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Hot Springs board condemns dilapidated 302 Lincoln property while owner retains permit window to repair
Summary
After hearing that a rehabilitation permit had been issued, the Hot Springs Board of Directors voted to condemn the structure at 302 Lincoln St.; staff said the permit remains valid and inspections can extend the permit if progress is shown, giving the owner time to demonstrate rehabilitation.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted to condemn a structure at 302 Lincoln Street on Dec. 2, 2025, adopting Resolution R-25-124 after debating whether the owner should be given more time to complete repairs.
Neighborhood Services Manager James Hardage told the board that a rehabilitation permit had been issued the morning of the previous meeting but that, from the sidewalk, the exterior showed no visible progress. Hardage said the permit is valid for six months and that inspections at key checkpoints—framing, electrical and plumbing—would each extend the permit by an additional six months if passed.
Director Dudley Webb and others pressed staff for specifics on what constituted sufficient progress. Hardage said the immediate first step would be demolition of the burned rear third of the structure and removal of debris so new construction could begin. When asked whether staff could inspect within the 30-day condemnation window, Hardage confirmed inspections can be conducted at any time in the process.
The property owner asked the board for more time, citing weather and holiday-season difficulty lining up contractors. Counsel for the owner said much of the early work has been arranging contractors and that dump trucks were expected to haul debris the following week.
City legal staff told the board that a "yes" vote would condemn the property but that condemnation does not nullify an active permit: the permit-holder retains the opportunity to work under the permit, and if rehabilitation is not completed within permit remedies then the city would move to demolition and go out for bid for removal.
On the roll call, Directors Holiday, Dobbs Smith, Webb, Garcia, Trustee and Mayor Pat McCabe voted aye; Director Phyllis Beard voted no. The resolution passed and the condemnation is now in effect, with the permit process and inspection checkpoints available should the owner demonstrate substantial progress.
The board instructed staff to continue inspections as appropriate and to report back if permit milestones are achieved; if the permit lapses without substantial progress the city will proceed under the condemnation schedule previously described.
