Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes community development to coordinate volunteer cleanup and extensions in nuisance abatement cases
Summary
Following emotional testimony from residents and a property owner caring for an elderly spouse, Huntsville's council authorized Community Development to coordinate volunteer assistance, offer flexible time extensions for cleanup when good-faith progress is shown, and to work with the property owner on abatement at 1013 Kinsey Drive.
After a public hearing in which Tim McCoy described caring for his 93‑year‑old wife with dementia and requested time to clean the property at 1013 Kinsey Drive, Huntsville City Council authorized Community Development to coordinate cleanup efforts and give flexible time extensions when good‑faith progress is shown.
Scott Erwin, community development director, presented the case to the council stating the property had been found in violation of the State of Alabama junk/public nuisance act and staff sought authorization to abate if necessary. Tim McCoy told the council he was performing full‑time caregiving duties and requested additional time and volunteers to bring his property into compliance.
Council members—including Bill Kling and Dr. Robinson—discussed balancing the needs of the family and the neighborhood and suggested recruiting volunteer groups and churches to assist. Dr. Robinson and others said authorizing Erwins office to manage the case with flexible timelines would allow volunteers to be organized and give the family time to comply. "We would give Mr. Erwin the authority to manage things, give time extensions as long as things are being done on a good faith basis," Councilman Kling said.
Council approved the motion by voice vote and directed staff to provide contact information for volunteers. Erwin said citizens could reach him directly (scott.erwin@huntswayl.gov) or call the Community Development office at (256) 427‑5400 to offer assistance.
Separately the council approved abatement at 3506 Gay Street NW after a brief hearing and corrected an address typo on the agenda.
Next steps: Community Development will coordinate with the property owner, volunteers and local partners on a cleanup plan and approve time extensions where progress is demonstrated.
