BOONVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Nearly seven years after a home starting sinking from mine subsidence in Boonville, the lot has now been cleaned-up and sold at auction.
The empty lot where that sinking home once stood sold for more than $10,000.
"Oh, my goodness. I can't even begin to explain what this means to us," said neighbor Annette Schmits.
Schmits has been waiting for this day for nearly seven years. She lived right next to the sinking home at 293 Persimmon Circle.
"It was very much an eye sore. There was standing water. It was a health hazard, and a safety hazard," Schmits said.
The owner of the home moved out years ago after reaching an insurance settlement.
In June, the county brought down the cracked walls and the DNR stabilized the land.
"It took so long to get through the loopholes, but we were able to get everything done," Schmits said.
Only one bidder showed up to Wednesday's auction, and within five minutes, the lot sold to the Quail Crossing Neighborhood Association for $10,400.
"You can just see how the neighbors care about their properties here," said Robert Dimmett with Dimmett Auction Service & Realty.
County commissioners say the money made from the sale will go toward the county's expenses.
"The county paid for the demolition. The hauling of everything away, we paid all of that. The $10,400 will more than cover our expenses," said County Commissioner Tim Mosbey.
Lots in the subdivision normally go from about $ 25,000, making this a steal for the Homeowner's Association.
Schmits says she can't wait for the neighborhood to be back the way it once was.
"I see it as a very nice lot for someone to buy and build on in the future," Schmits said.
County officials say this lot could go up for sale as soon as all the paperwork is completed tomorrow.
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