By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The pending condemnation order for the Swiss Villa Inn has been withdrawn and the city of Paris and the new owner are working to remedy long-standing issues and make repairs before the business can be reopened.
The condemnation order was discussed at length at a recent meeting of the Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals.
At the request of the county health department and the District Attorney’s office, the city building inspector inspected the property at 1315 E. Wood St. Building Inspector Jesse Skidmore said the DA’s office wanted the structure assessed because of ongoing problems there, including overdoses and thefts, and the health department was concerned about unhealthy conditions. After examining the property, the city building inspector recommended condemnation based on defects which included fire hazards, lack of adequate ventilation, structural defects and uncleanliness.
Representatives of new owners appeared at the meeting and said they would be willing to address the concerns, stating they had been unaware of the ongoing problems.
As explained by City Attorney James Smith, “There had been a notable amount of discussion between the building inspector and the prior ownership of (the former) Swiss Villa. The new owner Oswego Lot #7 LLC and/or 1315 E. Wood St, LLC was not informed of this discussion between the old owner and the new owner, so the new owner really had little opportunity to actually address the issues. Considering that fact, the Board thought it most prudent to allow the new owner the opportunity to work with the City and the building inspector to address the identified issues.”
Attending the meeting for the new owners was Kevin Fialko, who is with the investment group called Mattoon Investments. An attorney from Dyersburg also attended on the new owners’ behalf.
As now agreed, the new owners will identify repairs and work to remedy issues prior to re-opening the business. A preliminary estimated time to re-open the business is approximately six months, Smith said.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.