City moves to demolish condemned property after $34K in code violations

The Freeport City Council meeting on January 21, 2025, focused on the ongoing efforts to demolish a long-neglected commercial property that has become a significant burden on the city. The property, which was condemned in 2017, has accumulated over $34,000 in code violations and has been declared a chronic nuisance.

City officials reported that since early 2024, steps have been taken to move forward with the demolition process. However, the legal proceedings are complicated by the fact that the property is classified as commercial, which prevents expedited action. The city is currently pursuing a petition in circuit court to facilitate the demolition.

Concerns were raised about the safety of the property, particularly regarding potential incidents such as fires or vandalism. City officials confirmed that they are actively patrolling the area and have taken measures to secure the property, including boarding it up at a cost of $13,863. Despite these efforts, the property has continued to suffer from break-ins and damage.

Alderman Stacy expressed frustration over the costs associated with securing the property while it remains in legal limbo, emphasizing the need for immediate remediation. The council unanimously adopted a resolution to continue pursuing the demolition, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the issue.

The meeting concluded with a vote on the resolution, which passed 8-0, signaling the council's determination to resolve the ongoing challenges posed by the neglected property.