Council tables abatement hearing for 803 E. Fourth Street as lienholder foreclosure proceeds

Mount Pleasant City Council voted unanimously to table consideration of abating a dilapidated house at 803 East Fourth Street after staff told the council a significant lienholder has initiated foreclosure steps and may be able to rehabilitate the property. Staff recommended tabling the item to allow the legal foreclosure process to run and for the lienholder or others to secure title before the council orders demolition or abatement.

Lynn, the city staff presenter, said the property owner is listed as Donna McIntyre and that parts of the house are burned, the floor is missing, and the structure is unsecured. Lynn told council that a lienholder had filed county judgments and planned to list the property for a June foreclosure sale but did not yet hold title and therefore could not promise to rehabilitate the property at the hearing.

Several family members addressed the council during the public hearing, saying they had funds to pay the loan and rehabilitate the house but that the lender or the lienholder's attorney had not provided payoff information. City legal counsel and staff said the city does not have standing to resolve disputes between the owner and lienholders, and recommended postponing action so the parties could pursue foreclosure or other legal remedies. Councilman Corbell moved to table the item and Councilman Redburn seconded; the motion passed unanimously.