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Council authorizes demolition of unsafe house; residents raise code‑enforcement and property dispute concerns
Summary
The council authorized demolition of a dilapidated house at 103 7th Street and the consent agenda included multiple nuisance abatements. Several residents — including relatives of owners at 106 7th Street and residents cited for nuisances — said they want to comply but asked for clearer communication and time to remedy violations.
The Prattville City Council on Nov. 4 authorized demolition and removal of an unsafe residential structure at 103 7th Street and adopted a consent agenda that included multiple nuisance abatements across the city. The demolition contract was awarded to 82 Auto Parts and Rec Service LLC for up to $10,300.
During public comment, residents connected to properties in question asked the council for time and clearer communication from code enforcement. Jean Williams (1417 Longview Heights Road) said she had paid $45 toward removing debris and requested additional time, saying she was physically unable to finish cleanup immediately; the mayor and council asked her to contact staff and Captain Walker offered to speak with her after the meeting.
Family members of owners at 106 7th Street said they are prepared to rebuild and contended that in some prior steps they were not kept informed. "We want a safe structure. We want to abide by all of the rules and regulations," said Levandal and Renee Robinson, who identified themselves as relatives of the property owners and asked the council to be aware of what they described as past omissions in notifying council members.
Mayor Bill Gillespie noted the demolition item stemmed from an inspector’s declaration and prior notices under state and local code; a councilor asked whether the homeowner had been contacted. The clerk and mayor said notices had been sent and the item proceeded under the city’s code enforcement process.
What happens next: The city will execute the demolition contract and pursue the statutory process to recover costs as authorized by the council. Residents who asked for time were directed to meet with code enforcement staff to document cleanup timelines.
Source: Public comments and the council’s recorded motion and vote at the Nov. 4 meeting.
