The owner of a condemned property at 1933 Central Avenue asked the Board of City Commissioners on March 27 for an extension or continuance to allow a realtor time to find a buyer. City staff and commissioners said the property has been a recurring public-safety and nuisance concern and described an extended enforcement history.

Michael Quaty, who said he owns the property, told the commission he had been ‘‘negligent’’ but asked for 30 or 60 days after recent personal setbacks, including a heart attack and insurance delays following a fire. Quaty said one realtor he contacted this week saw potential buyers and he wanted to give that prospect a chance before the city moved forward with demolition.

City staff responded that the house was damaged by fire in August 2023, condemned in November 2023, and that code enforcement has been unable to secure the premises. Staff told the commission there have been approximately 17 emergency response calls related to the property in the last year and that code fines of about $2,500 and unpaid taxes of roughly $1,000 remain outstanding. Staff said prior offers of contact information for prospective buyers had not resulted in a sale.

Commissioners and staff stressed the public-safety context: the house sits across from Central Park and near a photography business, and repeated complaints and emergency responses were cited as the basis for city action. Commissioner comments made clear the commission must balance the property owner’s request with neighborhood safety and the need for resolution. "This is my recommendation," a staff speaker said, describing the city’s repeated attempts to gain compliance.

The agenda included a first-reading ordinance authorizing a contract with Lights Enterprises Inc. to demolish and remove debris at 1933 Central Avenue for $9,200; the commission approved that first reading. Commissioners said they would consider withholding the second reading and final action if the owner paid outstanding taxes and fines and produced a credible remediation plan before the next meeting.

Why it matters: Condemned properties near public amenities raise safety, nuisance and economic concerns for neighborhoods. The commission must weigh property-owner rights, code-enforcement processes, outstanding fines and the safety of nearby businesses and park users when deciding whether to proceed with demolition.

What to watch for: Whether the owner brings taxes and fines current, produces a viable remediation or sale plan, or the city proceeds with the scheduled second reading and demolition contract execution.