Council condemns multiple Groves structures after public hearing; grants 90-day grace period for one property under sale

The Groves City Council held a public hearing April 14 under City of Groves Code of Ordinances Chapter 28, Article 5, on multiple properties the cityf27s neighborhood services division had declared dangerous. After presentations and public comment, the council voted to condemn several structures and begin the demolition process or allow owners to proceed.

Codes staff said that property owners and addresses had received notice by regular and registered mail and that placards and yard signs had been posted. The hearing covered multiple addresses, including 3709 Hayes, 6455 Coolidge Boulevard, 4325 Cleveland Avenue and 2831 Taft.

At 3709 Hayes, owner Dean Anne Sparks said the property is under contract and buyers expect funds to be available April 21. Sparks said the buyers plan to demolish the structure and that a bin for demolition debris is already in place. Codes enforcement recommended condemnation with a 90-day grace period to allow completion of the sale and demolition steps. The council voted to condemn 3709 Hayes and provide a 90-day period for the new owner to finalize purchase and commence demolition, with the requirement that the owner keep codes staff updated on progress.

Neighbors and codes staff described 6455 Coolidge as a public-health and fire hazard, with a collapsed back roof, water damage, mold, animal intrusion and repeated reports of trespassing. Joanna and Terry Gorman spoke at the hearing about safety concerns and vandalism. Codes staff said the city had boarded windows and worked with neighbors to secure the structure. The council voted to commence the condemnation and demolition process for 6455 Coolidge.

At 4325 Cleveland, codes staff reported the structure was inaccessible and substantially damaged; the owner had contacted city staff and indicated plans to obtain contractor bids and had already pulled permits in one instance. The council voted to condemn the property with demolition proceedings.

For 2831 Taft, staff reported the structure had recently been removed or was in the process of being removed; the council nonetheless voted to condemn the property to ensure the city could return quickly if additional rubble removal were required.

Codes staff told the council 5931 Alabama was no longer an active demolition candidate because it had been addressed since the hearing list was prepared. After considering neighbor testimony and staff recommendations, council members voted on the condemnations and demolition motions; votes were recorded as the mayor and council members voting "aye."