Tuscaloosa council orders multiple demolitions, tables others as owners seek time to repair

The Tuscaloosa City Council on a unanimous or majority vote ordered demolition of multiple condemned properties and, in several cases, granted short delays when owners asked for time to make repairs.

City code enforcement staff repeatedly reported multi-count housing-code violations. For example, Mr. Williams told the council that one property under consideration had "47 housing violations," a detail cited in multiple hearings. At the hearing for 3153 Riggs Road the owner told council members, "I didn't have but 30 days to do repairs, but I need another 30 more days ... I'm doing this by myself," and asked for extra time because of holidays and travel for work. Council members asked what code enforcement expected to see in the requested time frame and ultimately voted to table the demolition for 30 days.

At 2317 Jack Warner Parkway owner Marcus Minjes (907 Indian Hills Drive) described a plan to keep the slab and use it for food trucks while he pursues repairs and a prospective buyer. He told the council he had "power reestablished to the building now" and said he could finish certain repairs in about 15 days. Despite those statements, the council voted to order demolition at that address following the public hearing.

For 2327 Jack Warner Parkway staff said the property had prior repairs but remaining deficiencies; the owner presented photos of recent work. Council members discussed precedent concerns and equity in enforcement before moving to table the demolition for 30 days to allow additional work or representation.

At 3620 23rd Avenue owner Theseus O'Neil and Vernon Thomas said they had materials on site and were preparing repairs but cited recent family hardship; they requested 60–90 days and the council approved a 60-day tabling motion. For 4700 McFarland Boulevard East the council voted to table for 30 days to allow the owner's attorney to be present.

Council members noted that owners are typically responsible for demolition costs when the city removes unsafe structures. Staff said the cost of demolition would be charged back to owners if the city completes the work.

What happened: the council moved through a series of public hearings on condemned properties, ordering demolition in some cases and tabling others to allow time for repairs or legal representation. Several owners appealed to the council for extra time; in cases where tabling was granted, the council set specific timelines (primarily 30 or 60 days) and recorded votes.

Next steps: For properties ordered demolished, staff will proceed with the city's demolition process and seek to charge back costs to owners. For tabling actions, council will revisit those properties at the next hearing after the elapsed tabling period.