The subdivision has been going downhill for a number of years, and over 1,200 of the properties, mostly vacant– although same have uninhabitable manufactured homes–were foreclosed and are now in the hands of a court-appointed receiver, former judge Mike Miller. Situated some 70 miles south of Indianapolis, the assessed value of Country Squire fell from $54 million in 2003 to under $20 million by the end of 2015.
Law enforcement did not patrol the streets for many years because it was a private community, but in July 2013 officers began patrolling certain neighborhoods. Last spring when the former CSL community association was dissolved, police were given permission to cover the entire community.
There are currently 12 drug investigations going on. Half of all calls received daily by Jennings County deputies emanate from CSL, but law enforcement say it will take about three years before the community is no longer a safe haven for thieves and drug dealers.
At a Jan. 14 hearing, several CSL residents expressed concern that low-income elderly residents on fixed incomes may be forced from their homes, but they were assured rents and other fees would not rise immediately. Moreover, local churches have offered to help the poor and elderly repair their homes.
Commissioners Chairman Matt Sporleder says while he has mixed feelings for those who paid for and were promised upkeep and improvements but did not receive them, they knew they had to pay dues when they initially moved in. Noting their property values will go up as the old manufactured homes are removed and new ones come in, “Things are finally going in the right direction, and I think the majority are going to be very happy,” Sporleder said.
In addition, the three largest CSL landlords are 90 percent caught up on their back dues, including one who paid $323,000.
Budgets in Indiana counties are based on projections of property taxes anticipated each year. Country Squire properties were foreclosing at the rate of 200 a year, putting a terrible dent in the county budget. Turning over the deeds to Mike Miller for him to sell will be the first step in getting the properties back on the tax rolls. ##
(Photo credit: gfhomesandland–foreclosed manufactured home)
