Knoxville public officer affirms emergency orders, issues repair deadlines and approves boarding charges for multiple unsafe properties

Nicholas Bradshaw, the public officer designated by the mayor, affirmed emergency orders and issued repair or demolition deadlines for multiple properties at the City of Knoxville Public Officer Hearing on Aug. 29, 2025.

Bradshaw found several structures to be “dangerous and injurious to the health and safety of the occupants” and either affirmed existing emergency repair/demolition orders, set new repair timelines, or approved city boarding charges tied to corrective actions. The hearing included presentations by Scott Elder, neighborhood codes enforcement manager for the City of Knoxville, and statements by property owners or their representatives.

The public officer opened the hearing by explaining his authority under city code and the city'adopted building and safety codes, then heard testimony and inspected photographic evidence presented by City staff.

Most urgent actions

- 2563 Wilson Avenue: Bradshaw ordered an immediate repair/demolition action. Scott Elder told the hearing the structure was “totally burned out,” utilities had been removed and the site had signs of vagrancy; the public officer ordered corrective action immediately and warned the city could cause immediate repair or demolition if the owner failed to act.

- 0 Tillery Street (accessory structure only): Bradshaw affirmed the emergency repair/demolition order originally issued on July 23, 2025. Elder said the structure had been destroyed by fire and that the work is complete; the affirmation preserves the city's authority to lien costs under city code.

Repair orders and extensions

- 4124 West Martin Mill Pike: Scott Elder presented photographs showing a collapsed roof system and multiple structural failures and recommended a 60‑day repair/demolition order. Owner Dan Lewichuk said, “Our intent is to bring it back to life,” but said demolition or full repair within 60 days was “an impossibility.” Elder said the department could work with the owner if the roof was demoed and walls and foundation were secured. Bradshaw found the structure out of compliance and ordered the owner to repair or demolish the building within 60 days; the city may placard or demolish if corrective work is not completed within the time allowed.

- 2818 Wilson Avenue: Elder reported a heavy fire left the house burned out and unsecured; the city had issued an emergency demolition order on Aug. 4, 2025. Owner representative Zimbabwe Umatavo said a contractor will present an action plan by the following Thursday and requested time to proceed. Bradshaw affirmed the existing emergency order but said no demolition would occur before Sept. 19, 2025 (three weeks from the hearing) so the owner has an opportunity to seek permits and complete boarding. Bradshaw explicitly said the city may still act sooner if the condition worsens.

- 2842 Nichols Avenue: Elder said code enforcement began inspections in 2021 after renovations were made without permits; the house has sold multiple times and remained occupied intermittently. Elder asked for an immediate repair order because tenants currently occupy the property. Owner Adetayo Adeshira said contractors and trades were scheduled and asked for additional time; Bradshaw ordered the owner to repair the structure within 30 days, with the standard consequences (placarding, vacate and city corrective action with costs liened) if not corrected.

Boarding charges and affirmed corrective actions

Several items before the public officer were not new repair orders but requests to affirm city boarding actions and authorize charges related to past corrective work. Bradshaw approved the boarding charges and affirmed related corrective actions for these addresses after staff testimony that the properties were an attractive nuisance and presented safety risks to children and the public:

- 1313 Moses Avenue (boarding action on March 12, 2025). Owner Edva Volney said she had since taken steps to secure the property and requested guidance on permits and rebuilding. Bradshaw affirmed the boarding action and charges.

- 1712 Gillespie Avenue (boarding actions on April 9, May 14 and June 5, 2025). Elder said the property is undergoing major renovation and staff have been coordinating with the contractor; Bradshaw approved the boarding charges for the April 9, May 14 and June 5 actions.

- 1725 Price Avenue (boarding on March 14, 2025). Bradshaw affirmed the boarding charge.

- 2760 Tarleton Avenue (boarding on March 21, 2025). Bradshaw affirmed the boarding charge.

Other items

- 4124 West Martin Mill Pike: owner Lewichuk said he might choose demolition and reuse the site as a parking lot because of a small waterway near the parcel; Elder said questions about building in that location would be for Development Services and engineering staff. Elder cautioned that any rehabilitation must be completed and inspected within an allowed timeframe or the city's corrective authority remains in effect.

Procedures and next steps

Bradshaw repeatedly noted that the city may obtain permits and start corrective work on an unsafe structure and that the costs of city-initiated corrective action become a lien collected according to city code. In cases where owners said they intended to pursue repairs, staff agreed to reinspect within the extension periods and consider further extensions if progress was evident. Where no corrective plan was presented, Bradshaw affirmed the city's authority to proceed with demolition or boarding and to lien costs to the properties.

What officials cited at the hearing

City staff repeatedly cited fire damage, collapsed roofs, unsecured structures, utility removal and evidence of vagrancy at multiple sites. Officials emphasized risk to children and to public safety when structures are open and accessible. Scott Elder said the department's concern is “public safety and blight,” and that staff preferred repair when possible but cannot allow dangerous conditions to persist.

Public participation

Property owners or their representatives spoke on several items to report cleanup steps, contractors scheduled to begin work, and requests for extensions. Owners were directed to Development Services and building inspections for permit requirements where repairs were pursued.

Ending

The hearing concluded after Bradshaw addressed boarding charge approvals and property findings; the public officer adjourned the hearing at 10:30 a.m.

Votes at a glance

- 4124 West Martin Mill Pike — Order to repair or demolish within 60 days (owner: Dan Lewichuk). Outcome: order issued. - 2818 Wilson Avenue — Existing emergency repair/demolition order affirmed; demolition deferred until no earlier than Sept. 19, 2025 to allow owner time to secure boarding and pursue permits (representative: Zimbabwe Umatavo). Outcome: emergency order affirmed with deadline. - 1313 Moses Avenue — Boarding action (March 12, 2025) charges affirmed (owner: Edva Volney). Outcome: boarding charges affirmed. - 2842 Nichols Avenue — Order to repair within 30 days (owner: Adetayo Adeshira). Outcome: order issued. - 0 Tillery Street (accessory structure only) — Existing emergency repair/demolition order affirmed; work reported complete. Outcome: emergency order affirmed. - 2563 Wilson Avenue — Immediate repair/demolition order issued. Outcome: order issued. - 1712 Gillespie Avenue — Boarding charges affirmed for April 9, May 14 and June 5, 2025 actions. Outcome: boarding charges affirmed. - 1725 Price Avenue — Boarding charge (March 14, 2025) affirmed. Outcome: boarding charge affirmed. - 2760 Tarleton Avenue — Boarding charge (March 21, 2025) affirmed. Outcome: boarding charge affirmed.

(Officials noted the city may act sooner than the deadlines where conditions worsen, and costs for city-initiated corrective work would be a lien collected under city code.)