Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fort Scott commission authorizes condemnation process for 118 East Wall; orders temporary street closure
Summary
The Fort Scott City Commission voted to begin condemnation proceedings for the unstable building at 118 East Wall, set a public hearing one week later, and directed staff to close the adjacent section of Wall Street to protect public safety.
The Fort Scott City Commission on Sept. 17 directed city staff to begin condemnation proceedings for the privately owned building at 118 East Wall and set a public hearing for one week later to consider possible repair or demolition.
The action follows a structural engineer's finding that the building's façade and party walls are failing and represent a public-safety risk. The commission also directed the city manager to close the segment of Wall Street adjacent to the property and place detour signage while the city pursues the condemnation and any necessary emergency work.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff described the building as an immediate risk to pedestrians and vehicles. City staff said the façade was delaminating in multiple places and that, if left unaddressed, the failure could cause nearby buildings to collapse as well. Commissioners said prompt action was necessary to protect people and the historic downtown corridor.
What the commission did: City staff were authorized to start the legal condemnation process for 118 East Wall and to schedule a public hearing on the item for one week from the Sept. 17 meeting (the commission directed staff to publish required notices). The commission also authorized the city manager to close Wall Street near the building and to install detour signage.
Options and constraints discussed: Staff and the city attorney outlined two main legal paths: (1) force repairs and place a lien or special assessment on the property, which would be collectible if the property is sold; or (2) pursue a tax-assessment path that can lead to a tax sale if taxes and assessments go unpaid. Commissioners heard that a full, long-term repair could cost many hundreds of thousands of dollars (staff estimated $400,000 for façade stabilization and up to $800,000–$1,000,000 to comprehensively address the structure). Commissioners noted those costs before voting to start the condemnation process rather than delay.
Staff follow-up and next steps: City staff said they will pursue the condemnation notice and publish hearing notices according to legal requirements, seek emergency stabilization options, pursue available grant opportunities (including an emergency grant program discussed at the meeting), and coordinate with the state and any relevant preservation funding sources. The city will also install stronger perimeter fencing and close the street segment pending further action.
Meeting context and public safety emphasis: Multiple staff members and commissioners emphasized the immediate hazard to life and adjacent historic structures. The action followed staff reports that the building’s condition had deteriorated since a July engineering letter flagged “immediate repairs needed.”
Ending: The commission scheduled a special public hearing one week after the Sept. 17 meeting to consider next steps; staff were directed to proceed with emergency measures and with the formal condemnation timeline.
