Hopkinsville board authorizes tow of three abandoned vehicles near Western State Hospital

The Hopkinsville Code Ordinance Enforcement Board voted Sept. 9 to authorize towing of three abandoned vehicles from a vacant lot on Russellville Road across from Western State Hospital, after code officers documented inspections, citations and abatement notices showing the vehicles remained on site.

Code enforcement officer Darnell West told the board that initial inspections began Jan. 23, with a follow-up inspection in February. He said the property owner or occupant had been warned via an abatement letter that the city could tow the vehicles if violations were not corrected. After no corrective action, citations were issued in June. West said tags on the vehicles remain expired and the vehicles have not moved despite prior contacts.

"All 3 of these vehicles... are still in the same spot," West said when presenting aerial views and inspection dates to the board.

A board member moved to authorize the city to tow the vehicles; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. West noted the lot also contains trailers and excess junk, and he said further enforcement (including citations for grass/overgrowth) may follow.

The board's authorization allows staff to remove the abandoned vehicles per the default final orders associated with those case numbers and abatement notices. The transcript does not specify the tow contractor, the timeline for removal or any costs to be charged to the property owner beyond citations and administrative fees.