Homewood Council declares deteriorated house on 26th Avenue South a public nuisance, authorizes condemnation

The Homewood City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 26 to declare an unsafe structure on 26th Avenue South a public nuisance and to authorize condemnation proceedings.

Building official Wyatt Pew presented the case and said the property's abatement history goes back to 2023. Pew told council the structure shows widespread deterioration, including cracked and shifted footings, failed structural members and a hole in the roof that admits rain and pests. "It's unfit for human occupancy and it's an unsafe structure, in my opinion," Pew said.

Councilors asked why no visible "no trespassing" or danger placards remained; Pew said the city places a placard on the entrance as required but that signs are sometimes removed and city staff periodically check. Pew said the matter had been to the abatement board and that voluntary compliance had been attempted but stalled after earlier boarding and tarping.

Following discussion, Councilor Armstead moved to approve the condemnation resolution and Councilor Lane seconded; the motion passed 4-0 and was recorded as resolution 26-05. The action gives building staff authority to proceed with condemnation and any resulting abatement steps. The council and staff noted similar deteriorated properties exist in the neighborhood and discussed the desire to expedite follow-up work where possible.

Note on address wording: the public hearing record included inconsistent address phrasing; council discussion referenced "26th Avenue South." The council resolution and building department files should be consulted for the formal legal address and parcel identification before any further legal action.