Residents demand action on dangerous condemned properties

During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the state of condemned properties and the effectiveness of code enforcement in the community. Residents expressed frustration over a specific property at 1535 South 5th Street, which has been condemned for over a year. The property reportedly poses health risks, including attracting pigeons and creating a nuisance for neighbors.

Council member Michael Duke highlighted the lack of action on the property, questioning the enforcement of fines stipulated in local ordinances. He noted that fines for such properties escalate annually but seemed to have not been applied in this case. The discussion revealed a gap in the process of addressing condemned properties, with officials acknowledging that if a property changes hands, it requires re-service before any demolition can occur.

The council also discussed the broader implications of nuisance properties, with concerns that neglect could lead to criminal liability if someone were to be injured due to the condition of a building. However, legal experts indicated that such cases are rare and typically result in civil suits rather than criminal charges.

In response to these issues, the council confirmed that a $100,000 demolition fund has been allocated to address problematic properties, although the process remains slow. The meeting concluded with a commitment to investigate the enforcement of existing ordinances and to explore potential legislative solutions to expedite the resolution of these ongoing issues.

Additionally, the council passed several resolutions, including participation in a national opioid litigation program and establishing salaries for nonunion employees, reflecting ongoing efforts to address both public health and administrative matters within the city.