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Gautier orders abatements at two properties, council authorizes liens to recover costs
Summary
The council approved abatement actions at 7305 Martin Bluff Road and 1917 Broadmoor Drive, authorizing code enforcement to clear, secure or demolish blighted structures and directing that costs be assessed as liens where required; one case included language that no penalty be assessed if owner works with staff.
The Gautier City Council on Feb. 18 approved abatements at two properties flagged as blighted and unsafe, directing code enforcement to clear debris and secure or demolish structures and authorizing the city to place liens to recover abatement costs.
Planning director Scott Anderson presented both cases. For 7305 Martin Bluff Road, Anderson told the council code enforcement recommended cutting vegetation, removing trash and securing the abandoned, blighted property. A motion by Councilman College, seconded by Councilman Anderson, approved the abatement and authorized assessment of the abatement costs as a lien against the property; the transcript did not provide a precise dollar amount for the lien or penalty.
For 1917 Broadmoor Drive, Anderson said staff recommended demolition of an unsafe, dilapidated structure after repeated vacancy and long‑term exposure to the elements. Owner Michael Howard spoke from the podium, saying he had made some repairs and asked for time to work with staff. After public comment the council approved the abatement. Councilman College moved to approve the abatement and to ‘‘not assess a penalty’’ while setting the abatement costs as a lien on the property; Councilman Alban seconded and the motion carried.
Council members noted that code enforcement typically coordinates with property owners when owners make a documented effort to remedy violations; they said the abatement motions were intended as a backstop if owners do not complete repairs. Councilman College thanked planning and legal staff for their work on blight cases and said abatements help protect neighborhoods and recruit development to the city.
The council did not set specific demolition timetables on the record beyond the staff direction to proceed when owners do not remedy violations. Both abatements were approved by voice vote at the meeting.
