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Commission declines to reduce fines for derelict property at 1336 S. Flagler Ave; no action taken
Summary
A request from a nonprofit to accept a donated blighted property in exchange for a lien reduction was discussed, but commissioners took no action and staff will proceed with existing enforcement options including possible foreclosure.
The commission considered a request on July 22 to reduce code-enforcement fines on a long-vacant property at 1336 South Flagler Avenue to enable a nonprofit to accept the deed, demolish the structure and clear the lot. After testimony from the nonprofit’s representative and multiple commissioners, the commission declined to reduce fines and took no action.
Tracy Kelly of Realty Exchange said a nonprofit, Cars for Kids, was willing to accept the deed and pay demolition costs but could not proceed because accumulated code-enforcement fines on the property exceed the lot value (Kelly estimated lot value near $175,000 while fines exceeded $200,000). Kelly asked the commission to reduce fines to $10,000 so the nonprofit could proceed. Staff explained the property owner has not complied with code-enforcement orders for several years and fines accumulated while the property sat vacant and in disrepair; staff also noted the city had previously instructed the city attorney to begin foreclosure proceedings.
Commissioners expressed reluctance to grant a broad forgiveness. Commissioner Bellheimer — whose district includes the property — said the property had been neglected since before 2016, suffered storm damage in 2017 and that the owner had not remedied violations despite city notices; he opposed a reduction. Commissioner Cooley and others warned of a legal risk if a settlement is offered and later contested; staff said any reduction could be structured as conditional on transfer and remediation but cautioned that the property owner had previously threatened litigation against city enforcement. City Attorney (name not specified in the record) explained options and the risks of conditional settlements; staff recommended foreclosure as the course that preserves city control of the outcome.
No formal motion to reduce or to accept a deed was adopted; the commission took no action on the request and staff will continue to pursue enforcement and foreclosure options. The commission did not authorize a fine reduction at this meeting.
