Council reinstates two properties into Neighborhood Revitalization Program despite one member's reservations

The Augusta City Council voted to reinstate two properties — 403 North School Street and 512 West Broadway — into the Neighborhood Revitalization Program after staff told the council both owners had paid delinquent taxes and submitted written requests for reinstatement.

Committee member (whose motion opened the item) asked the council to restore both parcels to the program; staff explained that Butler County notifies the city when enrolled properties fall behind on taxes and that earlier program versions allowed staff to reinstate once. "Under previous NRP programs, staff did have the authority to reinstate property owners of the program one time," staff said, adding that under the current NRP authority to reinstate rests with the council.

The motion to reinstate the two addresses was seconded and carried. After the vote, one council member said he had "no problem with the gentleman that came, but if you don't care enough to come talk and ask us why, then I don't care enough to reevaluate," indicating he had concerns about reinstating a property when an owner did not appear to explain the late filing. The chair noted the motion had passed.

Staff told council that the taxes on both properties were paid and that letters from the owners were included in the meeting packet. No further conditions or amendments were stated during the meeting; the council took formal action to reinstate both parcels and moved on to the next agenda item.