Alma commission affirms demolition orders for four dilapidated homes after hearings

The Alma City Commission on Tuesday opened and closed four dangerous‑building hearings and voted to affirm the hearing officer’s demolition orders for four long‑vacant properties, starting appeal timelines and preserving the city’s enforcement options.

City staff summarized evidence presented at prior hearings — including testimony from the contracted Gratiot County building inspector and the city’s code enforcement officer — concluding the single‑family structures are unfit for human habitation and likely pose hazards such as collapse and attraction of trespassers and animals. For each file the hearing officer had ordered demolition within 15 days; staff recommended the commission approve those orders while allowing enforcement staff discretion to work with owners who demonstrate meaningful remediation efforts.

Commissioners discussed the practicalities of enforcement. Staff explained that if owners do not demolish structures, the city would contract for demolition, invoice owners for the full cost (staff estimated a typical house demolition at roughly $6,000–$8,000 absent unusual contamination), place a 'dangerous building' lien on the property, and pursue collection options that can include adding the cost to property taxes or suing for judgment. Staff cautioned that tax or mortgage foreclosures can affect lien priority and that asbestos or special‑waste disposal would raise costs.

During public comment, a family member of the owner for one parcel (identified in the record as 110 Lynwood and later as 110 Glenwood) asked for additional time to open probate and resolve personal legal matters; another neighbor urged swift action because of continued decay and feral animals. Staff acknowledged those circumstances but said approving the orders would start the 21‑day appeal period and preserve the city’s ability to act if remediation does not occur.

After public comment and brief discussion, the commission closed each hearing and, by voice vote, accepted the hearing officer’s orders to demolish at 1415 Eastward, 430 Woodworth, 110 Lynwood/Glenwood, and 702 Gratiot. The votes were carried by the members present and start the statutory appeal periods and the city’s enforcement timelines. Staff said it will continue to offer cooperative options to owners who show prompt, concrete plans for repair.

Next steps: the 21‑day appeal period will run from the date the orders were approved; if there is no successful appeal or remediation, the city may contract for demolition and pursue recovery of costs through liens, tax collection procedures, or other lawful remedies.