The owners have until mid-September to clear brush and debris, board up broken windows, and make other improvements to the property.
The former Three Rivers Grammar School is seen on Bridge Street in Three Rivers.PALMER - The owners of the former Three Rivers Grammar School have been given until Sept. 18 to clean the run-down property on Bridge Street.
Health agent Lorri McCool was in Western Housing Court in Springfield regarding the building on Monday. She said building owner Kenneth Krohn also attended the hearing, although he had tried to cancel his court appearance that morning.
McCool refused to reschedule the hearing, as it had already been done once before.
She has been trying for two years to get the couple to clean the property.
According to information provided by the Board of Health, Krohn, who owns the building with his wife Karen, was given specific dates as to when he must make repairs.
The owners must repair and replace fencing to secure the property by Aug. 7, and must remove all unregistered vehicles from the premises by Aug. 27. Only one unregistered vehicle may remain there as long as it is operable and a permit from the police chief has been obtained.
On Friday, there were two cars parked in the back of the building, and two campers next to it, along with a trailer.
The Krohns also must remove all rubbish, brush and debris by Sept. 4, and repair or board up all broken windows and basement windows by Sept. 18.
The case is scheduled for review on Aug . 27, said McCool. She said she suggested to the mediator that the Krohns be given a staggered timetable to make repairs. The repairs must be finished by Sept. 18 and parties must appear in court to check compliance on Sept. 24.
McCool said Kenneth Krohn seemed "a little bit hesitant" regarding his ability to make the requested improvements. McCool said the mediator told him that it looked like he already had a few years to get them done.
Kenneth and Karen Krohn could not be reached for comment.
The Krohns bought the old school in 2008. Now 103 years old, it was last used as a school more than 20 years ago.
Kenneth Krohn previously blamed his ill health on the reason why they have not worked on the building. He has said they had planned to use the old school for his personal library.
Officials have criticized the amount of clutter inside the building, and concerns have been expressed if a fire were to break out.
"I'd just be guessing, but I think they bit off more than they could chew," McCool said.
McCool said the Board of Health office occasionally gets complaints about the building.
"Hopefully they'll get it done," McCool said about the repairs.