La Porte City Council approves demolition of dangerous structures at 201 Edgewood and 711 Adams

The La Porte City Council convened on February 10, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including zoning amendments and the condemnation of dangerous structures.

The meeting commenced with a motion by Mr. McLaren, seconded by Mr. Garell, to approve an ordinance amending the city’s zoning code. This ordinance, numbered 2024-0547, grants a special conditional use permit for various commercial and industrial uses on two tracts of land totaling 130.56 acres located at 11921 West Fairmont Parkway. The council unanimously approved the motion.

Following this, the council held a public hearing regarding the condemnation of a dangerous structure at 201 Edgewood Street. Staff reported that the property owner had sold the property to Mr. Walter Johnson, who intends to demolish the structure within two weeks. The council discussed whether to remove the property from the condemnation list or to proceed with an ordinance that would allow the city to demolish the building if the owner failed to act within 45 days. Ultimately, the council voted in favor of moving forward with the demolition, with a motion made by Mr. Englekin and seconded by Mr. McLaren.

The council then addressed another public hearing concerning the property at 711 West Adams Street. Staff presented updates on the property, noting that the owner had made significant repairs, including the removal of a dangerous balcony and rotting stairs. The owner expressed intentions to comply with the city’s requirements for safety and structural integrity. The council acknowledged the progress made and discussed the next steps for ensuring the property meets safety standards.

In summary, the La Porte City Council meeting on February 10 focused on zoning amendments and the management of dangerous structures, with decisive actions taken to ensure community safety and compliance with city regulations. The council's next steps will involve monitoring the progress of the properties discussed and ensuring that necessary actions are taken within the stipulated timeframes.