SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - Nearly five years after Sioux City tore down a historic mansion, a judge has ruled that the owners of the building must reimburse the city more than $100,000 in demolition costs.
District Judge Jeffrey Neary ruled that James Gengler and Salvador Carrasco must pay the city for the July 2015 demolition of the 125-year-old three story home in the city’s Rose Hill neighborhood. Those costs amounted to $106,959 plus interest.
The city demolished the house after an extended dispute with its owners about structural deficiencies.
Mayor Bob Scott told the Sioux City Journa l the judge’s May 14 ruling proved the city had proceeded correctly.
Gengler, who holds the deed to the property, still lives in Sioux City but said the last he heard, Carrasco was living in Mexico.
Gengler said he may move to another community, adding that “my dream home is gone.”
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