Columbus council keeps multiple derelict properties on demolition list, requires owner letter of intent for one site

The Columbus City Council on Sept. 16 reviewed a multi-property demolition ordinance and heard owners and heirs on several sites the city says are blighted or unsafe.

Council members heard from property owners and heirs on at least four parcels and voted to require a written letter of intent from the owner of 3407 Victory Drive before the council’s second-reading vote next week. Council also removed one property from the current list after staff learned it had been sold.

The action followed a staff presentation that identified eight properties for the demolition ordinance. At the hearing, Ricky Johnson, who identified himself as owner of the Victory Drive property, said a prior fire had left the building unsafe and that he had bank funding that would allow demolition in early January. Johnson asked the council for time to demolish the structure himself; he said he expected to have funds available Jan. 1 and that demolition would take “a day and a half.” Council members asked for a written timeline and documentation of funding and directed staff to work with Johnson to place his property near the end of the city’s demolition schedule so he could act before the city proceeds.

Councilor B.H. Giff Henderson III, mayor pro tem and other members emphasized that the demolition process is intended to remove safety hazards and that property owners who demonstrate steady progress and funding may avoid city-funded demolition. Director Ryan Pruitt, who leads inspections and codes, told council the department would work with owners who show active permits or contracts; if owners cease progress, the city will resume its enforcement timetable.

Council also heard from heirs and an occupant regarding 2928 Tenth Street; Audrey Holston Palmore, an heir, said the property is an heir property and asked the city to identify which other named heirs the city has contacted. Director Pruitt responded that after probate the property had been transferred to heirs and that city notices followed court records and the deed’s primary mailing address.

Council approved a motion requiring a letter of intent for the Victory Drive owner and voted to keep the other listed properties on the demolition schedule pending receipt of documentation or progress. Mayor Skip Henderson noted the city’s goal is to remove hazards while working with property owners when possible.

The council’s deliberations also included a summary of the city’s demolition criteria and process: structures become eligible if repair costs exceed 50% of assessed value; staff runs title and probate research to notify heirs; there is an administrative hearing before a case is brought to council; and the city places liens for any demolition or abatement costs it performs.

Councilors repeatedly urged owners who receive temporary forbearance to secure and maintain sites (grass-cutting, securing openings) while proceeding toward repair or demolition. Director Pruitt said the city had capacity to demolish roughly 30 properties per year at current funding levels and that the demolition list is rolling, with roughly 50–60 properties added and removed annually.

The council’s votes will be revisited at second reading next week for properties requiring action; staff asked property owners to provide documentation of funding, contractor agreements or active permits to avoid city action.