Neighbors protest stalled demolition at Cornell Drive amid reports of dumping and contractor violations

Residents who live near Cornell Drive told the commission a building that burned in March remains uncleared and that the site has become a dumping ground for mattresses, tires and other debris.

A speaker identified as Ray (Marie) Hollingsworth said heavy trash and a porta‑potty at the site make the area smell and called for the city to ensure contractors complete removal. “You put a fence up there and then you put some type of tarp up there… That mess should have been up,” Hollingsworth told commissioners and demanded cleanup by a Monday deadline.

City staff responded that the demolition and cleanup are private contractor work and that city inspectors have cited multiple violations; staff said the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency (RAPCA) is pursuing enforcement given the extent of the violations. The city manager said the city previously installed a fence to prevent dumping and has taken enforcement steps where appropriate while continuing to press for completion of the removal.

Commissioners acknowledged residents’ frustration and asked staff for updates. City staff said they would provide further information about the contractor’s status, any enforcement actions and whether the property owner has insurance and remains responsible for cleanup.

The meeting record shows this was public comment and staff description of enforcement activity; no new enforcement order or timeline for completion was announced during the meeting.