Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marquette commission orders condemnation of dangerous outbuilding at 308 South Fifth Street
Summary
After multiple years of warnings and unpaid citations, the City Commission designated an outbuilding at 308 South Fifth Street a public nuisance and authorized staff to abate the structure if the owner does not act; estimated abatement cost $10,000 and the property owner will be charged, motion passed 7-0.
The Marquette City Commission voted unanimously June 30 to designate an outbuilding at 308 South Fifth Street as a public nuisance and to condemn the structure, directing staff to proceed with abatement if the owner does not remove it within the time specified.
City staff said the outbuilding’s condition has deteriorated over several years, that prior exterior inspections and enforcement actions had been taken, and that a structural analysis determined the building poses a safety risk under city code section 22-20. The city clerk summarized the recommendation: "designate the outbuilding located at 308 South Fifth Street as a public nuisance under section 22-20b of the Marquette City Code and condemn the structure" and to notify the owner that the city will carry out abatement if removal does not begin within 14 days and is not completed within 60 days.
Margaret Brown of East Magnetic Street spoke in support of the action, saying staff had given the owner repeated notice and expressing concern that the structure posed a fire and safety hazard. Commissioner Davis moved the condemnation, Commissioner Ottaway seconded, and the motion passed 7-0.
Staff estimated the direct cost of abatement at about $10,000; if the city carries out the demolition those costs can be placed as a lien or as a single-lot special assessment on the property tax roll if unpaid. The commission and staff noted extensive documentation and multiple opportunities over years for the owner to address the condition before the condemnation hearing.
