East Ridge housing commission delays enforcement on several properties, orders cleanups and permit action

The East Ridge Housing Commission on May 14, 2025, voted to delay or table enforcement actions on several properties and ordered staff to pursue cleanup bids, inspections and permit compliance, while keeping a condemned unit closed to habitation.

Why it matters: The commission’s actions affect public health and safety, neighborhood blight, and city costs; several items will return to the commission in June or July with staff reports or contractor bids.

The commission opened with approval of minutes from the March 12 meeting and elected Commissioner Souder as vice chair. After routine business, the commission reviewed multiple property cases.

5916 Wentworth Avenue: Owner Mitchell Harrell, present at the meeting, said he and co-owner Elena plan to demolish the house and expected an elevation certificate that could delay rebuilding. Housing staff (Tori) told the commission the structure is in disrepair, located in a flood zone, and “it can be torn down anytime as soon as the demolition permit’s pulled and making sure that everything’s been capped and everything’s off power, etcetera.” Staff explained demolition permits must be pulled before work begins, that work must start within six months of permit issuance and be completed within a year. The commission made a motion to “pass this case for two months pending that he proceeds with the permit and the start of the demo” and set a…