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Council amends raze-and-remove order for 810 Maryland Ave E, sets March 1 removal deadline
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Summary
After testimony from CVSs counsel and neighborhood groups about safety and redevelopment plans, the council amended a raze-and-remove order to require demolition by March 1, 2026, and voted to adopt the amended order (6-0).
The Saint Paul City Council voted on Jan. 7 to amend a demolition order for the vacant commercial property at 810 Maryland Ave. E., requiring the structure to be razed and removed by March 1, 2026.
Taft Law Firm attorney Adam Niblett testified for CVS, the tenant, that CVS and the property owner have negotiated a lease termination and a prospective new tenant that intends to redevelop the site. Niblett asked the council to grant a 120-day window (through May 7, 2026) to sequence lease termination and demolition, and said CVS would increase security monitoring until the structure is removed.
Neighboring organizations pushed back on a long extension. Meredith Cantla, representing Face to Face Health and Counseling, asked that the council clarify the demolition timeline and steps to minimize disruptions to students and clients across the street. Payne Family Community Council representatives said the site has been a persistent nuisance and that the community has repeatedly requested action.
Council member Yang proposed amending the order to require removal by March 1 to balance neighborhood urgency with the propertys redevelopment plans; she said she did not see justification for the full 120-day request and wanted to provide a shorter, firm timeline. The legislative hearing officer noted the site is currently fenced and recounted the case history (first notice sent Sept. 25; legislative hearing Nov. 25) while acknowledging continued community concern.
On a voice vote the council adopted the amendment and approved the order as amended; the clerk announced the result as 6 in favor, none opposed. Council members asked the property representative to coordinate directly with nearby organizations and neighbors about the timeline and interim nuisance mitigation measures.
The order authorizes the city to proceed with removal if the owner does not complete demolition by the deadline; if the city conducts the work, costs can be assessed against the property.
