Hot Springs staff recommend demolition of three dilapidated houses; one condemnation continued

City staff presented three condemnation items the Hot Springs Board of Directors will consider at the Nov. 4 meeting.

City Attorney Brian Albright said the condemnation matter for the structure at 302 Lincoln Street is a continuation; the court has entered an order authorizing distribution of the estate, but the deed has not yet been recorded, so staff are not yet able to remove title impediments. He told the board that the condemnation resolution remains on the agenda for action next week and that, historically, if a titleholder secures a permit for rehabilitation within 30 days planning staff often allow work to proceed rather than immediately undertaking demolition.

Neighborhood Services Manager James Hartage recommended condemnation and removal of a single-family structure at 2211 Jackson Street, describing an April police referral, an April 3 inspection and a July signed, notarized agreement from the owner requesting demolition. Hartage said taxes on that property were current and that staff sent a notice of condemnation consistent with the required title search and notice procedures.

Hartage also recommended condemnation and removal of the fire-damaged structure at 239 Wood Street. He said the property sustained fire damage in June while owned by ZK Ray Properties LLC; Garland County records show the deed recorded a subsequent sale to Yolanda Alta Moreno on Aug. 5. Neighborhood Services issued notices to repair or remove the structure, attempted contact with the recorded owner and reported no substantive response; staff say outstanding deterioration and public-safety risk leave no reasonable alternative to removal.

No formal votes were recorded at the agenda review; each resolution will be before the board for possible action on Nov. 4.