Fort Scott approves resolution to remove or repair alleged unsafe structure at 1105 South State Street

The Fort Scott City Commission on Dec. 3 approved Resolution No. 31-2024 directing repair or removal of an alleged unsafe and dangerous structure at 1105 South State Street.

Leroy (city code/inspection staff) updated the commission that the owner is out-of-state, has not maintained the property, and reported no interest in repairing the house. Staff said they had contacted a potential buyer but the parties were far apart on price and expectations; staff also said the city has repeatedly addressed maintenance concerns and received neighborhood complaints predating the current staff.

An adjacent business owner, Robert, addressed the commission during public comment and urged a clear timeline. He said the building had been effectively causing problems for roughly a year and that the property owner had not produced a structural engineer’s sign-off previously requested by the commission. Robert asked the commission to set a firm schedule and, if necessary, move to demolition so nearby businesses could return to normal operations.

Commissioners discussed efforts to contact the owner, attempts to solicit a buyer, and the practical consequence that if the city proceeds with demolition, specials would remain on the tax roll and could be collected at sale. Commissioners expressed a desire to resolve the situation promptly; one commissioner said they would support demolition if the engineer’s report confirmed repair was not cost-effective.

A motion to approve Resolution No. 31-2024, directing repair or removal of the alleged unsafe structure, passed unanimously.