Tullahoma authorizes legal action to condemn three properties cited for code or structural issues

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Oct. 2 authorized the city attorney to pursue condemnation actions for three properties the city says present code or structural problems.

City counsel described the three matters: litigation already filed by the owners of Ada Farrell Apartments that has kept the city from moving forward with some code prosecutions (the owners’ attorney said they would stay the litigation while deficiencies are remedied); a residence on Cobb Road that is boarded and heavily infested with trash, rodents and snakes and appears unlikely to be rehabilitated; and a former business later converted into a church on West Lincoln Street whose plumbing is embedded in concrete and that cannot practically be restored.

The board approved a motion to authorize the city attorney’s office to pursue the three condemnation cases; the transcript records the motion as carrying 7-0. Counsel noted the city’s law firm can handle the Ada Farrell matter without referring the case to the city’s insurance carrier.

Why it matters: The actions aim to remove blighted structures that pose health and safety concerns and to clear title so properties can be rehabbed or demolished. The board’s authorization allows the city attorney to initiate or continue litigation needed to obtain possession or condemnation if voluntary remediation does not occur.

Action details: Motion to authorize pursuit of three condemnation actions (item 25-106) — approved 7-0. The item included discussion of the city’s options and a note that one property owner has already filed suit to delay code enforcement while working on corrections.