Mike Skalsky.

Though there were no immediate solutions the council could take, many members of the council expressed a desire to condemn the property, a move which would involve litigation and a vast time frame.

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