Army veteran who made threats over condemned Akron house prompts new housing proposal

AKRON, Ohio - The Akron man accused of threatening anyone who tries to demolish his condemned house was the inspiration for new legislation proposed Monday.

Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and City Council President Garry Moneypenny introduced a law that would require property owners to provide written notification to possible buyers of housing code violations.

Army veteran Lawrence Modic bought a house on Manchester Road in May 2012. Just a few months later, the city of Akron ruled the house should be demolished because of several pending violations that Modic claimed he didn’t know about before the sale.

The city said Modic went to Housing Appeals Board hearings and was even given an extension to make repairs, but he stopped cooperating. He was supposed to vacant the house on Jan. 16, but instead he sent a warning email to Akron’s assistant law director.

“You will learn that this mistake you made will be costly! I promise you that if this continues,” Modic wrote.

Earlier this month, police searched Modic’s house , and found three loaded rifles, a handgun, ammunition and a Flak jacket. Two of the rifles had scopes and all of the items were confiscated.

“This case is a perfect example of why we need these tougher regulations,” said Plusquellic in a news release on Monday. “The property had a 9 ½ year housing history with the City. The paperwork on this property is extensive and is easily discoverable to anyone who inquires. However, I firmly believe that it is the owner’s duty and obligation to notify a potential buyer of any active housing or building code violations prior to the transfer of property.”