The Board of Public Works and Safety on April 3 set the vacant property at 51 Webb for a status report on April 17 after nearby residents asked the city to take action.
Mr. Lueder, speaking for the city law/inspection team, told the board a neighbor had raised concerns about the property and asked about the enforcement status. Lueder said title complications caused a delay: an attorney had told the city a client purchased the property at a tax sale, so the city needed updated title work before bidding demolition or proceeding further.
Lueder said he ordered new title work immediately after speaking with the neighbor and expects to have the updated records before the April 17 meeting. He told the board he will share title notes with neighborhood contacts and that the city could pursue either a rehab agreement with a buyer or proceed with a demolition order against the proper parties if necessary.
Board members emphasized they want the matter kept on the board's radar so it does not languish. One member asked the city to prompt the potential purchaser and attorney to negotiate a rehab agreement, if appropriate, and otherwise prepare demolition orders to preserve enforcement leverage.
The board recorded a motion to set the matter for status on April 17; the motion passed by voice vote. No final demolition or rehab agreement was approved at the meeting.