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Resident urges town council action on Moore Clark Building hazard; planning commission refers next steps to council
Summary
During closing public comment a resident urged the commission to press the town council to address an apparent hazardous building (the Moore Clark Building). Staff explained legal options — owner removal or municipal condemnation — and recommended the resident bring the concern to the March 25 town council meeting for further action.
A resident raised concerns at the end of the March 18 Planning Commission meeting about the condition of the Moore Clark Building and asked whether the town could follow Seattle’s approach of immediate condemnation for buildings deemed hazardous.
Commissioners and staff explained there are multiple legal paths: the town can require a property owner to remove hazardous materials/structures or pursue condemnation and demolition, but such processes can be costly and legally complex. Staff said the council would be the body to authorize more onerous enforcement steps and encouraged the resident to present the issue at the next town council meeting (March 25) and/or submit a signed letter to council; staff noted signed letters to council are posted on the town website.
A resident noted Seattle’s use of fines and rapid enforcement for hazardous buildings and urged the town to consider similar tools. Staff reiterated that enforcement is possible but would likely require council action and could involve significant expense for the town.
No formal enforcement action was taken by the planning commission; staff directed the resident to the town council process for next steps.
