Fairhope council authorizes emergency demolition of unsafe house at 7 Woods Ave., approves $7,500 contract

The Fairhope City Council voted to authorize emergency demolition of the property at 7 Woods Ave. and approved a $7,500 contract with SLM Lot Clearing to remove the structure.

Chris (city staff covering for Building Official Eric Cortinez) told the council the building is in a severe state of disrepair, with multiple walls open to the elements and portions of the structure collapsing. He said Lieutenant Shane Nolte and the building official had inspected the site and that photographs did not fully convey the condition. Chris said an individual had been temporarily residing at the property, and staff had worked with family members and local organizations including ecumenical ministries and churches to seek alternative housing.

Council members were told the city had placed a notice to vacate and recorded lis pendens with the probate court. Chris said the city intended to give the resident ample notice and opportunity to remove personal belongings before demolition and would return to council after demolition to set final costs and administrative fees, which can be assessed as a lien on the property if not recovered.

The resolution authorized the mayor, the building official, the city attorney and other officials acting under the mayor's direction to proceed with the emergency demolition and approved payment of $7,500 to SLM Lot Clearing for the work. The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution on a voice vote recorded in the transcript as 'aye'; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Chris said staff hoped the contractor could perform the demolition within a week or two after confirming alternative arrangements for the occupant. The council was told the demolition cost and any associated administrative fees would be assessed to the property per the city's dangerous-building process if costs are not otherwise recovered.