Housing commission condemns 3406 Myra Ave, schedules owner hearing

The Housing Commission voted Aug. 27 to condemn and secure the residence at 3406 Myra Ave after staff and animal-services personnel described extreme hoarding, heavy pest infestation and unsanitary interior conditions that officials said made the home unfit for habitation.

Commission members said the condemnation was an emergency action taken after police, fire and animal services responded to a medical call at the address and discovered hazardous interior conditions. The commission offered the property owner an opportunity to be heard at an early hearing and set a status update for a later meeting; staff said the property would be secured at minimum pending that hearing.

Staff described the interior as heavily hoarded with “pathways” through accumulations of trash and debris, and said responders had to wear protective suits to enter. “Pictures do not do it justice,” a code-enforcement staff member said, adding that cockroaches and other pests were present. Animal-services personnel reported they had removed one dog and were still attempting to recover a cat. Miss Payne, a staff member who said she had spoken with the owner from the treatment facility, said the owner was “anticipating to be released from mental health care tomorrow or the next day,” and that the owner did not object to animal services attempting to care for the cat.

Commissioners said the city’s local code (cited at the meeting as “13-3-10”) allows immediate condemnation or emergency repairs when a dwelling poses an immediate danger to life or safety. The commission’s motion directed staff to post a condemnation notice, secure the property at minimum, and offer the owner a hearing; if the owner did not request an earlier appearance, the case would be placed on the commission’s September agenda for a status update. The motion carried on a roll call with four affirmative votes and one negative vote.

Neighbors said the condition of the house was affecting adjacent properties. Jane Ballard, who said she has lived directly across the street for 60 years, told the commission she had spent nearly $150 on pest control in the last month and asked when cleanup would occur.

Officials said they would attempt to contact the owner and give her an opportunity to appear before the commission. If the owner elects not to appear, the commission will proceed on the scheduled status date and may direct cleanup or other remediation measures under local code.

The commission’s action addresses immediate safety and sanitary concerns; it does not yet resolve longer-term issues such as who will perform or pay for cleanup. The commission said it would coordinate notification and next steps with police, animal services and code staff and would provide the owner an opportunity to be heard before taking further remedial steps.