Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Condemnation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City staff seek condemnation authority to secure or remove several vacant structures
Summary
Planning and Development staff recommended resolutions declaring multiple vacant properties nuisances and authorizing condemnation to secure, board, or remove structures at 1004 Fred Place, 1100 and 1102 Park Avenue, and 320 Vine Street; packets will include notices and proof of publication.
City Planning and Development staff asked the Board of Directors to declare four vacant properties nuisances and authorize condemnation actions to secure, repair, or remove the structures, Planning and Development Director Kathy Selman told the board.
The properties discussed were a single-family dwelling at 1004 Fred Place (owner deceased), multifamily buildings at 1100 and 1102 Park Avenue (owned by Cha Jin LLC / Jason and Jennifer Wynne, Wylie, Texas), and a single-family dwelling at 320 Vine Street (owners James Cook, deceased, and Marilyn Jackson, Russellville). Selman said inspections found extensive structural damage, broken and missing windows, graffiti and unsecured openings; staff cited the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume 2, Section 116, and Hot Springs Property Maintenance Code provisions in supporting the condemnations.
Selman said the Park Avenue pair remains unsecured and subject to repeated boarding and re-entry; staff recommended condemnation to allow the city to repair, board and secure or remove structures as authorized under the property maintenance code. She said taxes on the Park Avenue parcels were current and notices had been sent to the registered agent; proof of publication and the full history of communications would be included in the formal packet.
Directors asked about liens and foreclosure: Selman said any lien placed by the city for abatement work remains on the property for 10 years and can be renewed; the board could later elect to foreclose. Director Holiday and others requested packet documentation on communications with property owners, tax payment history, and other options before taking action. No formal board vote took place during the agenda meeting; the condemnation resolutions are scheduled for the regular meeting packet.
