Council revisits condemnation of property owned by Yassin after owner lists it for sale

Tuscaloosa City Council members discussed a pending condemnation and probable demolition of a deteriorated residential property owned by a Mr. Yassin during their meeting. Staff member Sam Rex said the owner has listed the property on Zillow for $25,000 and that city staff member Virgil — who was on vacation — recommended moving forward with condemnation.

Sam Rex, a city staff member, told the council the owner “is currently for sale on Zillow” and that Virgil’s recommendation was “to go ahead with the condemnation.” Rex said the property owner “does seem to be making a good faith effort” to sell, but added that even if a buyer purchases the lot they would likely tear down the structure.

Rex described the typical timeline for city-ordered demolition: “Usually within about we can get it within 60 days. That's ideal,” he said, noting that paperwork and deed issues can lengthen the process when multiple heirs live out of state.

Councilmembers asked whether the matter had come before the body previously; staff responded it should be the second time the item had been considered. The transcript does not record a formal motion or vote to condemn the property in the excerpt provided — the record shows a discussion of staff recommendation and an indication that the property owner, Mr. Yassin, had been invited to the meeting to provide an update.

The discussion combined three points city staff raised: the owner's apparent attempt to sell the property, staff's recommendation to proceed with condemnation, and process-related constraints such as deed and heir clearance that can delay demolition.

No ordinance number, formal resolution, or final vote on condemnation appears in the excerpt provided. Staff said they would speak with Mr. Yassin if he attended and would update the council if circumstances changed.