City pushing to clean up Woodlawn property

The Lebanon City Council wants unsightly properties to be cleaned up within city limits, and it's starting with 408 Woodlawn Avenue.

John Thompson, the city building inspector and zoning official, said the city will file a summons against the property owner in Marion District Court.

The city's goals is not to bring lawsuits, however.

"The goal is to get the property cleaned up," Thompson said.

The council briefly discussed 408 Woodlawn Avenue during both of its special called meetings last week (June 17 and 19).

Councilman Kenny Marrett asked that the property be included on the agenda at every city council meeting until the problem is resolved, while acknowledging that the process could take months or even years.

"We're not going to stop until it is corrected," he said.

Thompson said there are other properties in town that may be considered a nuisance, and the city could pursue further action down the road.