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Council approves funding and directs judicial abatement process for deteriorated Midland Building at 7255 Irving Street
Summary
After years of complaints and deficient permit submittals, council approved an appropriation on first reading to let staff pursue judicial remediation or demolition of the long‑vacant Midland Building; first reading passed 7‑0 and staff said a second reading and update are scheduled Aug. 11.
The Westminster City Council on July 28 voted 7‑0 on first reading to authorize funds that staff said are needed to pursue judicial abatement of the Midland Building at 7255 Irving Street, a structure city staff and residents described as dilapidated, unsafe and a public nuisance.
“Staff respectfully request that the city council approve the appropriations ordinance,” Deputy City Manager Larry Doerr told council while recounting building‑code review and follow‑up. Doerr said the chief building official served a notice of violation after finding the structure “unfit for human habitation” and exhibiting “signs of prolonged deterioration,” and that the city would pursue judicial remedies in parallel with any building‑permit review.
A representative for the property owner, attorney Elizabeth Perros, told council the owner intends to move forward with permits and said most permit materials had been submitted; she asked council to consider tabling the appropriation while the owner completes outstanding fire‑alarm and fire‑sprinkler permit submittals. Doerr and other staff described multiple deficient plan submittals during 2024–25 and told council the owner had been given opportunities to correct the record; Doerr said staff are prepared to seek municipal court orders to allow remediation and, if necessary, contract for deconstruction.
Councilor DeMott moved the ordinance on first reading; the Mayor Pro Tem seconded. City staff said council will get an update at the second reading on Aug. 11 and that, if the municipal court grants remediation authority, the city will procure work through a competitive process.
Why it matters: Neighbors and speakers at public comment described repeated problems at the site—graffiti, fires, broken windows and criminal activity—and urged the city to act. Council members said they had given the owner multiple chances to comply and supported using the municipal court path to protect public safety and neighborhood stability.
What the motion did: The council approved the ordinance on first reading (vote 7‑0) to transfer carryover funds to the general capital improvement fund to finance nuisance‑abatement activity at 7255 Irving Street; the ordinance’s second reading is scheduled for Aug. 11, when staff will report back.
