Bellflower authorizes emergency abatement, up to $350,000, for vacant building at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard

The Bellflower City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt Resolution No. 25-02, declaring a local emergency and authorizing contracting without competitive bidding to abate nuisances at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard, the former U.S. Bank site at Bellflower and Park Avenue.

Public Works Director Lehi Gorecki told the council the city has pursued code enforcement at the property since May 2023, obtained abatement warrants, and last November received a warrant permitting demolition to bring the property into compliance. He recommended that the council adopt the resolution and authorize up to $350,000 for demolition, lead and asbestos abatement, AQMD permitting and subsequent landscaping under the city’s vacant lot standards.

"The recommendation to city council, is that 1, adopt resolution number 25 dash 02. 2, authorize funding up to $350,000 for the nuisance abatement project at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard," Lehi Gorecki said during his presentation.

Council members pressed staff on scope, cost recovery and schedule. Staff said asbestos and lead testing are complete, a contractor has provided preliminary pricing, and AQMD permitting and contractor structural plans will add 2–3 weeks to the schedule. Public Works staff estimated site work could begin in about four to five weeks if the council approved the resolution.

City Attorney clarified that the $350,000 figure covers contractor costs for physical demolition and remediation only and does not include staff time or legal fees. "Just so that the record's clear, the 350 does not include staff time, legal time. That is purely the contract time for the actual physical abatement of the property," the City Attorney said. Those additional costs, and earlier code-enforcement charges (currently about $11,000), will be added as liens against the parcel.

Council also discussed how the lot will be finished after demolition. Staff said they do not plan to remove underlying concrete or asphalt because of cost; instead, the city intends to bring the parcel into compliance with the vacant-lot ordinance by removing the structure, remediating hazards, and installing mulch and fencing per city standards. Council asked staff to return with options to improve the lot’s appearance — including drought-tolerant plantings — while noting limitations on irrigation and ongoing maintenance.

The motion to adopt Resolution No. 25-02 and authorize funding up to $350,000 was made by Council Member Victor Sanchez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sunny Santaynes. The roll-call vote was unanimous (5–0). Staff said the city will pursue cost recovery through liens that take priority similar to tax liens.