Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council upholds vacant-building designation at 1514 Carroll Ave.; occupant told to vacate
Summary
The council adopted the legislative hearing officer's recommendation that the property at 1514 Carroll Ave. be treated as a vacant/condemned building; the resident who had been occupying the structure was told he cannot remain and staff offered transitional assistance.
The St. Paul City Council adopted the legislative hearing officer’s recommendation in a case involving a condemned building at 1514 Carroll Avenue.
Legislative hearing staff reported the building had been condemned, lacked water service and the owner was hospitalized and unable to manage required repairs. The city had posted a vacate order on April 4 with a vacate date of April 11; the property then entered the vacant building registration program. The appellant, Brett Johnson, told the council he had lived at the address for more than 10 years and said he considered the owner a relative and had provided informal services in exchange for rent. Johnson said his water had been shut off and he recently lost his job.
Council Member Buie said the record shows the building was condemned and that anyone occupying a condemned property is in violation of the order; Buie moved to adopt the legislative hearing officer’s recommendation. The council adopted the recommendation by voice vote with six in favor and no opposition. Staff and council members emphasized the city will offer transitional services to the occupant, but under current conditions the property is not habitable and the occupant must vacate.
The action in the meeting enforces the existing condemnation and vacant-building registration process; the transcript indicates no immediate re-housing plan was approved on the council floor beyond referrals to supportive services.
