City Council approves emergency demolition of 26111 Brush Avenue to address unsafe structure

The Euclid City Council meeting on February 18, 2025, focused on the urgent need to address an unsafe structure located at 26111 Brush Avenue. The council discussed an emergency ordinance to approve the demolition of the building, which has been vacant for over five years and is currently owned by R and R 1 LLC. The property consists of five parcels and is in significant disrepair, prompting the city's request for condemnation.

City officials indicated that the funding for the demolition, estimated at around $75,000, would come from the nuisance abatement fund and the Clay Matthews Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. Councilman Tolton raised concerns about the potential for recouping costs from the property owners, to which Law Director Cooney responded that the city is in negotiations with the LLC to transfer the property in lieu of foreclosure, although the likelihood of recovering costs remains uncertain due to existing mortgage and tax liabilities.

The council also discussed the future of the property post-demolition. There is a possibility that it could be transformed into green space or developed for housing, depending on community needs and input from local residents. Councilwoman Steele emphasized the importance of considering housing development alongside green space, given the limited size of the lot, which is less than an acre.

The council unanimously approved the emergency ordinance to proceed with the demolition, allowing the city to take necessary steps to improve the neighborhood and eliminate the blighting influence of the vacant structure. The next steps will involve finalizing negotiations with the property owner and planning for the future use of the site.