Mount Pleasant council declares two structures dilapidated, authorizes demolition; one property tabled

Mount Pleasant — The City Council voted Dec. 2 to declare two properties dilapidated and authorized abatement and demolition if owners do not repair them within 30 days, while a third property was tabled pending additional outreach.

Code enforcement presented photographs and background for three properties that staff identified as unsafe under the city’s unsafe-building abatement code (chapter 150). For 411 Hayes Avenue, staff reported the house has been vacant since 2009 and that the owner lives in California and "understands that the home needs to be demolished." The council voted to declare the structure at 411 Hayes substandard and authorized city abatement if the owner does not rehabilitate within the required 30-day period.

For 1309 Houston Avenue, staff said the accessory structure’s roof had collapsed and that the owner appears to be deceased; the council similarly declared that structure dilapidated and authorized demolition under Order 25-012.

On 902 West 10th Street, staff reported broken windows, rotted wood and a collapsing floor but said attempts to contact estate representatives had not succeeded. Council members asked staff to make additional outreach and voted to table that item to permit staff to contact family members and return with more information.

The motions to declare the two properties dilapidated and to authorize abatement were moved, seconded and recorded as unanimous on the record.

Next steps: If owners do not present rehabilitation plans within 30 days the city will proceed with abatement and may place liens as authorized by ordinance and state statute.