Oklahoma council denies appeal to avoid demolition of dilapidated Bartlesville property

During the Bartlesville City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, significant discussions centered around the appeal by property owner Danny L. Blackwood regarding the abatement orders for his dilapidated structures located at 1032 Southwest Oak Avenue. The case, which has been ongoing since a complaint was filed in March, highlights the challenges of maintaining public safety and property standards in the community.

Larry Curtis, a representative from the city’s code enforcement, presented the case, detailing the extensive deterioration of the property. Inspections revealed severe structural damage, including holes in the roof and floor, wood rot, and a collapsing fence. The property has been uninhabitable since at least May 2011, with no active water service, indicating a long-standing neglect. The city had previously issued notices and held a hearing in May, resulting in two abatement orders: one requiring the boarding and securing of the structures within ten days, and another mandating their demolition within thirty days.

Blackwood appealed the decision but did not provide a remediation plan. He argued that he has been attempting to secure the property and is in the process of selling it. During the meeting, he expressed frustration over repeated break-ins and vandalism, which he claims have exacerbated the property's condition. Despite his assertions of ongoing efforts to maintain the property, city officials noted a history of negligence, including multiple liens for cleanup.

The council members raised concerns about the feasibility of Blackwood's plans to restore the property, given its long history of disrepair and the lack of water service for over a decade. They emphasized that the damage observed was not recent and would require significant investment to make the property habitable again.

In light of the ongoing public safety concerns and the lack of a viable plan from Blackwood, city staff recommended denying the appeal and proceeding with enforcement actions. The council's decision will have implications for property standards in Bartlesville, as it underscores the city's commitment to addressing public nuisances and ensuring community safety.

As the council deliberates on the next steps, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by local governments in managing neglected properties and the importance of maintaining housing standards for the well-being of the community.