Council declares multiple structures public nuisances, delays demolition of 1213 Chinquapin Street

The Mobile City Council on April 1 declared a group of properties public nuisances and ordered them demolished, but postponed action on 1213 Chinquapin Street for 60 days after the owner said she is working on the house and needs time to reinstate a permit.

At a public hearing the council opened items to declare structures at multiple addresses public nuisances and to order demolitions. One speaker, Tanisha Reed, identified herself as the owner of a property she spoke about and asked the council not to tear out her house: “I currently own the property at 1213 Chackafin Street. However, I am unable to work on the house except for once a year, and that's when I get my taxes.”

A council member who had spoken with Reed and city staff recommended reinstating her permit to allow another year to continue repairs; the council voted to lay over the demolition decision on 1213 Chinquapin Street for 60 days so the owner could pursue permit reinstatement and report progress to code enforcement.

Separately, the council moved forward with declarations and demolition orders for other addresses listed on the agenda. The consent portion of the meeting recorded items declaring the structures at 314 Burton Avenue, 18206 Tollman Avenue, 1807 White Avenue, 7503 South Doctor Thomas Avenue and 5509 Hickory Street public nuisances and directing demolition.

City staff and council members repeatedly noted that reinstating and documenting permits and ongoing work can affect enforcement decisions; the council asked staff to coordinate with the property owner and report compliance during the layover period.