Brainerd committee approves abatements, raises fines for two blighted properties

The Brainerd City Safety and Public Works Committee on July 24 authorized staff to seek administrative warrants to abate blight at two properties and approved a change to citation penalties tied to an unlicensed rental. The actions, taken during the committee’s meeting at Brainerd Council Chambers, were approved by voice vote.

Committee members voted to authorize an administrative warrant to abate property conditions at 823 Willow Street and to change an existing citation structure tied to the property’s rental licensing status. James, community development director, told the committee staff is bringing two properties for review and asked for direction. He said 823 Willow Street previously received an abatement for junk and debris on…