By Carol Anders Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — A property commonly known as the former Garner Truck Stop on U.S. 6 that the county says is not only an eye-sore, but also potentially hazardous, could be cleaned up within the next few months.
Wes Burden, of the  Marshall County Health Department, came before the Marshall County Council Monday seeking a contingency plan to have an existing building on the property demolished.

Within the last few months, the Health Board had given Burden permission to board up doors and windows in the building due to structural problems including a falling ceiling.
Burden then conferred with the Marshall County courts for a ruling on possible actions that could be taken, since attempts to contact the owner, Khalid Siddiiqi, had previously been futile.
Estimates on the demolition have ranged from $12,000-$15,000, according to Burden. The estimates do not include any removal of underground fuel tanks or soil restoration.
At this point, Siddiiqi has contacted Burden via fax. In the fax received on Monday, Siddiiqi said, “I will proceed with the demolition as soon as weather permits.” He also stated that he would attend the Marshall County Health Board meeting on April 14.
Council member Ralph Booker said, “This is a valuable piece of property.  I hate to see us use tax dollars to enhance his property.”
Booker added, “I’d like to see it get done — don’t misunderstand me.”
Booker indicated that the property would be near a proposed interchange when U.S. 31 is expanded.
Judy Stone, council member, also expressed her thoughts on the effects of weather.
“The building is cement blocks. Weather permitting is 365 days per year,” Stone said.
She then asked if Siddiiqi could be told to have the demolition done within 30 days.
There was also some discussion as to whether the owner could be made liable for expenses occurred to board up the property in the past.
Burden said, “I hesitated to slap on another $3,000. I didn’t want to discourage him.”
Council President Matt Hassel firmly said, “At the April 14 meeting, issue a tear down order.”
Council member Fred Litner said, “Advertise (legal notice) so you have some teeth in it.”
Booker said the property is zoned agriculture.