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Lorain demolition board finds two properties nuisances, approves stays and removals for several others
Summary
At its June 18 meeting, the Lorain Demolition Board of Appeals found two properties to be public nuisances and placed them on the city’s demolition list, approved stays of demolition for several owners who documented repairs, removed multiple completed properties from the list and gave one owner 30 days to show progress.
The Lorain Demolition Board of Appeals on June 18 found that two properties on East 20 Eighth Street are public nuisances and voted to place them on the city’s demolition list, while approving stays, continuances and removals for several other properties after hearing inspector reports and owner updates.
The board found 2076 East 20 Eighth Street to be a health and structural nuisance after inspectors reported the building was heavily water-damaged, full of stored material that prevented full inspection, extensive mold growth and repeated vandalism; the board voted to place the property on the demolition list. Inspectors said 2076 was vacant and that repair costs likely exceed 50% of value. The finding followed a motion approved by voice vote.
The board also placed 1965 East 20 Eighth Street on the demolition list. Inspectors described extensive exterior and structural degradation of a sheet-metal building, disabled vehicles and scrap materials on site, and said repair costs exceed 50% of value. The motion to find 1965 East 20 Eighth Street a nuisance and place it on the demolition list carried by voice vote.
Separately, the board granted a stay of demolition for 446 Delaware Avenue after owner Tristan Kidd described completed and planned repairs, submitted a state demolition permit and other work permits, and offered a partial payment plan for asbestos abatement charges. “I was trying to have a payment plan for asbestos,” Tristan Kidd told the board, saying he delivered a money order at the meeting and proposed monthly payments. The board approved the stay of demolition by voice vote and advised Kidd to continue coordinating with building and planning staff on permits and inspections.
The board approved a stay of demolition reapplication for 1113 West Tenth Street after owners reported substantial cleanup (eight dumpsters removed, interior and attic cleared and roofing materials purchased). Building staff reminded the owners to pull the appropriate permits for roof, windows, doors and interior work and to submit updates at least seven days before the next meeting; the stay was approved by voice vote.
On a case that had drawn repeated concern, 504 West 20 Fourth Street (owner Xavier Mendez) was given 30 days to clean up exterior hazards and remove tires, subject to an on-site inspection by the building, housing and planning department. Board members and the Lorain County health commissioner emphasized public-health risks from standing water and tires; Rachel Woodruff said, “Each one of those tires can breed thousands upon thousands of mosquitoes.” The board voted to allow a 30-day period for visible exterior progress and scheduled a site walk before the next meeting.
The board removed 607 West 20 Second Street (NeoPhoenix LLC) and 1504 Lexington Avenue from the demolition list after building-department staff reported inspections complete and permits closed; both motions to remove were approved by voice vote. Inspectors said the 607 West 20 Second renovation included foundation work, a new roof and completed inspections; staff recommended removal.
Other items: 1336 East Erie Avenue and 615 West 20 Third Street were continued/stayed for another month while owners complete work; 760 Overland Avenue and several other projects were continued pending final inspections or additional code work. The former service station at 3250 Pearl Avenue — recently quitclaimed to a new owner — was recertified on the demolition list and remains subject to demolition process review; building staff noted interest from potential buyers but emphasized the board must preserve the existing demolition determination until required steps are complete.
Board members repeatedly instructed property owners to obtain appropriate permits (including the state demolition permit and relevant city building permits), to submit updated photos and documentation at least seven days before the next meeting, and to coordinate with building, planning and health departments for final inspections and certificate-of-occupancy or licensing steps where applicable.
The board’s actions were decided primarily by voice vote with motions supported and carried on each item. Several board members and staff noted a scheduling change for this meeting may have caused some owners to miss the hearing and recommended flexibility for owners who show documented progress.
Inspection reports referenced outstanding property tax amounts on several parcels as listed in the hearing record; for example, FGSK Properties LLC sites were noted with taxes owed of $11,280.18 (one parcel) and other properties carried smaller tax balances. The board’s decisions clarified next steps — either placement on the demolition list, allowance of a stay with a timetable for repairs, or removal after inspections — but did not set demolition dates in the hearing record.
The board adjourned after completing the agenda.
