Atchison adopts condemnation order for 415 Laramie Street; 30-day demolition period

The Atchison City Commission on June 16, 2025, adopted Resolution 3420 after a public hearing and ordered that the structure at 415 Laramie Street be condemned, repaired or demolished, with staff requesting a 30-day demolition order.

Curtis Wheeler, the city's code enforcement officer, told the commission that the property owner, identified in city records as Larry Haley, did not attend the hearing. Wheeler said water service at the address has been disconnected since February 2021 and that the house—xhibits severe wall, roof and foundation deterioration. "The water hasn't been on since, '21 02/2021," Wheeler said, and he described difficulties in attaching electrical service because of the condition of the west wall.

Wheeler requested a 30-day demolition order. The commission moved and seconded adoption of Resolution 3420; a roll-call vote recorded all members voting yes: Commissioner Murphy yes; Commissioner Slattery yes; Mary Young yes; Vice Mayor Wilcox yes; Commissioner Greenlee yes. The resolution passed unanimously.

Wheeler also explained that if the city performs demolition work it would bear the immediate cost and later assess that cost to the property. The commission noted neighbors' frustration about abandoned and deteriorated properties and tied the action to broader community beautification goals voiced in a recent survey of residents.

The resolution directs the owner to repair or remove the structure within the time frame stated in the resolution; if the owner does not comply, the city may proceed with demolition and later recover costs by special assessment against the property.