Aldermen press city on slow demolition and vacant‑property enforcement after years of blight

A broad council discussion and multiple public comments focused on prolonged blight and the city’s process for demolition, permitting and enforcement at vacant or partially demolished buildings. Alderwoman and aldermen raised a series of complaints about properties that have remained in poor condition for months or years, most prominently a commercial building at 1622 South MacArthur Boulevard and several adjacent parcels on South State Street (addresses cited include 1601–1623 South State). Residents and council members described demolition or demolition‑related work conducted without permits, visible debris, and long periods with no visible follow-up enforcement. City officials outlined the administrative process that governs enforcement and city-led demolition. Corporate counsel and…