Magistrate continues Lake City hearing over unclear ownership of 533 NE Washington Street

Special Magistrate Stephanie Marchman continued a code-enforcement hearing after city staff said they could not confirm a living owner for a property listed to the late Fannie Mae Jackson at 533 Northeast Washington Street.

Marchman opened the hearing on case 2479 and asked whether anyone would speak for the listed owner. Francine Ruffin identified herself as a niece and said the parcel is “heir property” and that she does not live at the residence. City staff told the magistrate the certified mailings and postings were returned but that the listed owner is deceased.

City code enforcement said it inspected the parcel on Dec. 2 and found debris and a dilapidated travel trailer. The city requested a 15-day extension for the owner to clean the property, proposed a $50-per-day fine to begin after the extension, and asked for recovery of $19.28 in administrative postage. Staff said photos and postings are in the case file.

Ruffin said she has posted “no trespass” signs and contacted police and neighbors about a man who has been outside the property. Ruffin said she does not have keys and that the man “doesn’t go inside of the dwelling at all, but he's creating a nuisance to the neighborhood.” She said she does not know the recorded owner’s current address but confirmed the city mailed notices to 143 Kingswood Drive, Ellenwood, Georgia — an address she said is hers.

Because the listed owner is deceased and the city could not confirm proper notice to a living owner, Marchman continued the case so the city can identify and properly notify the appropriate owner or representative. The magistrate directed staff to resolve service and bring the item back for the next hearing.

The magistrate said no written order was required and confirmed the verbal continuance was sufficient.