On July 24, 2017; an issue was discussed before the Board of Public Work and Safety. This was in reference to an outbuilding at 1101 West Laporte Street here in the city of Plymouth. It was said that this outbuilding needed to be demolished. When actually that demolition had occurred and was finished on July 19. Subsequently, there were articles on local news media and Facebook.
Snyder Real Estate would first like to give a brief history of the Snyders being in business in excess of 80 years, 40 of which have been in the community of Plymouth. Lester Snyder and his son owned the Chevy dealership in Culver, IN. Around 1976, Jay Snyder opened a 24 hour towing service, body shop and car lot, on the North side of Plymouth. This business was only closed due to Jay’s son, Christian, having a malignant brain tumor. That same year Jay opened The Bargain barn. With this he was also a district U-haul Company store owner at the same location for 26 years. While doing this he accumulated over 20 rental properties.Following the family tradition, his 2 sons (whom attended Ancilla College) worked with him from a young age. Both sons majored in business. These endeavors brought a lot of service and income to the City of Plymouth. With the death of both Christian and Jay, the family business had to down size being only 1 son was left. Darlene Snyder, current owner of Snyder Real Estate, LLC, was a teacher in Plymouth Community Schools for over 22 years.
It was discussed that the Snyder’s were sent 2 letters letting them know the building needed to be taken down. It was stated that the last letter was sent on June 26. Actually, the first letter was sent on June 26. The second letter was sent on July 17. Both of those letters were sent registered mail. Upon receiving the first letter on June 26, Snyder Real Estate, LLC. assessed the condition of the outbuilding. The same week the Snyders called the commissioner’s office. The call was to say that they would have someone coming to help ASAP as weather and schedules permitted. The Snyders even asked if there was anything particular they needed to do. It was stated that the Snyders should remove the foundation or stones to be level with ground.
On July 19, 2017 the outbuilding was taken down, stoneremoved, and cleaned up. This was 23 days from the first notice. The commissioner’s office was then notified it was complete. It was also stated that grass seed would be laid in the fall, due to the summer heat. On August 6 the Snyders noticed an article on local news media about the outbuilding and the July 24 meeting. This was 2 weeks after the meeting. Nearly 19 days from when the job was completed.
Snyder Real Estate, LLC. feel they complied with the order in a reasonable amount of time. What they cannot understand is why this issue was brought up on the 24th of July. When, in fact, the Snyders did not own an outbuilding that needed to be demolished by this date. The Snyders were upset to read that they had not complied with the order. The Snyders had done what the commissioner had asked, they believe in a prompt manner. Snyder Real Estate did not know exactly what to do. They felt their name and business were being tarnished at the board meeting, in the news, and on Facebook. On Facebook there were several citizens that had commented and liked the article. Snyder Real Estate then believed that the correct way to handle this situation would be to go and talk to the commissioner. This would be the most reasonable and civil thing to do to resolve the issue, or at least discuss it.
The commissioner did not come out of the lobby office or even invite them in to his office. The commissioner stated that he went by on the 17th and it was not done.This was a full week before the July 24th meeting.To not check to see if something was completed before such a meeting is uncalled for, in their opinion. The commissioner then stated that this issue had nothing to do with him. When in reality it had everything to him.
The Snyders began to think that this was borderline defamation of character.They still wanted to correct the mistake in a civil, friendly and what they believed to be an honest solution. Snyder Real Estate, LLC. went to WTCA but the radio show was still broadcasting. They then realized that is was not the radio station’sfault. They were just reporting information from the meeting based on the commissioners’ reputation.
The Snyders felt they had no other option but to go see another city official. They were promptly brought into the office and presented their side of the story. Subsequently the articles were taken down laterthat day. This issue would have been so easy to remedy, ifthe commissionerhad just listened to what Snyder Real Estate, LLC. had to say.
Snyder Real Estatewas very perplexed by the way they were treated at the commissioner’s office. The Snyders feel that this was an insult and very out of line for a person in this position. TheSnyders would like to let the board know the issue of the outbuilding was complete on July 19, 2017. They believe they take good care of their properties.They were in agreement that the building had to come down.
It was the commissioner’s actions that lead to the article with the false information. Snyder Real Estate believes that the actions of the commissioner directly lead to defaming their name and business. A company that has been involved in business for over 80 years. They believe that the board and community need to know the real story.
The Snyders would like to thank the Board of Safety and Public Works and the city official that gave them a chance to tell their side of the issue. They would also like to thank WTCA, the Pilot news, and the rest of the media for giving them a chance to set the record straight.
Sincerely,
Snyder Real Estate, LLC.
