Council holds public hearing on blighted 610 Ridge Street; staff proposes city acquisition if owner fails to act

City Council held a public hearing Feb. 2 on a long‑running code enforcement matter at 610 Ridge Street, a boarded, deteriorated house in the Ridge Street Historic District. Planning staff told council the property has been the subject of repeated enforcement actions since 2006 and that the Planning Commission recommended declaring the building a blighted property and approving a staff plan to pursue city acquisition if the owner does not undertake repairs.

Staff described severe building deterioration—failed roof and cornices that allowed water into the structure, accessory structures in disrepair and structural concerns that prompted earlier condemnations. The city previously acquired and rehabilitated the adjacent 608 Ridge Street property. City staff said the property owner pays taxes and liens but has not responded to certified notices and that the owner appears to be elderly; staff asked council to authorize one more attempt at contact before proceeding with acquisition steps.

Jean Hyatt, speaking for local preservation and neighborhood interests, urged council to restore the house or, if necessary, take steps to secure it so the structure can be rehabilitated or sold to a buyer willing to preserve its historic character. Council members said they are concerned about losing another historic house to demolition and said they support staff efforts to preserve the building if at all possible; members also suggested exploring options that could bring in skilled labor and training opportunities if the city acquires the property.

Staff said the Planning Commission had voted to find the property blighted and recommended the director's planned approach. Council did not authorize immediate condemnation or demolition at the hearing; staff will attempt additional contact with the owner and report back to council on next steps.