Newton files lawsuit against owner of damaged building

Newton’s city attorney has been authorized to file a lawsuit against Jeremy Chedester and Chedester Properties, LLC for failing to resolve “outstanding issues” with a downtown property that sustained heavy damage from the 2020 derecho and is now seen by the city as a “public safety concern.”

On April 19, the city council voted 6-0 to allow city attorney Matthew Brick to pursue legal action against Chedester and his property at 209 W. Second St. N. in Newton. The facade of the building, located northwest of the town square, was torn off from the high-speed winds from last year’s derecho.

When the storm hit, bricks were strewn about the street and the building’s upstairs interior was left completely exposed. Since then, wooden boards have been installed in the apartment dwelling and part of the road has been closed off by fencing. Nearby signs say parking is prohibited.

According to city documents, the property owners “have yet to resolve the outstanding issues” with the building, which was formerly occupied by Apples of Gold Center for Learning.

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler told Newton News the city has attempted to work in good faith with the property owner since the derecho. A partial street closure has been necessary in order to provide for the safety of residents and visitors who may be travelling in this area, he said.

“Adjacent busineses have been adversely impacted for more than eight months, during which time the property owner has failed to take responsibility for the property,” Muckler said. “As city taxpayers should not be placed in the position of paying to either repair or demolish this private business, the city council has directed the city attorney to file litigation in order to hold the owner (of the property) accountable.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com