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Little Rock board approves demolition of derelict West 12th house after owner asks for time
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Summary
The Little Rock Board voted to authorize demolition of the long-derelict house at 2924 West 12th Street after hearing from the owner, Anthony Brown, who asked for 90 days to six months to finish repairs; city code enforcement said the structure poses an immediate neighborhood risk.
The Little Rock Board of Directors voted to authorize staff to declare the house at 2924 West 12th Street a nuisance and proceed with demolition after hearing competing claims from the property owner and city code enforcement.
Anthony Brown, who identified himself as associated with Anthony Brown Construction, told the board he has started work on the property — installing foundation piers and replacing some walls — and asked the board to allow 90 days, or up to six months, to finish. "I just need 90 days to 6 months to be through. If you don't feel comfortable with the 6 months, let's do 90 days. Bring me back in here," Brown said.
City code enforcement manager John told the board the structure is in a "severe state of derelict" with a caving roof, uncut yard and visible hazards. "The roof is caving in. The yard is currently not cut as of today ... the property is at a risk of falling and causing damage to nearby properties," John said, recommending the board declare the property a nuisance so demolition could proceed.
A ward member and Director Howard recounted years of resident complaints and noted that no current permit was on file; Howard said the property has remained in disarray for a long period and residents had repeatedly asked why it had not been demolished. Board members questioned when the applicant's photos were taken and whether the repair timeline and renewed permits would allow the structure to pass inspection within the requested period.
After discussion, the board voted to follow staff's recommendation to demolish the property. The mayor and clerk directed staff to coordinate with Brown after the meeting for any additional information he said he had (including photos and a repair timeline). The transcript does not record a roll-call tally by name.
The vote settles the immediate enforcement action; the transcript indicates staff will proceed with demolition arrangements consistent with the nuisance declaration and will follow up with the property owner.
