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Council hears plea from property representative on $91,952 demolition assessment; lays matter over to Feb. 5 for further review
Summary
The council reviewed a $91,952 special assessment for emergency demolition after a fire at 916 University Avenue W., heard testimony from the owner’s representative describing family hardship, and laid the resolution over to Feb. 5 to develop repayment options and check for possible assistance.
The City Council on Jan. 22 heard a staff report and public testimony on a special tax assessment of $91,952 to recoup city costs for an emergency demolition of a fire‑damaged building at 916 University Avenue W. and laid the matter over to Feb. 5.
City staff told the council the demolition was an emergency action taken shortly after a fire; hazardous‑material disposal costs raised the bill. Staff recommended allowing the resulting assessment to be paid over 10 years under the city’s nuisance abatement assessment schedule. The staff memo said the property owner lacked insurance and that the owner’s father, who had owned the property since the 1990s, has since died.
Grace Pho, who identified herself as the daughter and representative of the property owner, described family hardship, said her mother is disabled and has limited income (Social Security), and asked whether any assistance programs or flexibility are available. Pho said the family is also facing unpaid utilities and taxes and that title issues are under review.
Staff told the council an invoice covering the first installment would be issued within weeks if the council adopted the resolution, with remaining unpaid amounts added to 2025 taxes and the balance spread over nine additional years. Staff said city code and state law limit the council’s flexibility to extend beyond a 10‑year repayment period but that the council could reduce the assessment amount, which would shift the cost to general taxpayers.
Councilmember Buie and others said they were sympathetic and asked staff to explore options; Buie proposed, and the council approved, layover to Feb. 5 to allow council staff to coordinate with the family and the Department of Planning and Economic Development on potential assistance or other approaches.
Actions: The council laid the resolution ratifying the special tax assessment over to Feb. 5 to permit staff and the property representative to explore options and present a plan to the council. The council voted unanimously to lay the matter over.
Ending: The council asked staff to investigate possible assistance channels and to return with a recommended plan on Feb. 5.
