Hot Springs board condemns two long‑neglected houses; owners given time to act
Loading...
Summary
The Hot Springs Board of Directors adopted resolutions to condemn structures at 229 Bluff Street and 210 Walter Street as public nuisances, giving owners a 30‑day window to secure title or begin repairs before demolition could proceed.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted this month to condemn two deteriorating single‑family homes in District 1, citing long‑running code violations and the properties’ danger to neighbors.
Neighborhood Services Manager James Hartage told the board that the file for 229 Bluff Street dates to 1998 and that repeated notices and inspections show no substantive repairs. "Due to the extent of the deterioration and the owner's inability to repair the structure, we are recommending that the structure be condemned for the purpose of removal," Hartage said in his staff report.
Owner representative Adrian Knowles told the board he had located a relative who may transfer title and asked for more time to complete the transfer. Mayor Pat McCabe noted that a condemnation order would not be effective for 30 days, giving the family time to act and to coordinate with city staff. "If we did take action today, it wouldn't be effective for 30 days," McCabe said.
The board adopted Resolution R‑25‑191 (229 Bluff) on a roll‑call vote: Holliday, Dobbs Smith, Garcia, Trustee and Mayor McCabe voted yes; Beard and Webb voted no.
On a similar item, staff recommended condemning 210 Walter Street after finding prolonged disrepair. Neighbor Monica Womack described ongoing trespass and an improvised electrical hookup feeding the vacant house. Barbara Crom, who said she recently obtained title and paid back taxes, told the board she planned roof repairs after the holidays and that she could pull permits now that title was cleared. Hartage confirmed no other impediments to permitting.
The board adopted Resolution R‑25‑192 to condemn 210 Walter Street with a subsequent 30‑day compliance window. The action requires owners to obtain permits and complete repairs within the city’s timelines or face demolition proceedings.
Next steps for owners include working with Neighborhood Services to demonstrate repairs or clear title; if those steps are not taken, the city can proceed with removal following the statutory notice period.
